You may drive to your heart’s content when visiting Cancun, Mexico. Renting a car is easy and getting around is convenient. While you should always take precaution when driving in a foreign country, it is pretty safe for driving in Cancun. Getting around is actually more enjoyable by car. Recent expansions to major highways have resulted in better roads; in particular, the route connecting Tulum and Cancun is a great example of the improved road conditions in this area.
Consider the following helpful tips about driving in Cancun:
Pass with Caution
While that slow vehicle in front of you may be irritating, be sure to take caution when passing on the roads in and around Cancun. Stepping on your accelerator and trying to beat that obstruction by overtaking is so tempting, but before you do that, make sure you have enough space and time to make that extra move forward. Remember, never pass on a bend or before your reach the top of a hill; you might think you have time to pass, but you simply don’t know how fast the cars on the other side of the road are traveling.
If in Doubt, Slow Down
Road bumps and potholes may pose distractions while you are driving in Cancun. Topes/road humps usually occur along minor roads but there are some on more major highways. Topes are notoriously badly signposted in Cancun, or the sign is too close to the tope that you don’t have much time to slow down. Potholes are another hazard that may cause major damage to your vehicle while driving in Cancun, so don’t assume that the roads will be perfect. Some potholes cannot be easily detected, especially at night in Cancun.
Be Extra Careful at Night
Considering that most vehicular accidents happen at night, it is worthwhile taking extra care when driving in Cancun after dark. Road hazards may appear such as potholes, cars without their lights on, drunk drivers, cows or other animals on the road, and highways without reflective lights. It is wiser to drive in and around Cancun during the day (avoid peak hours) than at night. You will have clearer road vision, more people available to assist, and fewer troubles if you take your journey during the day than at night.
Take Note of Busy Days
As most Mexicans work 6 days a week, Sundays are commonly when people and vehicles hit the road for leisure, which means drivers might be more distracted or, indeed, under the influence of alcohol. Other busy days to consider are the paydays which occur every 15th and 30th of the month.
Drive Wisely
Continue to drive as wisely as you would at home and don’t assume that the laws are any different, just because you are in Mexico. Even if you see people driving in Cancun doing things that would be considered illegal back home (families piling into the back of pickup trucks, kids hanging out of the car windows, using mobile phones while driving etc) don’t assume that it is legal in Mexico either. You don’t want to be pulled over and fined by the Cancun transport police, or worse, get involved in an accident.