Expat Community > Costa Rica

Trout
Joined 2020
Posts: 95

Why I don't drive at night when in CR

3 years ago

When visiting CR I avoid driving at night. Why? American Airlines Flight Crew ‘Robbed At Gunpoint’ On The Way To San Jose Airport. If there are no thieves out then most of the drivers are either drunk, speeding and/or driving recklessly.
AA Crew robbed: "The website Viefromthewing.com that broke the story speculates the driver was 'in on it'.
My take on this, it may just be so.
One, at that hour of the morning, I have driven a number of times in the past few months, there is almost no one on the road. At the point, the road is three lanes, it would be easy to swerve to avoid something in the road.

Two, the Ministry of Public Security says it has no report of the assault. Why wouldn't the driver call police? Either at the scene or after getting back to the hotel? And on that, he would be closer to the airport, where there is some branch of police in the area, the head back to the hotel (I won't mention the name) but am quite sure it is the one by the Sabana park or the Escazu hotel where I have seen AA flight crews dropped at.

Three, "their wallets weren't taken" according to the report. Assuming neither their passports. Why is this relevant? Put yourself in a similar situation. You are a foreigner, you have your computer, cell phone, jewelry and other valuables stolen, will you take the time report it? Maybe. Maybe not.

But if your wallet with credit cards and passport, definitely. A must on the passport. And to the OIJ. Does the driver who 'is on it' want that? Most likely not.
The story is, this and other m.o. have become more common.
Try to swerve, if at all possible, to avoid hitting something on the road, common driver sense, but never, ever stop unless forced to.
When driving at night, especially, keep your eyes open all around you. If you feel you are being followed, head for a crowded place or police station.
Drive like a maniac, make noise, stand out, your attackers may want to find an easier target. If on the way to the airport, there is always police around, day or night." Rico QM FBook

https://qcostarica.com/american-airlines-flight-crew-robbed-at-gunpoint-on-the-way-to-san-jose-airport/

https://ticotimes.net/2021/03/17/airline-crew-robbed-en-route-to-costa-rica-airport-report-says

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Why I don't drive at night when in CR

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