Safety tips for driving 1200 miles through Mexico?

Question

Driving (with guys who fluently speak spanish) in a 2008 Civic from San Diego to Cabo San Lucas. We know all the basic safety tips: dont drive at night, dont bring drugs, guns, or produce; follow traffic laws, get mex insurance, be super nice to the federalies... Any other tips?

Answer 1

I just drove at night the same distance, just try to go to pay highways, it is safe.

Answer 2

Just use the SAME safety tips that you will us while driving in the USA.

Answer 3

don't......

Answer 4

Watch your gas. It can be very far between gas stations. Otherwise, with your knowledge & friend, you will be fine.

Answer 5

Well...I live here in CA as well and when my family and I go, our trip takes 3 days long. On the first night we have to legalize, in other words report that our car has passed the Mexican border so that the insurance company gets notified. We try to drive as much as possible throughout both night and day, but stop at a hotel only once throughout the entire trip.  We try to drive through the roads which u have to pay for as much as possible and take rest stops near there if necessary; otherwise we keep going.

In ur case, i would be really careful of not letting anyone know that ur going into Mexico from the U.S.; the country is VERY dangerous and ppl are willing to put the time and effort into mugging someone. So be VERY CAREFUL.  For safety reasons i would recommend:

- not talking to any random ppl unless necessary

- making sure u have maps, GPS, directions, etc. of where ur going, as to not have to look lost and ask for help

- dont speak English, wear jewelry, use electronics, clothing or look too nicecause ppl will assume ur from the US and have money

- make sure u've got cellphones as well as backup battery and chargers for them since they will come in handy

- I would consider switching cars since ur car is nice and robbers will be attracted to it

- have ppl who are willing to take turns driving so the other driver can rest and u wont need to stop much

- if u do stop at a hotel, make sure it is gated (to protect ur car), have food within the hotel itself or nearby, have telephone service, is located in an area where many other turists are staying, is close to the main road ur traveling on (so u wont get lost) and possibly have some type of security/guards protecting it (if possible)

I dont mean to scare u, but it is quite necessary to be careful. I have heard of robbers who get on buses to mugg ppl or who purposely block the road, flatten tires, follow u, etc. just to get ur money.  

Other than that, take pillows and blankies in the car as well as snacks, beverages and entertainment so u wont get bored and enjoy the beauty and splendor that Mexico has to offer

HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 6

You sound like you've got the idea.  Here is a detailed site about the trip down that highway.

Answer 7

you pretty much know everything you need.

you can drive at night, but use the "pay-roads" AUTOPISTAS, is not that the other ones arent safe but there are less people there than can help you with any kind of trouble.

And check you gas cuz ther gas stations are pretty much far away one from the other.

Answer 8

Tips on Traveling into Mexico by Car