Q COSTARICA (Op-Ed) Government is responsible for many driving problems. in Costa Rica, the only way to drive is to be hyper alert and to treat anyone you see as a maniac out to attack you.
Other problems include:
- – Terrible roads. Skidding in floodwaters due to bad drainage is common. As you zig-zag to avoid enormous potholes, you might meet others zigging into you at speed from the other direction.
- Numerous unlicensed drivers, sometimes on stolen motorcycles, abound.
- Road safety is not taught widely enough or enforced.
- Pedestrians dress in dark clothes at night. They often hold hands with children. The smallest kids walk at the end of a chain of adults and project into the road. Stray dogs and drunks sleep on the streets. Infants without crash helmets help dads ride motorcycles by doing the steering. Drivers never look in their mirrors. before a manoeuvre.
- Drivers do not signal before turning or do so in the opposite direction to the turn.
- Teenagers do wheelies and worse to show off.
- Enormous articulated trucks are allowed on the narrowest of roads.
- Delivery trucks make a point of opening doors without looking and blocking half their lane with goods being offloaded.
- Drivers double park or stop on blind corners.
- Constant use of cell phones distracts both drivers and pedestrians.
- Cyclists think it is OK to overtake slow traffic on both sides in single-lane roads at up to 60kph. Others ride in pelotons, causing frustrated drivers to pass dangerously. There is no riding test or insurance required for cyclists.
- Churches need to teach that Saint Christopher medals and Christian symbols on cars neither protect against collisions nor ensure a quick passage to heaven in case of an accident.
For those who love risks and adventure, drive in Costa Rica.
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Chris Clarke
