Train crossing arms have reduced crashes with the train. It’s been a year since the first 23 safety devices at railroad crossings were installed and the collisions went from 80 between January and November last year to 55 in that same period this year.
Fatalities in such crashes have also decreased. There were 5 last year and, luckily, none this year. The last reported fatality was on November 29, 2018. A 29-year-old motorcyclist crashed into the train in San Joaquin de Flores, Heredia.
The executive president of the Costa Rican Railroad Institute (Incofer) was very satisfied with the figures that decreased because this shows that the placement of these safety needles was a success.
As of now, there are 53 metropolitan train crossings that have needles. 15 other points will have devices installed in December.
Those who learned to drive between 1995 and 2005 did so when the trains were inactive so a whole generation didn’t learn road safety as it pertains to train crossings. The safety needles have suffered damages and breakages that cost $51,000. A fine of ₡215,000 is applied to those who damage or disrespect the security devices as well as one of ₡318,000 for those who collide with the train.
