When planning a trip to Costa Rica, one of the many things you have to consider is how you will get around. While there are some public transportation options, they may not be convenient or practical for all tourists. Which begs the question, how safe is it to drive in CR?
Driving in Costa Rica is considered safe, but the roads can be narrow at times and have potholes in many areas. Rain can turn roads impassable due to flooding, and animals crossing the streets are common, especially on secondary roads.
Also, some police are known to harass tourists asking for bribes or threatening arrest, and you have to be cautious about unscrupulous car rental companies.
Even though Costa Rica’s scenery is breathtaking, with lots to offer visitors, it’s essential to be aware of the safety risks of driving in Costa Rica, before you hit the open road.
This article summarizes the main dangers you need to watch out for; let’s go!
Road condition hazards in Costa Rica
Most major highway roads in Costa Rica are paved and have two lanes with fairly decent road markings. However, the most significant road hazards are potholes and narrow winding streets. According to a report by ASIRT, large potholes are a common sight, with rural roads being narrow and winding.
Dangers of Secondary roads of Costa Rica
There are very few secondary roads, and most of the population relies on these roads. The problem is that these roads are often not well-maintained and are often the site of accidents.
According to ‘Global Positioning Specialist’, an Australian fleet management firm ranked Costa Rica 4th in a report of most dangerous countries to be a driver. Scoring 2.8 for worst road quality, with 1 being the lowest score and 7 as the best.
Another common sight is animals roaming along the roads constantly. You will spot horses, pigs, cows, and dogs, among other animals, which can cause a severe hazard to motorists.
The best way to stay safe while driving in Costa Rica is to go slowly and take caution when taking curves due to the narrow roads. Observe the wildlife signage on the road to avoid collisions with animals.
Dangers of rental cars in Costa Rica
Costa Rica has a high car theft rate, with 11,240 reported car theft cases in 2020. A drop from 19,219 in 2019 was due to the covid pandemic and fewer people on the road.
There have been cases of tourists renting cars and having them stolen minutes after leaving the rental agency. Many fake car rental companies operate within Costa Rica. A discussion on an online forum about budget car rental scams warns tourists of scams.
Make sure you take safety precautions by renting from a reputable company. Check several websites and read the reviews to know whether you can trust the car rental company or not.
Also, ensure you check the car for any damage before leaving and take photos of any current damage if necessary.
Smuggling and theft dangers
The most significant danger for tourists is the risk of being robbed or having something stolen from their car. It can happen anywhere, but it is prevalent in Costa Rica because of the high levels of poverty and crime. In 2021, poverty and unemployment soared, rising crime levels.
Thieves often work in groups, and they will often follow you until you stop your car. They may also try to distract you so that you don’t notice them stealing your belongings. Tourists are a target because they are not familiar with the area, and they are driving rental cars, which are easy to steal.
How to help protect yourself from theft while driving in Costa Rica
First, have situational awareness and be cautious when driving in places where you’re unfamiliar.
- Keep all your windows closed and your doors locked at all times.
- Do not leave any visible items inside the car, such as bags for shopping, luggage, or any electronic gadgets.
- Have situational awareness at all times.
- If the police stop you, be polite and answer the questions.
Police corruption in Costa Rica
The Costa Rica tourist Guide reports that police harassing tourist drivers is not common, but it happens. Some traffic police officers are known to stop drivers for no reason and demand bribes to not write a ticket or make an arrest. And still, others will ask for money to not impound your car.
Victims of police corruption while driving in Costa Rica often do not report the incidents because they are afraid of retaliation.
Steps to take if stopped by the police in Costa Rica?
- First, always be calm, polite, and respectful.
- Never offer a bribe, even if the police insist. Politely request a ticket. Inform the officers that you’ll be happy to pay it at the end of your trip through the car rental agency.
- Get a lawyer involved if arrested.
- Don’t speed
- Always carry the necessary documents for your travel and car.
Wildlife dangers when driving through Costa Rica
When driving through Costa Rica, it is essential to be aware of the wildlife and take precautions. Always drive slowly, especially at night when animals are more active.
Keep an eye out for animals crossing the road and be ready to stop if needed. If you see an animal on the street, do not try to stop or get out of your car. Instead, honk your horn and drive away as quickly as possible.
Weather-related problems when driving through Costa Rica
The climate in Costa Rica is primarily hot and humid. However, weather-related problems occur when driving through Costa Rica, depending on the season. The most common are:
Rain damage to roads
The rain can cause rivers or streams to overflow onto the road in some cases. If this happens, be very careful when driving, as the water can make the road impassable.
Fog and poor road visibility
Roads in Costa Rica are dangerous during foggy conditions. The humid air and the high humidity can create a thick fog that may reduce visibility to only a few feet. It can lead to accidents as drivers cannot see the road or other vehicles.
The roads are not closed during foggy weather, but the police warn drivers to use caution when driving during these conditions and use their headlights.
Due to severely reduced visibility, the most effective way to navigate during fog conditions is to drive with low beams and keep an appropriate distance from the vehicle ahead of you.
Gusty wind when driving
Wind causes problems for drivers by causing vehicles to drift into other lanes, making it challenging to see hence causing accidents. In addition, wind gusts can cause accidents if drivers are not prepared for them.
To ensure safety when driving in such conditions, make sure you check the weather forecast before you go out. If you notice a portion that is blocked, avoid driving through it.
In addition, make sure your brakes and tires are in good condition before setting out. Finally, be prepared for sudden weather shifts. For instance, one minute it could be sunny, then the next moment you’ll be in the middle of a heavy downpour.
Conclusion
To ensure your drive through Costa Rica is fun and memorable, always take caution.
Be sure to obey the speed limit. Costa Rican roads can be hazardous, and you don’t wish to get into an accident. Be cautious when driving by being aware of your environment watching out for animals or pedestrians.
Also, ensure that you have all the required documents and licenses before hitting the road. We wish you a great trip to Costa Rica and drive safely.
