Palmares: Drunk Drivers Will Always Be Drunk

Despite the heavy publicity of the intense operations by the Policia de Tránsito (traffic police) surrounding the start of the Palmares Festival, some will never learn or it is just plain that drunk drivers will always do their drinking before getting behind the wheel of the vehicle.

The Policia de Tránsito report the detention of eight drunk drivers in the first days of Palmares and without a doubt fear that this year's total will surpass last years 14 drunk drivers.

César Quirós, director of the Policía de Tránsito, informs that his officials have issued some 240 tickets for various traffic offences, have confiscated 7 cars, 3 motorcycles and 16 license plates. And that is up to 6am Saturday. The Festival got underway Wednesday.

"We have been very busy", said Quirós who has a team of 140 traffic officials or "tránsitos" on the Palmares detail that comes at a cost of ¢30 million colones.

The "Pachanga" as it is known locally is the liveliest following Zapote in San José and this year full of big name acts like Don Omar and Fanny Lú to celebrate its 25th year.

While some insist on drinking and driving, others have taken steps to contract private transportation for their group, ensuring a safe return home.