Costa Rican Motorcycle Distributor Red Motors Launches Blood Drive to Address Rising Accident Rates
Red Motors Powersport, the official distributor of BMW, Kawasaki, Indian, and Polaris motorcycles in Costa Rica, is partnering with the Hospital Rafael Ángel Calderón Guardia to host a blood donation drive on . The event, to be held at the company’s La Uruca branch from 8:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m., aims to bolster the national blood supply and address a growing need stemming from increased traffic accidents involving motorcyclists.
The initiative is framed as an act of solidarity, recognizing the critical role of blood donations in saving lives. Individuals interested in participating can register in advance via this form.
Rising Motorcycle Accidents Fuel Demand for Blood Transfusions
The blood drive comes amid a concerning trend of rising motorcycle accidents in Costa Rica. Data released by the National Insurance Institute (INS) indicated that as of September 2025, over 24,000 motorcyclists had been injured in traffic accidents – a figure already exceeding the total for the same period in 2024. March, August, and September were identified as the months with the highest number of motorcycle-related injuries, placing significant strain on hospital resources.
The INS also reported a substantial number of accidents involving uninsured motorcyclists, further exacerbating the burden on the public healthcare system. This context underscores the importance of initiatives like the Red Motors blood drive in ensuring adequate blood supplies for emergency and ongoing medical care.
“As a company directly linked to the world of motorcycles, we are aware of the reality on the roads,” said Fabiana Alvarado, Head of Marketing at Red Motors Powersport. “February is an opportunity to demonstrate that the motorcycle community also mobilizes for life, empathy, and solidarity.”
Alvarado added, “Donating blood is a direct way to support the health system and make a real difference in the lives of many people.”
Eligibility Requirements for Blood Donation
Potential donors must meet specific criteria established by the Hospital Calderón Guardia’s blood bank. These requirements include:
- Presenting a national identification card (cédula) or DIMEX.
- Being between 18 and 65 years old.
- Weighing more than 52 kg (110 pounds) and measuring more than 1.52 m.
- Being in good health.
- Not fasting; a light meal is recommended before donating.
- Being well-hydrated and adequately rested.
- Tattoos, piercings, or microblading must be at least six months old.
- Not having consumed alcohol in the three days prior to donation.
- Not having traveled outside the country in the last month.
- Not being under antibiotic treatment or having open wounds.
Red Motors Powersport encourages participation in this initiative, positioning blood donation as a meaningful act of love and a contribution to saving lives.
Costa Rica’s Commitment to Blood Donation
The Red Motors initiative aligns with Costa Rica’s broader legal framework supporting voluntary blood donation. According to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at Bufete de Costa Rica, Costa Rican law, enshrined in the Ley General de Salud, strongly promotes altruistic blood donation. This legal framework emphasizes safe blood transfusions and establishes guidelines for blood banks and healthcare providers, while also protecting donor rights through informed consent and confidentiality.
The importance of blood donation in Costa Rica is further highlighted by the fact that a single donor can potentially save up to four lives, as four components – red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitates – are extracted from each bag of donated blood. Blood transfusions are performed daily in Costa Rica, often being the critical difference between life and death for patients in emergencies, surgeries, chronic treatments, and those suffering from trauma, cancer, or burns.
In 2025, Coyol Free Zone organized a blood drive resulting in the collection of 34 liters of blood, potentially impacting the health and welfare of approximately 296 people. This contribution builds on the 30 liters collected during 2024, demonstrating a continued commitment to supporting the national blood supply.
The Costa Rican Red Cross also announced a blood drive scheduled for , at its administrative headquarters in Zapote, San José, aiming to further bolster the nation’s blood reserves.
About Red Motors
Red Motors was established in July 2009 as Bavarian Motors, the BMW dealer in Costa Rica. The company has since expanded its portfolio to include MINI, BMW Motorrad, Indian, Polaris, and Kawasaki. Currently, Red Motors leads the premium vehicle category in Costa Rica with its BMW brand, offering both electric and combustion engine vehicles.
