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Don't Be Stupid- Be Insured
Unlike the United States, if you are in an automobile accident in Mexico you are considered guilty until proven innocent. Having current liability insurance is relatively inexpensive, and will buy you plenty of peace of mind (and keep you out of jail) in case things go sideways. Even though your U.S. insurance policy states that you are covered when driving out of the U.S., Mexican authorities will not accept the liability coverage of an insurance company unless they are underwritten by a Mexican carrier.
Collision insurance is a different story and many U.S. carriers will cover damage to the vehicle if an accident happens close to the border in a tourist area. When driving to Mexico it's always a good idea to check with your current insurance carrier to see what is covered and what is not.
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Road Conditions
Aside from some of the four lane roads near Mexico's larger cities most of the roads in Mexico are narrow two lane and somewhat narrow. The width often runs from 12 to 14 feet on each side, which does not allow a heck of a lot of room for error. Throw in a few moderately-sized pot holes, somebody riding a bike on the road and a few feisty cows and the road can become a bit intimidating. Driving at high speeds is definitely risky business. Keep an eye on the road shoulders as they sometimes get very steep or disappear all together.
Most of Mexico's toll roads are in good condition and usually worth the price of admission. They often lack the charm of the normal Mexican roads that wind through the town but if you want to cover a lot of ground quickly they are very efficient. Toll both operators will usually accept U.S. dollars or Mexican pesos, but not a combination of both.
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Watch for livestock
You name it...cows, burros, goats, dogs...they are all out there on the highway waiting to play a little game of 'fender-tag' with your car. Keeping a sharp eye ahead of you can save you lots of aggravation. Once ol' Bessy's big brown eyes are looking at you from the hood of your car it's too late.
Avoiding a one-on-one with livestock is pretty easy if you are going slow. But high-speed drivers often find it difficult to slow down in time after coming around a curve with a herd of cattle standing still mid-highway. Not only will you damage your car but there is a good chance you will injure the animal. Hot tip? Drive slow!
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Military Stops
Expect them and appreciate the reasons for them, you are not in Kansas anymore. Mexico is trying to show good faith in the drug transportation war, and the inconvenience of these infrequent drug inspection stations is a small price to pay for a big problem. It's best to leave your political opinions on this issue at home and just go with the flow. These kids are just doing their job and the more you cooperate the faster they will pass you through the system.
You are usually delayed no more than a few minutes. They may or may not search your car. Southbound vehicles are not always checked but northbound vehicles almost always are. Assuming you have no drugs, guns, or ammo, you'll be on your way in a jiffy. Giving these young uniformed kids a cold soda or candy is always appreciated.
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Night Driving - Don't do it!
The only thing less safe than driving Mexico roads too fast is driving at night. Because of the limited visibility, cars and trucks with no lights, reaction time to stuff on a dark road (debris, livestock, parked cars, etc.) the likelihood of getting in trouble on the road increases significantly after dark.
A conservative view is not to drive at night in Mexico. A more realistic view is not to drive faster than you can see ahead, be aware of your surroundings and don't drive when tired or drunk.
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Special Tips
An understanding of a couple of driving tips will help your Mexico drive more enjoyable and safe!
(1) When driving on Mexico's main roads, if you are stuck behind a slow local vehicle, most Mexican drivers will try to help with the process of having you pass them. When the coast is clear for passing, the driver of the slower vehicle will often turn on his left turn signal, to inform you that it is okay to pass. It is important to note two issues with regards to this Mexico courtesy. First, remember that you (the driver of the vehicle that wishes to pass) are ultimately responsible for whatever may happen during this passing process (such as an unseen oncoming vehicle!). It is also important to be sure that the driver you are trying to pass is not preparing to turn left! On the open highway, this is not likely, but always a possibility.
(2) Another hot tip when driving the Mexico's roads is road hazards. A person standing on the road lowering his hand towards the pavement repeatedly is trying to tell drivers to slow down for some particular road issue ahead. It could be a parked vehicle ahead or a road crew doing maintenance. Keep an eye.
(3) Pemex is the main gasoline company in Mexico. Pemex stations accept payment in Mexican pesos and U.S. dollars. Credit cards are usually not accepted at Pemex stations. If you want to break a (U.S.) 100 dollar bill this is the place to do it. The workers at these stations carry lots of cash!
- (4) Cars approaching you with their emergency blinkers on are trying to tell you that there is something happening on the road ahead. Slow down and be ready for a dangerous situation.
Driving a car into Mexico can be a spectacular adventure! And being properly insured can ease the stress of driving in a foreign land. The minimum required liability insurance in Baja is not expensive, but adding full collision coverage to the policy can increase the price considerably. There are several drive-through insurance companies just north of the border at each of the border crossings. Most of the different companies at these offices offer similar rates. For a more aggressive rate, and for annual policies, it might be worth the time to shop around and utilize the services of the smaller insurance companies that don't have to support the large overhead of the border offices.
