One in Four Traffic Deaths Involve A Motorcycle

One if four fatal traffic accidents involves a motorcycle, that according to figures released by the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT) which has recorded that of the 204 traffi accident deaths this year, 62 were motocyclists.

Each month this year an average of 8.8 motorcyclists lost their lives while riding on the roads.

The number is alarming mainly due to the fact that the monthly average last year was 6.1, as a total of 74 deaths were recorded for the entire year.

The director de la Policía de Tránsito, Germán Marín, theorizes that the higher mortality rate is due to inexperienced motorcyclists, many who trading in their four wheels for two in the face of high gasoline prices.

Figures of the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) - state insurer - shows that in 2007 there were 800.000 vehicles registered, of which 100.000 were motorcycles or 1 in 7 vehicles on the road.

That number is higher today as gasolines prices continue to soar and many opt for a cheaper form of transportation. In addition, the vehicular restrictions of San José have caused a tendency of more two wheeled vehicles - motorcycles and scooters - on the roads as those vehicles are not included in the restriction.

During the first four months of this year 16.000 motorcycles were imported or 40% more than the whole of 2007. Importers are responding to the increase in the demand.

Director Marín blames the lack of driver education for the increase in accidents and deaths involving motorcycles.

"People with bad driving habits or bad pedestrians take those habits to their motorcycles, a vehicle which is much more susceptible", said Marín.

The Tránsito director added that many take to the streets without the knowledge of the dangers and the proper handling of a motorcycle.

The director said that since the beginning of 2007 to date his officials have issued 10.000 fines to motorcyclists operating their two wheeled vehicle without a license, each getting a ¢20.000 colones fine and in many of the cases had their vehicle confiscated. Marín added that many still continue to ride without wearing a helmet, which is required.

Motorcycles or scooters that are registered with an engine of less than 100cc, under the current traffic laws, do not require the need for a driver's license and the purchase of a motorcycle does not require the show of proof of having a license.

Anyone can go purchase a motorcycle and ride it home. Sales of motorcycles have become so common now that they can be purchased in stores where appliances and home furnishings are being sold.
http://insidecostarica.com/dailynews/2008/august/09/nac01.htm