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Special Cautions for Drivers in Mexico
Be extra careful, drive more slowly than you normally would and definitely try to drive in daylight. Any North American who has driven the roads of Mexico will tell you that the experience is quite different from what they are used to back home. While the toll roads (cuotas) are generally very safe, the libre or free-road system is poorly maintained. Up until about ten years ago, Mexico's government-maintained freeways were in shambles. They are now privatized, and today several corporations own long-term leases on the country's numerous toll roads. Engineers from the U.S. helped with the planning and construction, resulting in an excellent and much safer roadway network.
However, these improvements come at a substantial cost to the driver. For example, if you take the toll roads from Guadalajara to Mexico City (about a five hour drive), it will cost you about $50 USD each way. Thus, most of the toll roads are fairly uncluttered and easy to drive. In contrast, a neighboring two-lane libre or free highway typically contains much slower-moving traffic. If you get behind a semi or an old, beaten-up, 20 mph, gas-guzzler you may be in for a long night if oncoming traffic is heavy. We always recommend that you travel the cuota roads, but sometimes the libre roads are unavoidable. We suggest that you drive defensively on all roads in Mexico, but especially on the libre roads.
Speed limits are generally much lower than in the U.S., but rarely are they enforced. It is quite uncommon to see a patrol car on the highway. The military police are much more common. Numerous potholes or the fear of hitting a stray animal is often all that is needed to regulate speed. Fences around roadside farms are uncommon, so animals can and do stray onto the highway. In more rural destinations, you might even run into a farmer or rancher herding his cattle or sheep across the highway.
In general, drive more slowly in Mexico than you normally would and definitely try to drive in daylight. Streetlights are rare, especially on the libre roads, and there are so many cars on the road with malfunctioning headlights that it can be downright dangerous. Mexican drivers seem a little more risk-prone than those in the U.S., and they often follow their own set of rules. Many drivers will pass on the solid yellow line.
Be extra careful on curvy or mountainous roads. Slow-moving drivers will often pass without a good view of oncoming traffic. Because of the rough roadway conditions, drivers tend to communicate with each other a bit more. It is more common for passing drivers to warn each other of upcoming danger by flashing their lights. If you are approaching a narrow bridge where only one car at a time can pass, it is customary for the driver who flashed his lights first to have the right of way.
A blinking left-turn signal on the vehicle in front of you could mean that it is clear ahead and safe to pass. This could also mean that the driver is about to take a left turn, so be careful.
Roadside shoulders may have dangerous drop-offs, so use caution when pulling over. If you are planning a lengthy drive throughout Mexico, be prepared for tire damage. Potholes are numerous, especially in rural areas and on the libre roads. Make sure you have a good spare and jack before you go anywhere. Never pull over to sleep in your vehicle along the roadside. Do not under any circumstances pick up hitchhikers, as they might pose a threat to you, and be aware that if your passenger has narcotics or other paraphernalia, you can be arrested for transporting narcotics or traffickers in your vehicle.
There are fewer markings or lights along Mexican highways, especially on the libre roads, so again, try to drive during daylight hours. Under rainy conditions, travel with extra caution as there may be more oil and dust or sand on many stretches of highway. At the entrance of most small towns there are topes, or large speed bumps, in the road to slow down traffic. Do not take these lightly, as you can damage your tires or your front end if you hit them too fast.
Editor's note: We strongly wish all our readers a safe and healthy Mexico experience. However, should you need a physician or hospital, the MedToGo Travel Health Guidebooks could be a Godsend.
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