Expect to be surprised while driving in Mexico

Oct. 31, 2010 - PRLog -- Expect to be surprised while driving in Mexico
By Bill Bell
If you hate surprises, then you should never drive in Mexico because if there one thing you can be sure of when you take to the Mexican highways, it is being surprised by the differences.
Surprised that the driver behind you passed on a curve with two solid yellow lines!  Surprised that the driver in front of you just went through a red light!  
“Traffic signs are only suggestions to the Mexican driver.” says my wife Dorothy who continues to be dismayed by Mexicans ignoring the rules and signs on the road.
According to several Mexican Auto Insurance websites when driving in Mexico most accidents involving visitors are a result of the tourist not expecting or anticipating an unaccustomed, sudden change in traffic or road conditions.
The single biggest difference between highways in United States and Mexico (and the cause of many motor vehicle accidents) is the narrow roadway with almost no shoulder. When you drive In Mexico you must be aware of the drop-off from pavement to shoulder it is usually several inches, so if a right side wheel drops off the pavement, it can result in an accident.  Roads conditions throughout Mexico are improving but extra precaution is still needed.
It is significantly more important in Mexico that the driver must always pay attention because the roadways are much less forgiving than the wide, four lane highways we are spoiled with in Canada and the U.S.
Besides driver attention, here are a few other pointers for those of us used to driving in the United States that may make your trip safer when driving in Mexico:
•   Yellow lights are a signal to stop, not just to slow down.
•   Police will issue a ticket for making a right hand turn on red when driving In Mexico (although you will see many drivers doing it daily)
•   If you are turning left at a traffic light with turning arrows, wait until the arrow is green. You are NOT allowed to turn left simply because the coast is clear.
•   If there is no a turning lane, don't make left turns off major highways if traffic is coming up behind you. If you are hit from behind while driving In Mexico.
•   Ensure that your vehicle is in top mechanical condition, especially the suspension and tires.
•   On many highways, the "fast lane" is a passing lane only. You should move back over into the slow lane once you pass someone
•   Watch for "Topes" the famous Mexican speed bumps. They are frequently unmarked.
•   Speed limits are stated in kilometers (1 mile = 1.6 kilometers).
•   Don't rely on brake lights on the vehicle in front of you as the only warning it is slowing down.
•   If you have a choice, when driving into Mexico take toll roads vs. the free ("Libre") roads. Toll roads are much safer for a number of reasons including wider lanes often with shoulders, less traffic, and better road maintenance.
Remember that on a highway a truck or car with their left turn signal on often mean it is ok to pass (I rarely take their word for it) and does not necessarily mean they are turning.
City Driving In Mexico
Understand one-way street markings. When driving in Mexico the one-way signs are usually attached to buildings 10 feet or so above ground level
•   The signs are only about five inches high x 2 feet long and easy to miss
•   Streets going in the direction of the GREEN arrow have the right-of-way
•   Streets going in the direction of the RED arrow must yield the right-of-way
•   When in doubt, it's always safer (and smarter) to yield
•   Know your route; if you get lost, don't wander. Pull over and get oriented.
•   If you can't get oriented, consider hiring a taxi and follow it to where you want to go (paying the taxi when you arrive)
•   Watch for pedestrians, hot dog and taco stands, hand carts, bicycles
•   Understand the flow in traffic circles
•   Many trucks and RVs have specific “city” rules. Usually when there are lateral lanes, trucks and RVs must use them. Often larger cities require trucks and RVs to use perifericos, ring roads or truck detours. Be aware.
Mexicans are extremely aggressive drivers and it is rare for someone to courteously yield to others in a merge situation or in the case of slow moving vehicles, allow cars to pass by pulling over. Drivers become frustrated with these slowpokes and often begin to take risks that can impact others; passing on a curve or when oncoming traffic is close.
It varies from state to state but often there are no tests for a driver’s license. There are often no tests for driving with airbrakes, being a chauffeur etc.
Consistent defensive driving is a must and having said that, it is very tiring for a driver to be on hyper-alert. Take rests on long drives and have beverages nearby for hydration.
Mexico is worth the effort to learn the rules and the cautions of the road. It is a fantastic country to explore and many of those gems are only accessible by car. Happy trails.

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Road and Travel Guides to Mexico including a comprehensive site for rving and camping in Mexico. Drive Safely