Safety driving tips

Traffic and safety regulations, as well as highways and bridges in Mexico are very different from the United States and Canada. While driving in Mexico we recommend that you drive

with greater attention paid to the task of driving than you might, for example, at home.

While driving in Mexico, you have to “expect the unexpected”. Most accidents involving tourists happened because they didn’t expect a sudden change in traffic or road conditions.

Make your trip safer, taking note of these recommendations:

HIGHWAY DRIVING:

It is important to understand the main cause of tourist highway accidents in Mexico.
The drop off from the pavement to shoulder is usually several inches, so when a right side wheel drops off the pavement it almost certainly results in an accident, with the vehicle very frequently rolling over, causing significant damage to the vehicle and injuries to the occupants.

You can definitely avoid these situations by being paying strict attention, recognizing that highways in Mexico are much narrower, and thus less safe, than in U.S.

Besides driver attention, there are other important pointers to consider for a safe trip:

• Make sure your vehicle is in excellent mechanical conditions, especially the suspension and tires.
  
  
• Verify the width of your vehicle vs. the width of the highway, particularly if you are towing a trailer; trailers are often wider than the tow vehicle.
  
  
• Don’t drive fast in Mexico; try to drive under the posted speed limits.
  
  
• Reduce your speed when entering small towns and watch for pedestrians and buses.
  
  
• Watch out for speed bumps; usually there are no signs placed to warn you and if hit them at speed you will “fly” over them.
  
  
• Avoid driving at night, but if necessary follow a bus at a distance no less than 50 yards. Let the bus guide you on highway conditions.
  
  
• If you don’t have a left turn lane, make sure a vehicle following you has plenty of room to stop so the following vehicle doesn’t rear-end your vehicle.
  
  
• Be aware of very slow traveling vehicles and don’t be surprised to swiftly come upon a vehicle traveling only 10 miles per hour.
  
  
• While driving at night, be careful with vehicles showing no lights from the rear.
  
  
• Remember that some vehicles’ brake lights may not work, so pay attention to notice if a vehicle you are following suddenly reduces its speed without warning.
  
  
• Try to take toll roads instead of free roads because the toll roads are much safer.
  
  
• Don’t forget to use your seat belt at all times.
  
  
• Don’t drink alcoholic beverages before or while you are driving.
  
  
• Always pay attention to traffic signs.
  
  
• Make sure the any driver has a valid driver’s license.
  
  
• If you drive long distances, try to take a break rest every 3 hours or so.
  
  
• Be positive your vehicle is in good conditions for traveling (lights, brakes glass, tires, suspension, etc.)
  
  
• Don’t throw garbage out the window. You will find trash cans at toll both stations.
  
  
• Take advantage of the Internet to make hotel reservations in advance.
  
  
• We recommend you to take maps with you to help you locate highways and places of interest.
  
  
• Carry traveler’s checks so that in case they are lost or stolen, they can be replaced.
  
  

CITY DRIVING:

• It is important to understand the traffic signs. If you locate one you are looking for it is best to stop and ask for directions.
  
  
• If you get lost, consider hiring taxi driver to lead you to where you want to go, paying taxi driver once you have arrived. That way, if you lose sight of him, he will look for you and you won’t lose your money.
  
  
• Be extremely careful with pedestrians as they don’t always follow signs.
  
  
• Understand the flow of traffic circles, always staying to the right.
  

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Remember that you are a visitor and things may be done differently than at home.
  
  
• A friendly attitude and a smile almost always gains cooperation and help from others.
  
  
• If you have questions or need help, you can call us: (644) 410 86 00 in Mexico.
  
  
• Have a nice trip, and enjoy the natural beauties, culture and hospitality of Mexico.
  
  
  

HAVE A GREAT TRIP!!