motorcycle safety

The Public Works and Transport Ministry (MOPT) is reminding drivers to follow the rules of the road when traveling this weekend. 

In 2015, navigation platform Waze ranked Costa Rica among the world's worst countries in which to drive.

A total of 294 people died in road accidents, up from the 253 traffic deaths recorded during the same period of 2014, according to the Traffic Police.

According to OIJ Director Francisco Segura Montero, 45 people have been shot dead by motorcyclists since the beginning of 2014. Honduras, Guatemala and several other Latin American countries prohibit passengers on motorcycles. But it's unclear whether the rule has reduced crime in those countries.

Costa Rica's Roadway Safety Council, or COSEVI, is developing a "National Plan for Motorcyclists" that aims to reduce by 20 percent the number of fatalities in the next six years.

The state of Río Torres, which runs through nine cantons in the San José metropolitan area, is deplorable. Not only are fecal matter and trash found in the river, but also toxic substances such as mercury and oil. It’s hard to imagine any living organism surviving in the rushing water, but believe it or not, people still bathe in the river.

According to the Traffic Police, 53 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents in Costa Rica during the first five months of 2014, an increase of 19 deaths – or 56 percent – over the same period last year.

The deadline to pay the mandatory permit, or marchamo, is Dec. 31.

Motorcyclists blocked various routes throughout the capital on Tuesday, demanding a decrease in circulation permit costs.

Motorcycle owners say they are being unfairly charged for vehicle circulation permits.