Q COSTA RICA — Driving in Costa Rica has become dangerous. Walking isn’t much safer either, since many drivers ignore the rules and the traffic police can’t keep things under control.
And the statistics prove it.
According to data from the national insurer, the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS), released to mark World Pedestrian Day, commemorated on August 17, the number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents during the first six months of 2026 is already approaching the total recorded during the entire previous year.
During the first half of this year, the INS recorded 1,207 pedestrians involved in traffic accidents. Of these, 1,193 were injured, and 14 died.
The number of deaths is almost the same as the total recorded in 2025, when the INS recorded 18 pedestrian fatalities as a result of traffic accidents during the entire 2025.
This trend is also reflected in the number of people injured. Throughout 2025, 2,483 injured pedestrians were treated, while between January and June of 2026, 1,193 people have already been recorded with injuries resulting from these types of accidents.
Given these figures, the INS called for increased prevention and respect among all road users.
“Every accident involving a pedestrian represents much more than a statistic. Behind each case are people and families facing consequences that can change their lives forever,” said Gabriela Chacón, CEO of INS.
Unfortunately, the INS is not calling for an increase in the number of officials that make up the Policia de Tránsito, which currently stands at approximately 683 to 700 active traffic police officers patrolling its entire road network. The Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) holds the highest concentration with about 219 officers.
Local labor unions and traffic authorities estimate that Costa Rica faces a shortage of at least 600 additional officers. Due to low personnel numbers, a single officer is sometimes responsible for covering up to 135 square kilometers. Because of the limited workforce and the high volume of traffic accidents, it can take national traffic officers up to two hours to arrive at and process a minor road collision.