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It is not uncommon for those traveling by car to make a quick trip across the border into Mexico to do a little shopping. It is an easy and inexpensive way to travel, giving you the freedom to move about according to your own schedule. Even travelers flying to resort towns in Southern Mexico are opting for a rental car and exploring the countryside on their own. Before getting behind the wheel in Mexico, it would be a good idea to familiarize yourself with some of the driving etiquette.

If you are bringing your own vehicle into Mexico, make sure to have insurance that will cover you while out of country. There are many offices along the border where you can purchase temporary accident insurance for a reasonable fee. Be sure to ask if the company will arrange repair in the US or Mexico as some policies will only make repairs in the US. Medical care in Mexico is quite good, so don’t necessarily be talked into the extra bundle for medical air evacuation. Some people choose to opt out of insurance while in driving in Mexico. If you do, be aware that in the event of an accident you may have issues with the local authorities. If there is an injury or death, you may end up in jail. The common theory that is first assumed is that whom ever hit and caused the injury, is the one to pay the damages.

As you begin to drive, watch behavior of the drivers around you, but do not necessarily copy it. Obey the road signs and always obey the speed limit. In Canada and the US, it is common to push the speed limit and drive with the traffic; in Mexico, it is advisable to slow down. For example, this may mean driving through small towns at only 15 miles per hour. Have a reliable road map with you at all times and if you are not fluent in Spanish, stick to the toll roads. Toll roads are privately owned and charge anywhere from 25 to 150 Mexican pesos. Do not expect any of the roads to be in the same condition as back home. There are frequent potholes, drop offs and other hazards. Oddly, some tolls include insurance against damage from the road to your vehicle. Report the damage right away, at the next toll booth. There are usually snack shops, bathrooms and a rest area at toll booths.

Mexican trucks love to hog the road. They drive very fast and without regard for other vehicles. Do not stop to help what appears to be someone with a breakdown. Most of the time, it is a trap set up to rob you. Do not drive at night. There are no streetlights or sidewalks, so pedestrians on their way to church walk along the road and are usually not very visible to cars. Animals, slow moving traffic, road hazards and people just sitting on the road are not easily seen when driving at night in Mexico.

The Mexican Federal Police (or Federales) patrol the roads quite often. As with anyone in Mexico, respect, courtesy and knowing the language will be very well received by an encounter with the Mexican police. If you are stopped, be polite and do your best to speak Spanish, as most officers do not know English. There is a definite culture of bribery with the Federales but they are all very aware of how illegal it is. Should you have committed some small offense, the officer may be willing to let it go with the exchange of some money, but do not be overt in your offer as they will be offended. You may even be arrested for offering. Be delicate and discreet should you decide to offer a bribe.

Most roads are manned by the Mexican military. They set up regular checkpoints in search of guns or drugs. You may be asked for a driver’s license and insurance. Depending on your attitude, cargo and how bored the soldiers are, your vehicle could be searched. They do not accept bribes of any kind but often appreciate a cold non-alcoholic beverage.

Now, here are a few tips on communication signals between drivers. If you are behind someone on the highway and they signal a left turn but do not slow down, they are telling you it is safe to pass them. If someone wishes to pass you, they will use their left hand signal. If you get a headlight flash from oncoming traffic, it means there are hazards ahead. If you spot a car ahead with their hazards on, it means slow down quickly as there is a danger up ahead or possibly a semi truck is coming through very slowly.

The main things to remember when driving in Mexico are: a good map, adequate insurance, pesos for tolls, respect, courtesy and speak the language. If you are properly prepared, your road trip will be a very enjoyable experience.

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Feb272011

Tags: autos, cars, driving, Hotels, Mexico, travel, travel destinations, travel tips, Trucks, vacation

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