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Driving Tips for Mexico

Tips for Driving Safely in Mexico

Thu, 21 Nov 2019 15:08:03 +0000

TIPS FOR A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE DRIVE IN MEXICO

  • Driving conditions in Mexico are often very different from those in the U.S. or Canada. We suggest you drive slowly and cautiously.  But not so slow that you annoy people behind you.  You don’t want to draw attention to yourself!  If you’re in Tijuana, Chihuahua, Nuevo Leon any of the big cities – giddyup and drive like you’re in New York, Dallas, Chicago or Downtown LA.  But if you’re in Ensenada, relax and enjoy the sites.
  • Whenever available, take Toll Roads instead of Free roads. Toll roads are much safer. NOTE: For your convenience, we suggest reserving some Mexican Pesos to pay the tolls. Sometimes U.S. currency won’t be accepted, and Mexican Pesos will be easier for you and the booth employee. However, toll roads in Baja generally accept U.S. currency.
  • SLOW DOWN when you enter small towns, being watchful for pedestrians, dogs, buses, cars.
  • Know your route; if you get lost, don’t wander. Pull over and get oriented.
  • Avoid driving at night: Most serious accidents occur at night, especially on the open highway.
  • Learn Local driving signals. Flashing headlights from an oncoming vehicle is often a warning signal that you may be approaching an accident or other dangerous condition ahead of you. SLOW DOWN and be vigilant for very slow traffic ahead.
  • Rainy and wet conditions: The dirt and oil on the road mixed with rain can cause extremely slippery conditions. When it begins to rain, SLOW DOWN. RVs, motor homes, and vehicles with trailers should avoid driving in the rain as much as possible.
  • Be aware of Topes: Topes are speed bumps located throughout Mexican roadways and frequently unmarked.

PREVENT YOUR VEHICLE FROM BEING STOLEN

  • Employ at least one type of anti-theft device. If your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft alarm, USE IT. Steering wheel locks, kill switches, and other anti-theft devices are highly recommended too.
  • Always park in an area that is clearly visible and contains other vehicles. Whenever available, use paid parking lots and carry the ticket with you, DO NOT leave it in your vehicle.
  • Never leave your vehicle parked on the side of the street, road, or highway. If you must park on the street, try to check on your car frequently or, better yet, keep it in sight.
  • For overnight parking, always try to park in an area that is gated or employs a 24 hour security guard.

We suggest keeping your policy with you when you leave your vehicle unless you have a copy on your phone.  If you’re unconscious from an accident, we want the first responders to find your insurance in the glove box, but if your car is stolen, you need to know who to call to file a claim!  

TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID BEING A TARGET OF CRIME

  • To avoid being a target of crime, do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry, and do not carry excessive amounts of money.
  • DO NOT leave unattended luggage in public areas, and do not accept packages from strangers.
  • DO NOT leave inside your car and in sight of anyone any personal devices such as laptops, photo cameras, mobile phones, or other valuable things. Carry them with you whenever possible.

Remember, you are a visitor, and things may be done differently in Mexico than at home.  Be calm, be respectful, and enjoy the culture.

Tips for Driving Safely in Mexico 

People travel to Mexico annually to enjoy its culture, deep history, tasty food, and abundant sunshine. Many of them drive within the country but find themselves unprepared. While you drive on the same side of the street as in the United States, not much else is the same. You can use the following tips to navigate roads and manage traffic in Mexico safer.

ALTO = STOP

Driving Safely in Mexico: Road Signs

Since all road signs are in Spanish, look up the words online before traveling. Remember that Mexico uses the metric system, so speed limit signs are in kilometers. Take care that you don’t accidentally speed. With a ratio of 0.62 miles to a kilometer, signs marked 40 km/h or 40 kph translate to approximately 24 miles per hour.

Traffic

Tijuana Avenida Heroes

Many Mexican drivers navigate roads differently than their U.S. counterparts. For example, they usually don’t use blinkers, so be aware when turning and changing lanes. However, they tend to respect stop signs more than drivers from other countries. You will also find many uncontrolled intersections. Even busy junctions often miss traffic lights, so you have to brush up on your right-of-way etiquette. In Tijuana, for example, you will find roundabouts.

Driving Safely in Mexico: Road Conditions

Mexican Highway Potholes

Road conditions vary greatly in Mexico. Some are smooth, while others have grooves and potholes that can take out axles. Mexican roads often have random speed bumps called topes. Ideally, you should bring four-wheel-drive trucks for better navigation, but prepared drivers can certainly manage with regular 2-wheel-drive vehicles. Since many routes lack proper drainage, expect them to flood when it rains. Storms can turn dirt roads into mud pits quickly.

Driving Safely in Mexico: at Night?

Be especially careful when driving at night, or avoid it altogether because many highways don’t have lights. These conditions make it especially difficult to spot holes and debris. Additionally, animals freely wander onto roadways and create extra hazards.

Gas Stations

Pemex is Gas in Mexico

In the United States, you can find many gas stations with assorted pricing, but Pemex is King in Mexico. Since they mostly have the same price, you won’t have to worry about shopping for the best rates. You can find the gas price on the pumps. Attendants distribute the gas and also wash windshields. Upon request, they will check the oil and other fluid levels.

It’s customary to tip the helpers up to 10 pesos but beware of scams. The best way to prevent getting cheated is to pay close attention and to watch the attendants’ hands closely. Common scams include switching of banknotes and not rolling pumps back to zero before pumping gas. 

While many of the stations accept credit cards, it’s still safer to pay in exact cash by using smaller banknotes. That way, you won’t get cheated on change, and they can’t switch larger bills to smaller ones. If you are traveling with other people, have someone watch to make sure the attendant uses the pump you paid for. It’s also a good idea to check your own fluids, away from the gas stations.

Checkpoints

Mexico has military checkpoints, so don’t be alarmed. Soldiers might ask you simple questions, including the point of origin and destination. It’s customary to roll down all windows to have unobstructed views of the seats, especially the rear ones.

Driving Safely in Mexico: Toll Roads (cuota) vs Free (libre)

Mexico has an assortment of free (libre) and pay (quota) roads. Libre roads are dotted with intriguing restaurants and unique shops, but the streets lack maintenance. Toll roads move faster because they are smoother but have less local flair. For the best experience, mix and match both types. 

While these factoids seem like a lot to take in, don’t let them deter you from driving in Mexico. Use them to gain an understanding and enjoy the experience. Exploring Mexico by car gives you a whole new perspective that you can’t get by other means.

And remember, you should always carry Mexican Car Insurance from a reputable U.S. broker. Mexico Insurance Services, since 1956.