The following is a practical guide to
driving in Mexico compiled from experiences over the last several
years.
Driving in Mexico, in my opinion, is no more hazardous than driving
anywhere else, however, it is different than driving in the United
States or Canada. There are simply different things you have to be
on the lookout for.
1. Buy Mexican Auto Insurance. Mexican auto insurance is a must if
you plan to do anything more than a quick hop across the border
since, in the case of an accident Mexican authorities will not
accept foreign auto insurance policies. Any Mexican auto insurance
coverage you purchase should include claims adjusters that will come
to the scene of an accident and an attorney. This becomes
very important since, in the event of an accident, you are not
allowed to move your vehicle and you may be detained by the police
in the event that anyone is hurt until fault can be established.
2. Be aware that not all roads are in the best of conditions.
Although over the last 6 - 8 years there has been an increase in the
number of 4-lane toll roads throughout the country, some of the
minor roads, for instance those between small towns, are more likely
to be paved with cobblestone instead of asphalt and, either way,
they all have their share of pot holes and ruts to be careful about.
3. Although there are reports of people being stopped and their
property being stolen while on an isolated road, there are few
reports of people actually being injured. The best way to avoid this
is to drive during the day and not to stop for hitchhikers. Also
beware of any foreign objects in the road, these are normally placed
there so that an unsuspecting driver will be forced to stop.
4. Try to restrict driving to daylight hours. This is common sense
wherever you drive since road signs are easier to read, road hazards
are easier to see and avoid and there are normally more cars
traveling the same road you are so there is less chance of anything
bad happening.
5. Always be aware of livestock. On most U.S. roads, livestock is
unheard of except in rural areas. In Mexico, however, livestock
creates a large problem because of a lack of fencing around the
highways. Livestock are normally left to roam wherever they can find
food and this is sometimes near a well traveled road. In the area
where I live, Lake Chapala, 40% of the traffic accidents that occur
involve livestock in some way. These statistics are not official so
the number could be 35% or 45%, but from what I have seen I would
say the 40% is fairly accurate.
6. Remember that most people do not use their turn signals and not
all cars you see on the road have functioning brake lights. Avoid
accidents by keeping your distance, using your turn signals and
being aware of those who don't.
7. Always know who has the right of way. This is sometimes
difficult because, even though you may be in the right, if the "the
other guy" is bigger, he won't care. This means you will want to
slow down at all intersections and look both ways whether you are
required to or not; it also means you will want to yield to larger
vehicles that want to occupy your same lane space.
8. Always plan your trip ahead of time. Take a good road map along
with you and know where your stops are going to be. This came in
handy once when we had engine trouble. Fortunately we were only a
few miles away from a small town where, although accommodations were
not luxurious, they did have cold beverages and a mechanic that
could repair the car within a day or two.
9. Remember that here, just as anywhere else, all those things you
learned in driving school apply. Keep free space in front, behind
and beside you when driving; obey the speed limits; use your turn
signals; and always make sure your vehicle is in good condition and
that you have plenty of spare parts (i.e. tire, water for the
radiator, transmission fluid and oil) before beginning your journey.
10. Buy a basic Spanish phrase book before your trip. Learning how
to tell someone you need a mechanic (necesito un mecánico),
help changing a tire (necesito ayuda para cambiar la llanta)
or directions (donde está or como llego a) can be very
useful. Even if you can't pronounce it quite right, people will
usually get the message and be able to effectively communicate to
you what you need to know.
There are probably 10 more tips I've left out but this should get
you started. Check back from time to time to see what else we've
added or e-mail us with comments or your own driving experiences in
Mexico. In the meantime, have a happy and safe journey.
Author's Note:
Just in case your considering risking the trip without Mexican auto
insurance, consider the following:
- Mexican law is Napoleonic - this means
that you are guilty until proven innocent. The person deciding
this will most likely be the policeman who arrives at the scene
of the accident, especially if you cannot provide proof of
Mexican auto insurance and/or produce an insurance adjuster
appears.
- When a traffic accident
does occur, the police may impound your vehicle, especially if
there is no one there to help you defend your rights such as an
insurance adjuster and/or an attorney. Also know that in the
event that someone is injured and you are found responsible, you
might not only be held liable for that persons medical expenses
but also for financially supporting them and their dependents
until they recover. If you have an attorney he will probably be
able to help you negotiate a more reasonable settlement than
that which you could negotiate on your own.
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