“They are expensive” or “I forgot it” or “it is a short trip” are just some of the excuses that drivers make when they are caught traveling with minors without their safety devices in vehicles.
Mario Calderón, director of Traffic Police, lamented that Costa Ricans are not worried about children’s safety.
We must protect them, we must provide them a safer life. There are many reasons that justify the lack of these car seats, but none of these is as good as the safety of our children in cars,
declared Calderón.
The official stated that there are drivers who think that the seat is only useful and protective when there are accidents. However, a pothole, a bad maneuver or suddenly braking can also harm minors who do not travel safe.
This year, officials have set 773 fines. Fines for not using the car seat for children is 209,000 colones.
“Siempre seguro, siempre en su silla” (Always safe, always in the seat) is the campaign implemented by traffic authorities. It aims to educate on the use of Child Restraint Systems.