In January 2026, there were 59 deaths on Costa Rica’s roads, with 32 of the victims traveling by motorcycle. This continues a trend seen since 2014, where motorcycles account for the highest number of road fatalities each month and year.
Motorcyclists represented 54% of those who died in traffic accidents during the month. Automobiles were the second most deadly vehicle type, with eight fatalities, followed by bicycles with seven deaths.
“Unfortunately, it is now a rule; there is not a single month in which motorcyclists do not surpass other vehicles in lives lost. We are also concerned that the other two-wheeled vehicle, the bicycle, is consolidating its position in third place. In fact, last January, by just one victim, the bicycle did not share second place with automobiles. We must continue to insist on their vulnerabilities and, based on them, on self-care measures that these road users should adopt,” said Martín Sánchez Agüero, Deputy Director of the Traffic Police.
Sánchez Agüero emphasized several basic safety measures that could help reduce accidents: wearing reflective clothing to increase visibility; keeping lights on at all times (which is mandatory for motorcycles); wearing helmets (also mandatory for motorcyclists); avoiding driving against traffic; not overtaking on the right; and respecting red traffic lights.
He also noted that drivers of other vehicles should respect cyclists and motorcyclists as fellow road users by maintaining a distance of 1.5 meters when passing them and refraining from pressuring them to move aside.
Compared to December 2025, there were five fewer deaths in January. However, this total represents an increase of nine compared to January 2025.
Speeding was identified as the leading probable cause of death at accident sites for 20 out of the 59 fatalities recorded last month. Since 2022, speeding has consistently been cited as the main contributing factor in fatal crashes. Crossing into oncoming lanes accounted for twelve deaths and was often linked to drivers being in a hurry. Driver recklessness was reported as responsible for five fatalities.
