San José, Alajuela and San Carlos are the three cantons where the highest number of people are reported dead or with permanent injuries due to traffic accidents.
Data from the National Insurance Institute (INS) indicate that 458 people died on the roads in 2017, 30 in San José, 25 in San Carlos, and 21 in Alajuela. The list of cities with the highest number of deaths is completed by Pococí (19), Nicoya (16), Puntarenas (14), Pérez Zeledón (10) and Desamparados (10).
These eight cantons account for just over a third of fatalities the previous year. Motorcyclists continue to lead the list of those who bear the brunt as far as accidents is concerned; according to the INS, the previous year 4,129 people were injured, 48% of them were riding a motorcycle.
As part of the actions to reduce these figures, the INS authorities, the Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) and the National Road Council (COSEVI), meet on Thursday with the mayors of eight cantons to analyze the results and issue joint proposals with the mayors and other national authorities, aimed at attacking this problem that affects not only the person who is injured but also their families.