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 Basic Recommendations for Driving in Mexico

The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that airbags installed in automobiles have saved some 10,000 lives as of January 2004.

Keep a few things in mind while on the road:

• Always watch out for unlit cars, rocks, potholes, steep shoulders, deep gutters, and animals on the roads. You’ll sometimes encounter livestock and many dogs near urban areas when traveling along the highway (including many dogs that have been run over). You will also encounter speed bumps (topes) on the road and sometimes they are not visible (i.e. paint having faded or the lack of a sign).
• Expect possible drug and weapons searches by the police or military soldiers, especially on roads near the U.S. border, along the Pacific Coast in Oaxaca, Guerrero, Jalisco and Sinaloa.
• Another hazard to beware of is the number of trucks on the road. They don’t always stick to the slow lane and one should always be careful when trying to overtake them, especially on single-lane roads. Mexico has an extensive network of toll roads (autopistas) and you should go along these roads when available.
• When driving in the city, rules are often laxly enforced and not respected. It’s not a good idea to have too much faith in road signs and traffic lights. Many motorists disregard traffic lights or “stop” and “give way” signs and decide to stop or go upon their own intuition. A one-way street is not always a one-way street. Most motorists also forsake the need to signal any turn they may want to make, so beware of this fact and make sure you always keep a safe distance between your own vehicle and the one in front of you. You should be aware of any possible abnormalities at all times – this is doubly valid at nighttime and on weekends.
• Should you be on a highway and are a TELCEL mobile phone user, dial 112 SEND if you have an emergency. This will connect you to the Federal Highway Patrol, a division within the Federal Preventative Police (PFP). If you are driving on a toll highway (or “cuota”) or any other major highway, you may contact the “Green Angels,” a fleet of trucks with bilingual crews. Their emergency number is 078. Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night. Many U.S. citizens have died in recent years as a result of driving at excessive speeds, at night, on roads that are in poor condition or are poorly marked.

Your best protection against accidents, whether in a city or on a highway, is to have proper car insurance. You may also appreciate this important information as well: Health & Safety Travel Guide.

Mexican Legal System and Automobile Accidents

If you experience an accident, the Mexican legal system requires that all drivers involved in the accident be detained until responsibility is assessed. In minor accidents, your insurance should cover the damage. Detention and jail can be expected when guilty of causing an accident that leads to the loss of life, at least until he or she pays any fines or restitutes the victims' family.

Every time the police stop you in Mexico (especially as a result of an accident), be prepared to present your driver's license and Tarjeta de Circulación (car's registration).

Driving in Mexico City

Last year (2005) a total of 21,706 automobile collisions took place in Mexico City. Some 13,000 persons ended up injured. According to official statistics, most of the accidents resulted from reckless driving by young adults. Should you ever - as the consequence of an accident - require administrative assistance while in Mexico City in terms of issuance of license plates or payment of fines, follow this link. The same link will be of use if you are required to pay for traffic fines to the Mexico City Government (Infracciones al Reglamento de Tránsito).

Preventing Accidents & Basic Preventative Equipment

Always have your car in the best mechanical condition. Make sure every time you get gas you have the attendant check brake fluids, engine oil, transmission oil and tire pressure.

In the trunk, always keep in a bag with these 10 basic essential items:

1. Your updated car insurance and emergency number
2. A first-aid kit (know how to use it). Have your kit supplied with aspirin or pain killers and anti-swelling medications(Flanax, Celebrex or similar). If you have one, always carry a small cooler to place ice if you ever need it.
3. Portable extinguisher (have it checked every 6 months).
4. Portable flashlight and a set of tools. Also a thick rope.
5. Drinking water and a cheap camera 
6. Pen and notebook
7. Battery jumper cables
8. A cellular phone (also carry an extra car key in your wallet).
9. An updated agenda - in your cell’s memory - with office and personal contacts who can be called in case of an accident
10. The emergency telephone numbers listed on the following page.