www.CostaRicaTicas.com :: View topic - Accident with rental car

You call that an SUV? :lol:

And what's with a fellow Orange fan not knowing how to drive a stick- city boy. :P Glad you all are safe, that's an awesome CR adventure!

Consular Information Sheet
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Costa Rica is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world. The fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles and motorcycles is disproportionately high. Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored, turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, turn signals are rarely used, passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common, and pedestrians are not given the right of way. Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. Pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals may use the main roads. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are inadequate and few roads are lined. Shoulders are narrow or consist of drainage ditches. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility due to heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. Landslides are common in the rainy season. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. However, some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and many destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers are advised to call ahead to their hotels to ask about the current status of access roads.
Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles must/must be left where they are. Both the Transito (Traffic Police) and the Insurance Investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles are moved.

Quote:

Author:	Orange [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:37 pm ]
Post subject:	Accident with rental car
On Saturday afternoon I was heading to Desamparados with my girlfriend and we were about a mile from her house when some imbecil who was heading the opposite direction somehow veered off to the right, hit the rain gutter (or whatever they call it) on the side of the road in CR, lost control, crossed over the yellow line, and smashed into the left side of my car. Luckily for us, I wasn't going fast, I had an SUV (if you wanna call the piece of shit that), I sped up as much as that crappy car would go in the split second I had to try to get away from the pick-up coming directly at us, and I veered off to the right as much as possible without driving into the rain gutter myself. But the Phucker hit my back left door and phucked it all up. We spun around about 270 degrees and almost ended up in the rain gutter ourselves. The most important thing is that nobody was hurt, most importantly my girlfriend, and even the moron and his two passengers were ok. Thinking back and speaking with my girl, my car probably saved a couple of lives. This moron was heading directly into the front yard of a house right off the road where a couple of K*ds were playing. I think I'm a hero. My credit card will pay for the damage to the rental, so it's all good. His piece of shit truck was a lot worse off than me, undriveable. I bought full insurance, but I don't know who'll pay for his truck. IMO he should pay for both. Economy rent-a-car actually delivered a new car to me right at the accident site within about 90 minutes, but it was a stick. I can't drive stick. So I drove my busted car back to the rental place off Paseo Colon and got an automatic. Warning to all car renters: If you do not speak Spanish well, always have a spanish speaker with you, in case of an accident. The transit police were cool, but I had a little trouble communicating with them. If my girl wasn't with me, it would bave been more difficult. And I speak Spanish fairly well. Pic of my busted car: http://home.nyc.rr.com/orange/my_car.jpg Pic of the Tico's car: http://home.nyc.rr.com/orange/tico_idiota.jpg

Author:	BrownCow [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 10:48 pm ]
Post subject:
Dude! I'm sorry to hear that! I'm glad that you guys are ok. Also, thanks for the info about how good the rental agency was, as we've both used them a lot! qbf

Author:	PacoLoco [ Tue Oct 23, 2007 11:36 pm ]
Post subject:
You call that an SUV? And what's with a fellow Orange fan not knowing how to drive a stick- city boy. Glad you all are safe, that's an awesome CR adventure!

Author:	Spanky [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 6:28 am ]
Post subject:
Glad you are okay Orange.

Author:	BrownCow [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 8:42 am ]
Post subject:
PacoLoco wrote: You call that an SUV? And what's with a fellow Orange fan not knowing how to drive a stick- city boy. :P Glad you all are safe, that's an awesome CR adventure! Yeah, I was trying hard not to mention that too, but now that someone else did... WTF O...

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Author:	Mia2Ewr [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 9:14 am ]
Post subject:
Glad to hear you are ok and the rental company apparently did the right thing.

Author:	Mucho Gusto [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 9:39 am ]
Post subject:
Orange, Glad everyone involved is ok. This post should serve as a good story for those who want to rent a car to drive around the gulch. It's one thing if you live in (or around) SJO. But for those of us who are only in country for a few days at a time, it might not be worth it. It doesn't matter how good you drive. I'm always more concerned about how bad everyone else drives! In this circumstance, you did nothing wrong, and the other guy STILL crashed into you. It's also good to see that the Rental Car company was good to you. I always rent a car when I'm running around Guanacaste, and I've always used Economy Rental Car. They take good care of me, and I've never had extra charges on my CC. But having said that, I still would not rent a car to drive around SJO. Glad everything turned out good. Now go and LEARN HOW TO DRIVE A STICK!! (and while you're at it, take some swimming lessons too)!! MG

Author:	Twarag [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 3:16 pm ]
Post subject:
Glad you came out in good shape. In all my trips to CR I have never drove. Hell, the way ticos drive I can not understand how every driving gringo avoids at least 1 accident per day. I would have been killed long ago.

Author:	El Silencioso [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:09 pm ]
Post subject:
Mi amigo, after looking at the pics, have to say, glad you and P are OK. I know I would have been freakin' seeing that truck coming at ME. As you now, I have drven extensively in Cr with my ex's wheels, luckily without incident Now learn to drive a stick.......

Author:	PacoLoco [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:31 pm ]
Post subject:
Quote: Consular Information Sheet TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Costa Rica is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world. The fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles and motorcycles is disproportionately high. Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored, turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, turn signals are rarely used, passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common, and pedestrians are not given the right of way. Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. Pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals may use the main roads. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are inadequate and few roads are lined. Shoulders are narrow or consist of drainage ditches. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility due to heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. Landslides are common in the rainy season. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. However, some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and many destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers are advised to call ahead to their hotels to ask about the current status of access roads. Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles must/must be left where they are. Both the Transito (Traffic Police) and the Insurance Investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles are moved.

Author:	BrownCow [ Wed Oct 24, 2007 4:33 pm ]
Post subject:
PacoLoco wrote: Quote: Consular Information Sheet TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Costa Rica is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance. Costa Rica has one of the highest vehicle accident rates in the world. The fatality rate for pedestrians and those riding bicycles and motorcycles is disproportionately high. Traffic laws and speed limits are often ignored, turns across one or two lanes of traffic are common, turn signals are rarely used, passing on dangerous stretches of highway is common, and pedestrians are not given the right of way. Roads are often in poor condition, and large potholes with the potential to cause significant damage to vehicles are common. Pedestrians, cyclists, and farm animals may use the main roads. Traffic signs, even on major highways, are inadequate and few roads are lined. Shoulders are narrow or consist of drainage ditches. All of the above, in addition to poor visibility due to heavy fog or rain, makes driving at night especially treacherous. Landslides are common in the rainy season. All types of motor vehicles are appropriate for the main highways and principal roads in the major cities. However, some roads to beaches and other rural locations are not paved, and many destinations are accessible only with high clearance, rugged suspension four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers are advised to call ahead to their hotels to ask about the current status of access roads. Costa Rica has a 911 system for reporting emergencies. In the event of a traffic accident, vehicles must/must be left where they are. Both the Transito (Traffic Police) and the Insurance Investigator must make accident reports before the vehicles are moved. and that surprises WHO?

Author:	Redman69 [ Fri Oct 26, 2007 5:34 pm ]
Post subject:
Glad to hear you two made out ok. But come on Orange. I was practicing on my little stick shift when I was 9 or 10.

Author:	CRT Bound [ Sat Oct 27, 2007 12:26 am ]
Post subject:
Orange, Glad your all ok, But can't drive a stick ????? come on !!!! I did't know how to, but that did't stop me from driving my new PU of the car lot.........

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