Mérida Travel Forum

Due to some warnings on the net I'm a bit scared about Mexican traffic, as I'm planning to go by hired car.
I'm used to (Central)-European traffic circumstances, so do you think I'll get problems? What about the traffic volume in general and the condition of the streets? Is there a high risk of getting involved in accidents? Are the Mexican drivers rather courteous than reckless or vice versa?

PS: I know, I'm asking a lot during the last couple of days, but its due the lack of time caused by special circumstances. normally I plan my trips far more carfefully. So thank you all for your answers!

if you're used to eastern europe, mexico will seem like child's play.

I never had problems in Hungary or the Czech republic... but I suppose you're talking about more eastern countries...

first of all i'd like to say keep asking.
your questions are very valid and that is why the site is here.
many people also read the forum to find info and your questions just help a lot of people who were thinking about the same thing and saves them asking the same question.

for driving i would say that the main difference you have to look at is that people in mexico pay a lot of attention to other trafficants, but less to signs and traffic lights.
when europeans get in to traffic accidents in that part of the worl it's often because they have blind faith in the green light and forget to chack if there actually is any traffic.
as long as you keep your eyes open all the time, the yucatan peninsula should not be that bad to drive.

We even got through Mexico City very well, and Yucatan is no problem at all. However, take care, they have a lot of speed bumps which can be reeeealllly high, and I would be very careful driving at night. We once drove from Acapulco to Puerto Escondido and got into the night, and there were lots of people and people with or on animals walking along the road. I cannot really recommend this kind of driving, you can quickly get into dangerous situations. But as long as you travel during daytime you should be fine.

a friend of mine spend a year driving his campervan through mexico and he always call mexico the land of tequila and topes(speed bumps).

I was there to go the ruins. Lots of dirt roads and animals and people milling about. Check out all the little white houses along the road, it really was kinda of weird and neat.

I would avoid driving at night, but during the day you will be ok. Like someone previously said, there's animals and people walking on the road, and watch out for topes!

As well, safety standards are pretty lax -- there can be big holes or other hazards in/around the road, and no warnings traffic cones or barriers.

Dude, relax! GO and enjoy your trip!
Driving in MExico is just like driving in any other place. There are accidents waiting to happen to you in every country on every road....Every driver knows that.
WE drove around Yucatan Penisula for a week, and not only was it safe, pleasurable, but we did not see anybody in any kind of distress.
It is up to you how you drive....the accident can happened anywhere....that's why it is called ACCIDENT.
People drive really fast when the streets are empty and road is smooth, so watch your mirrors. Stay in your line, mind your busuness. On crowded highway the only tailgating I notoced was happening on the left line.... THat is how they drive in GERMANY. Right line is for driving, left line is for passint. ISN't IT? For my drivers in MExico were more civilised than drivers in New York area, and I think they should send all New Yorkers to MExico to learn how to drive.
And remember. We are not you. Your experience can be totally different. No matter what we will write to you it is up to you how much you will enjoy driving in MExico.
Have fun.