Is it safe to drive around in cancun?

Question

I would love to go somewhere different next year other than europe...but when I go on holiday we like driving around exploring, do you think it is safe to do this. I usually like to rent a villa so i wouldn't want to b stuck at a resort and not be able to drive around. Anyone got any advice for me.

Answer 1

Look at the map in the link below.  I've driven most the roads on that map, and I never had a problem.  I've driven through many of the small villages around the peninsula, and I never found them squallid.  They are just Mayas living in a way they are accustomed to.  Some people have to look down on people that are not as rich as them.

Answer 2

Safe as in are you going to be mugged? Or safe as in "crazy drivers".

Crazy drivers...you bet...it is like the Autobahn but the road is filled other crazy drivers...and the public buses just pull our without looking...taxi's just stop to let people out...once you get out of the city it isn't so bad but in the city...geeze...

Answer 3

Driving is made easier when you take the time to become familiar with a few difference you'll encounter while in the Mexican Caribbean.

Diving is one of the most common ways to sightsee in the Mexican Caribbean, particularly around the Yucatan Peninsula. To plan a safe and fun road trip, you should be aware of Mexico's unique driving conditions, styles, and hazards.

Road Conditions

Geographically, the flat land of the Yucatan Peninsula makes it incredibly safe to drive because roads are easier to maintain than mountain passes. However, be cautious of the following:

Watch out for thunderstorms. Make sure windshield wipers and headlights work well and that the windshield is clean before you depart to increase visibility during a storm and prevent accidents.

Tire safety is crucial, especially on hot days when steaming hot roads and high speeds can cause tire blowouts. Tire maintenance is as easy as purchasing an inexpensive tire gauge to check pressure and tread wear. If you are renting a car and notice its tires are in poor condition, ask for a different vehicle.

Expect inconsistent pedestrian traffic, particularly in poor, rural areas. Local villagers travel everywhere by foot, especially in the early morning and late evening hours, when darkness may impair visibility.

Renting a Vehicle

To rent any motor vehicle, you must provide a driver's license from your home country and a major credit card (credit cards accepted vary by agency). You will be required to purchase Mexican car insurance, which can be a bit pricey.

Filling Up

Gasoline is a nationalized industry in Mexico, and full-service PEMEX (or Petroleos Mexicanos) stations are widespread. However, make sure to fill up your tank and possibly bring a gas can with extra gas should you become stranded miles from the nearest station.

Parking

A great benefit to driving in the Yucatan is that there is no metered parking. However, you may find the Mexican system of parking a bit unorthodox especially if you are from a country where driving and parking laws are strictly enforced. Parking anywhere along a streetside curb is acceptable, so long as traffic is not obstructed. Always lock your vehicle, and never leave any valuables in your car.

Some streets may have parking attendants who direct traffic, watch cars to prevent burglaries, and sometimes clean windshields. Similar attendants serve local businesses, such as banks and grocery stores, to provide help with parking, loading and unloading packages and groceries, and watching cars. It is advisable to tip parking attendants. Parking is also available in private lots, which cost between 2 to 6 pesos per hour and are marked by an estancionmiento sign.

Road Side Assistance

Called the Green Angels ("Angeles Verde"), Mexican roadside service vehicles patrol major roads in large green trucks. They provide aid for common causes of breakdowns, including gas, oil, and tire repair. Green Angels charge only for the cost of the repair and do not charge labor. Driving in the Mexican Caribbean can be safe, fun and easy, provided you are aware of local customs.

Answer 4

my daughter went there 3 years ago and said outside the beach resort it was only squallier and not worth seeing - she saw a lot of it as they got caught in hurricane Wilma.

Answer 5

I will warn you that driving in the actual "Hotel Zone" of Cancún is tricky. The bus system is on a five minute schedule...meaning every five minutes there has to be a bus at the bus stops...so this makes for some wild driving that the bus drivers have to do.  Also, everyone else is just as bad. The taxi drivers will drive crazy also. It's a real tight fit on the strip of the hotel zone, but yes buses and taxis will cut you off and if you aren't familiar with where you are going it's difficult. It's very fast paced so don't miss a turn or you will regret it.  It's rumored that if you drive down there and they know you are American they will try to get into an accident and blame it all on you because they know you have insurance and they like to file lawsuits against you for money and/or new cars so beware.  The hotel zone is kind of like the strip in Las Vegas.  Other than the hotel zone though driving through the country side and outer limits of the city of Cancún is nice and very scenic and you won't have much problems. Just be cautious in the Hotel Zone because it does get crazy there.