Costa Rica, renowned for its stunning natural beauty and commitment to ecotourism, is grappling with a serious issue: a dramatic increase in traffic accidents. This alarming trend has led to more injuries and fatalities, prompting urgent calls for comprehensive changes to road safety policies. The situation is so critical that Insurance Superintendent Tomás Soley recently described it as a “massacre” while announcing the 2026 rates for the Mandatory Automobile Insurance (SOA), a component of the annual vehicle registration fee, known locally as the marchamo.
Rising Insurance Premiums Reflect a Troubling Trend
The SOA provides financial protection, covering medical expenses up to approximately $12,000 (₡6 million colones) per person injured in a traffic accident. However, the escalating number and severity of accidents have forced insurance premiums upwards. This year, vehicle owners can expect to see an average increase of 10.15% in their SOA premiums. These adjustments directly reflect the growing volume of accidents, the resulting injuries, and the escalating costs of medical treatment.
The Sobering Statistics
The data paints a grim picture of road safety in Costa Rica. In 2024, a staggering 45,570 people were injured in traffic accidents—the highest number ever recorded. To put this in perspective, pre-pandemic figures hovered around 37,000 injuries annually between 2017 and 2019. While the pandemic years of 2020 and 2021 saw a temporary dip due to reduced travel, the numbers have since surged dramatically. Even more concerning is the increase in fatalities. In 2024, a heart-wrenching 505 people lost their lives at accident scenes, surpassing all previous records. A particularly vulnerable group is motorcyclists, who accounted for 53.6% of these deaths.
Key Factors Contributing to Fatalities
Several factors contribute to these tragic outcomes, with speeding being a primary culprit, causing 175 fatalities. Lane invasions accounted for 133 deaths, while driver errors were responsible for another 65.
Calls for Systemic Change and Stronger Enforcement
Superintendent Soley has been vocal about the need for a complete overhaul of the country’s approach to road safety. He emphasized that continuing with the same strategies will only perpetuate the problem. “If something different is not done to stop this massacre on the roads, this phenomenon will continue to grow,” he stated.
The Need for a Comprehensive Public Policy Overhaul
Soley argues that the issue demands a fundamental shift in public policy, not just superficial measures. He specifically called for:
- Stronger enforcement of traffic laws: This includes increasing police presence on the roads and implementing stricter penalties for traffic violations.
- Improved driver behavior: This requires comprehensive driver education programs to promote safer driving habits and attitudes.
- Implementation of effective technologies: The use of remote camera systems for traffic monitoring and automated fine collection, which have proven successful in other countries, should be considered.
He further highlighted the current shortcomings in traffic police oversight and stressed that without bold action, the cycle of accidents and fatalities will continue.
Recent Tragedies Underscore the Severity of the Problem
Recent events serve as stark reminders of the human cost of these road safety issues. In just one weekend, five separate crashes across various regions of Costa Rica resulted in three deaths and four injuries. These incidents are not isolated occurrences but rather part of a broader pattern. In 2024 alone, there were over 40,000 accidents, an increase of 4,790 from the previous year. Nearly 28,000 of these accidents involved motorcycles, while another 8,900 involved other types of vehicles.
Impact on Vehicle Owners and the Community
For Costa Rican vehicle owners, this translates into higher marchamo bills, with the SOA portion contributing to the increase. Payments are due starting November 1. However, the true cost extends far beyond financial burdens, encompassing the lives lost and the devastating impact on families. Soley’s message is clear: addressing driver behavior directly, strengthening penalties, and fostering a culture of caution on the roads are essential to reversing this dangerous trend.
SOA Premium Comparison: 2025 vs. 2026 (in Costa Rican Colones)
| Vehicle Type | 2025 Premium (₡) | 2026 Premium (₡) | Increase (₡) | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Vehicle | 25,812 | 30,238 | 4,426 | 17.15% |
| Light Cargo | 18,895 | 18,806 | -89 | -0.5% |
| Heavy Cargo | 28,835 | 35,004 | 6,169 | 21.29% |
| Motorcycles/Bicimotos | 94,509 | 99,623 | 5,114 | 5.41% |
As Costa Rica grapples with these escalating road safety concerns, the absence of decisive action is striking. Without a fundamental change in how authorities approach traffic safety, the “massacre” described by Soley risks becoming the new normal. While vehicle owners prepare for higher fees, the ultimate price is paid by everyone when the roads remain so hazardous.
Interested in learning more about safe travel and transportation options while planning your eco-adventure in Costa Rica? Explore our comprehensive guide to transportation and discover how to navigate this beautiful country responsibly and safely.
