Very true I haven't encountered any road rage there. I would add two things: Trucks and high profile vehicles will leave their left turn signal on to tell you it's OK to pass. If someone is going to turn left on a two lane highway they tend to signal left but then pull over to the right shoulder and CROSS the highway instead of turning from it (after you have passed). That's a MUCH better way than we do it in the U.S.!
As a motorcyclist, I have been on many back roads where only the trucks can tell what's up ahead. I learned (slowly, carefully) to trust them as an indicator of when it is OK to bounce out for a fast pass. I would never trust a US driver to give me accurate info to bet my life on. I think they just like to see someone with a fast vehicle that can drive as the road calls for. Oh, to be on a bike on the Mazatlan-Durango Highway again!
I’ve been a little afraid of renting a car and driving in Mexico. I appreciate this video, makes me think I’d be ok. It’s funny how in the U.S. we aren’t very tolerant of other people, specially their driving. I think I’m drawn to the Mexican culture because of the more friendly attitude towards others. We could learn a thing or two. Thanks for all the tips and insight.
Fear not. be courteous. Always yield. NEVER drive faster than your brakes can respond, and expect the unexpected. Every kind of life form in your path at any given moment. (Do not drive at night).
That depends on where in the USA you are. In the midwest states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, etc if you are not in a major city traffic is very easy going and many people stop to check if you pull over. When I drive in eastern states I am very much more on defense to avoid the idiots that brake check and swerve in front of people to see them lock up the brakes. In western states it is pretty calm driving but the pacific states seem to breed very angry people. In the south once again away from the cities and it is nice to drive, cities seem to make people stupid and suicidal.
Mark . . . . there's another cultural difference . . . . 'inching your way' to get onto a road from an intersection. when there is traffic and there is no traffic lights. hate to say it, but if you dont 'inch your way' . . . you could be there for hours and nobody would let you pass . . . i guess its just part of the culture . . . they expect you to 'inch your way' . . . till somebody is forced to let you pass infront of them. no problem.
Interesting video. I wish you would’ve mentioned some thing that completely shocked us when driving in Mexico. When you are on a 2 Lane road and want to pass a car, many times the car in front will turn on the left blinker. This does not mean the car is turning left. In Mexico it means it’s OK to pass! It took us a while to adjust to this. And now I really appreciate it when someone does that. =:-)
Really? Haven't seen this while driving for a couple weeks in QR. In Europe we blink to the right if the road in front of us is free to overtake and left if there's incoming traffic from the front. That makes more sense as the left turn signal officially means "I'm turning left/overtaking'.
Spot on. I spent 10 months in Baja Sur and everything you discussed was accurate. One thing I also noticed was that drinking a beer while driving is not illegal. I experienced this twice, being stopped once by the police in Mulege and once by the Federales while having a beer between my legs and nothing was said either time. I was shocked because I thought, being from the U.S., I was going to jail. Nope. They were both polite, professional and did their jobs well.
@@bigpapa870 Its NOT illegal, I asked the Mulege Chief of Police while I served him his fried grouper fish dinner one night at the cantina I was helping out at. He DID say that if you showed signs of being impaired, they would probably question THAT, but not if you were normal and sober. I guess it's up to the discretion of the officer. it happened to me twice.
Great video. I live in Yucatan, and one thing I've noticed is that Mexicans DO use their horns for the purpose that they were intended. Not to tell someone off, but the give a brief cautionary alert. If you see someone is about to back out of their driveway into oncoming traffic.. one polite beep lets the other driver know, be careful, or caution. Lots of helpful little beeps.. no angry "hornings" like up north.
❣️ simply love this one 😂 it’s you „badly need to adjust“ and that’s exactly what’s all about when entering another culture or country all over the world ❣️
You’re spot. on about road rage here. I’ve lived and driven in Guadalajara/Zapopan for 4 years and have never once seen anything remotely resembling road rage. For me, the iffiest part of driving here are the glorietas (roundabouts) many don’t seem to plan or know which exit to take and it’s quite common to have drivers cut across 2 or 3 lanes to make a desperate attempt to make their turn. Also, beware of drivers with their hazard lights on, it means that they are confused and might do something hazardous. Also something kind of weird is that it is cars that are insured…not drivers. Someone could have multiple accidents/violations and it doesn’t affect their insurance rates one bit. Bad drivers pay exactly the same as super safe drivers.
The hazard lights help a lot. Mostly they're used by drivers who inform that there is a slowdown in front or they're slow themselves. Makes it easy to make advance decisions as you can't really detect the speed of traffic in the blazing sun.
Thank You Paul your blogs and now videos have been most helpful as we have moved to Tulum. Something that I have found while driving around is the use of 4 way flashers which you have to allow the car to do whatever it wants stopping, backing up, cross traffic, stop in the middle of the road/lane, cross over 3 lanes of traffic....lol...whatch out for the four way flashers as the car may make an unpredictable maneuver...lol
I haven’t personally driven in Mexico, but have rode many times with people. Definitely a go with the flow type of driving culture. One thing you didn’t mention is how stop signs are often treated more like yield signs!
Great info here. My mother always called the people who stayed left and wouldn't move as "Left lane police." haha. And no, many topes aren't marked. Agree, no road rage here, it's wonderful! Horns are used as they should be, as a warning. - Anne
you're right topes signs are not always there and also some signs are right on the topes and some before the topes. 🤪😜🤪😜 so when thinking topes will be on 20 feet ahead, you're right on them. 🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
Thanks for this informative and entertaining video. I have only driven on the Oaxaca coast where there are hundreds of topes (I can confirm that many are unmarked). My tip: follow behind another vehicle. When the car in front bounces over a tope, slow down for your turn. I have been a passenger in many parts of Mexico. My observation was that the "rules of the road" (especially lane markers) are actually friendly suggestions. Road rage? I don't know about QR - but honking is constant in Mexico City. After a week there I feel like I am hearing honking in my dreams (just like after a week in Jalisco I start hearing the oom pa pa of a tuba in my sleep). I am not sure if they are raging or what - but there is a lot of honking. I see Mexicans as the friendliest people around - in person - but not inclined to give the right of way when behind the wheel. One more tip - if you are a pedestrian - RUN! There is a reason the "walk" sign is a running man. And watch for bikes, scooters and cars that simply do not stop despite the fact they had a red light. Strangely enough, drivers actually stop for pedestrians in Merida and Queretaro. But I still recommend running no matter where you want to cross the road.
It amused me to hear you talk about aggressive driving in the U.S. I am from Germany and find the driving so very relaxed here in the U.S. as compared to Germany :)
I have more than 100,000km on my motorcycles on Mexican roads. I agree with everything you said. Particularly topes. MOST are not marked and many never were
Also, If the road is rough, 4 lanes 2ea.way, it's OK two drive down the center of the 2 lanes just keep an eye out for cars behind you and pull to the left if needed. If you see police light flashing, don't panic, pull to the left let them pass. Watch out for farm vehicles they might have things that stick out that could rip a big slice out of your car. Trucks will often put on their left blinker to let you know that it's OK to pass, very helpful.
Wow. Sounds perfect to me! The concept of "flow" and keeping the left lane clear. Sounds like we could learn a lot from Mexico about driving here in the US. I did 1,700km by motorcycle in Costa Rica 15 years ago and loved how four vehicles would pull up to a 4-way "stop" and nobody actually stopped, they just flowed. It was a beautiful thing. I also noticed there were stray dogs everywhere and they were alert to vehicles. I guess Darwin has a bit of an edge on that front as well. Also appreciate your law enforcement experience/perspective/background on the topic. Oh, and cars had the right-of-way, which also made sense whether I was walking or driving (riding). Thanks for the great video.
The biggest thing that you didn't mention is that when slowing down quickly for the tope or another reason, vehicles turn on their hazard lights to let you know what they are doing. I have not seen pedestrians get priority on any streets when I was driving, they wait til there is a break before stepping off the curb.
Great video 😊, thanks! My husband, who drove all over the South states of US, had a hard times with the "p..che topes" because he is very cautious about his vehicles; you definitely find those UNMARKED topes everywhere, particularly near or within small towns. Now he developed a habit: not familiar with the road, follow with safe distance someone and keep eye when their car bounces on the road ... Tope in front of you. Also, you are absolutely correct, no road rage here, if you get angry 😡 and honk your horn, they will look at you as a rude lunatic... Culture diving , that's all.
@3:20 this is done in many parts in texas too. Another thing that is common in texas, that i assume is done in mexico, is if a car is making a left turn, you pass him on the shoulder. It is actually legal to do so in texas.
Super helpful! I will be driving to Mexico in a few months from the US, so this was good info and the video that you.shot was really what i needed to see
Nice video, the only thing I would say is officially the left lane in Mexico is only a passing lane. If there are two lanes, you should always stay to the right and only use the number 1 lane if you are passing someone in front of you. In practice though all that is really going to happen is someone is going to flash their lights at you.
Great vid...Fluid is a perfect word. Many "fun" adventures in cabs in S MX...Better than some carnival rides. O those speed bumps.. Fun to watch new drivers not understand they are there...I'm amazed at the skills of the MX drivers especially the taxi drivers....Seen a lot of accidents however on the 307....Gracias for this vid.
(Expat perm. 7 Years, Jalisco). This is a great topic, thanks for jumping into it. I have a suggestion though. The issue that the left turn signal can be interpreted in at least two different ways ... Is he turning left, or does he want me to pass on the left.??? Also, I have had Mexican drivers in a huge hurry pass me unsafely, only a few moments later, yield to a pedestrian(s) crossing the roadway. Soooo Mexican. In addition: Whenever possible, DO NOT drive at night. That is when the cows own the road! Best wishes.
Mexico is very serious about pedestrians having the right of way. It's like California when I was a kid 70 years ago. Some topes are built with pedestrian crosswalks on top. At night unmarked topes are particularly dangerous and in some villages neighbors install their own to slow people down.
Im from Scotland so I had the challenge of driving on the other side of the road and my first experience of driving being Mexico City. Im doing my biggest drive next week cdmx to merida with a stop in Ciudad del Carmen. Now Im used to Mexican roads I enjoy driving here!
Very well explained. You have that beautiful culture down. I prefer driving in Mexico, well maybe. At least people in Mexico won’t wreck their new Mercedes, just to prove they had the “Right of Way”
In Tijuana at the US Border, I did the exact same thing. A local vendor suggested it and said people drive backwards on the freeway daily to get back on the right track.
This is the best advice I’ve ever seen on driving Mexico. Totally brilliant. But there again I love the magic third lane, the absence of road rage and my idiot button. When I’m going to do something stupid I hit the four way flasher and cars flow around me when I stop suddenly for a roadside attraction. Brilliant. Driving Mexican roads requires attention but is much easier than dealing with the foaming raging aggressors in the US.
I drove the 95D at insane speeds, the cops just watch you go by. I speed in the left lane, set my flasher to the left when I want to pass someone and they move right away! Be agressive and you’ll be fine, if you’re not a great driver, don’t try it. THIS IS A REAL FREE COUNTRY and $20 usd takes care of everything. ❤ Mexico
Oh my gosh Paul we have been living in Puerto Morelos since May and this video is 100% true! I was laughing because I have seen all those things here and I learned Tope too 😮. Great video
We almost got killed in Mexico. Crazy. An 18 wheeler passing another 18 wheeler in a two lane highway. It’s like the passing driver didn’t care on oncoming traffic. Horrendous. I still get the chills when I remember.
Great vid Paul 👌 👍 Ya im nervous about driving in Mexico 😆 I work for the government here in Canada n drive for a living n have taken defensive driving courses. I have my class 3 n motorcycle license. Be aware of your surroundings at all time calm n courteous cautious ⚠️ 👌 should be ok. Drive according to road conditions: Update been driving 10 months here n everytime you get behind the wheel is an adventure it's truly like the wild west driving N everything is just a suggestion fully alert at all times n just go with the flow not one issue yet 😊✌️
I'm from the US and my wife is from Mexico we have driven to and in Mexico a lot this video is spot on. I will say that the only place I've witnessed road rage is in Mexico City and more than once, my wife refuses to drive there. They do tend to drive more aggressive.
One day while in Cozumel away from the ciudad de centro I watched the drivers of Cozumel. Every 5 or so minutes I would see a family of 4 on a scooter and I would take a pic. I thought it was funny/scary.
As a dane driving around Yucatan for 7 days last month in march 2024 I find that bald Tom Cruise describes my experiences with mexican traffic pretty spot on. Somewhat hectic, slightly chaotic, and oftentimes unpredictable, but with it's own 30 degrees celsius Taco-charm to it. Very recommendable, but keep your eyes open.😅
Looking forward to being a pedestrian in mid-size cities in Mexico. With focus on the congested areas!!! One of my favorite parts is the left hand turn from the right side. It makes so much sense. The glorietas are cool -but then again I’ve never driven around them in CDMX or Guadalajara.
You were lucky you got a sign on the washed out road. Sometimes it just has a couple of rocks stacked in front of it. The bus drivers know where they are and watch traffic winding through the mountains to time it so they don't have to stop or even slow down.
I really appreciate your insight! Here in Merida, some of the paint has actually faded away on some of the topes. I'm sure it's because of the rain fall. I'm always hoping my poor lil vehicle will survive. I'm originally from NYC. Drivers usually honk before the light even changes. I thought to myself, folks don't really honk here in Merida. Then a day or so later, I heard a car honk 2x. I figured it was an expat. I love Merida!
@@BOULDERGEEK My rent here for a 2bed, 2 bath townhome is presently 13,500. which depending on the day and peso/US exchange rate is about 640. US. I eat out all of the time but I use a vegan meal delivery service usually Mon -Fri, then its pepperoni pizza on the weekend. It's just me so I'm guessing I spend about 250 US per month on food. As far a s AC, I only run it in one room and I tend to keep it between 25 and 30 degrees celcius. Yes, my friends say I may as well not use it. Mostly I don't. My first electric bill here was 1,300 Pesos which is about 65 US but I was actually away an entire month and my landlord came by and turned on every light in my place as a security measure. So The bill wasn't actually based on my usage. There was absolutely no need for that. I'm in neighborhood I'm in is Montebello which is considered to be one of the most secure locations but honestly I get the feeling that 99% of the colonias are safe. For me, I think I spend about 1,000 US a month if that. I'm actually about to move to a different location and my rent will be 8,500 ps. 425 US per month. Pretty much the same layout that I have now except I'll have a dipping pool. Come on down!
Also you do pay for the water in your home but that bill has been about $9 US and that every other month just like the electric bill.You pay for gas also but again, it's a nominal fee. Internet fee is $25 dollars a month and I pay $10 dollars per month for my mexican cell phone. I bought the phone outright so I just pay for the recharge of the simcard.
@@cpeeps430 Thank you very much for typing out this useful information. It sounds like you live a good and comfortable life. We appreciate your willingness to help others figure out how they can do the same. :-D
Good videos for newbies. I will share for sure. I've been driving in Mexico for 50 years. Mostly for the Baja off road races. Plus driving for 4 years from San Diego, California to Del Cabo. No accidents . Hit 4 cows. Kept going. Lol. I was in a big truck. Lost 3 mirrors...other than that all good What fun times!!🏁🏁🏁
@@qroo We were traveling about 20 mph...doing a radio check with a race car in mountains between Cabo and Todo Santos. They came out of the bushes...Cows crapped all over the windshield on impact...my truck had a huge steel bumper with winch...broke the night LED lights...all good. Had many many close calls over the years.
I drive a lot in Mexico - certainly more than I have in the USA - and it's very different in Mexico where hazards like no shoulders and three lane highways. One story about a canadian driving in the USA and Mex. is likely very common - this drive would not move over for oncoming trucks and, as a result, lost the entire RH side of his car's "skin".
An other thing..it is very common for lanes not to be marked, so a lot of times you got to figure out where your lane is..the best thing is to follow the ones ahead of you, and if none's ahead...hahaha good luck!! I drive in both countries all the time..and yes be kind, you never know whose gonna draw a gun out if you show the bad finger..and I tell you brother..they will use it. Just be kool and you be alright. Thanks paul, I love your channel.
Lucky you. You didn’t get stopped. Not everyone is so lucky. But I knew the game and paid “la grand mordida,” and was allowed to a do over on my mistake. This was in trying to pass back over the border from Tijuana to the US. I make this trip frequently and this was only my second run-in with the TJ police. But I’d does happen.
Very good advice. I've driven in nearly every state and have found Villahermosa to have the most aggressive drivers in all of Mexico. I have no idea why but I have nowhere else even close including Mexico City.
In 2003 I drove in Mexico city, and had a very basic map, and no GPS. What a nightmare, and rude drivers. If you signaled your lane change, they would speed up to block your move. Lot of other issues too.
@@qroo Yeah, I'm driving around Guadalajara with my Mexican then-fiancée, now-wife. She screams "TOPE! TOPE!" I say "what's a to-" KABOOM! Cracked bumper. Those things are on the highways, unpainted. I guess residents have a trained eye for seeing them.
Everything he said is true, again infrastructure in the south is way behind road infrastructure in northern Mexico. Another thing to consider is insurance, in Mexico if you get into an accident and you are at fault and the other party has injuries, you are going to be detained no matter if you have insurance or not. If you have insurance, the insurance company will send a lawyer to confirm they will pay for injuries, and once that has been confirmed you will be released.
I remember being in Mexico, seeing when cars pull in front of each other, just laughing when I think about how Americans will be blasting the horn and angry. In Mexico it's super chill.
I have driven quite a few times in Mexico, this is very helpful. I learned some new things, especially cultural norms. You simply cannot fight those, you won't win.
This video is so on point! We've been driving to and from all parts Mexico for 29 years, and now own a home in San Pedro Choula (where I unexpectedly keep flying over 2 topes). People are gracious on the roads, and reverse driving on ramps is common place. We do our best to stay on toll roads as better maintenance, but either way it's always an adventure... Cheers
Good video. I'll definitely look forward to your future videos on this same topic. I'd like to see an overview of what it was like for you & your wife to learn to drive in Mexico--apprehensions, stuff you found the most confusing, stuff you found the most helpful, etc. Also navigating tips/tricks, learning the signage, etc.
There's a difference between aggressive drivers and aggressive driving, the latter being the norm on heavily trafficked streets and highways of Mexico. Seems like almost everyone is in a race. There might be more road rage in the States, but stateside drivers are much more courteous. On my eighth cross-country tour of Mexico and wouldn't miss it for the world. Live and drive fearlessly.
I noticed that a lot of Mexicans install a second horn in their cars (especially taxis). It is much quieter (wee wee wee) and seems to be used as a 'friendly reminder' that you are doing something wrong. It is nice how consistently slower traffic in Mexico moves to the right allowing faster traffic to flow. I can attest to the fact that you need to always be ready for surprises while driving in Mexico. I was on a well maintained state road (maybe 200 going north out of Manzanillo) and all of a sudden it goes from a well paved 2 lane road to a one lane road. My lane just ended and dropped off into a construction site. Luckily there was no oncoming traffic so I was able to shift to the left and stay on pavement.
Love your videos. Do you have one about driving through Mexico and avoiding the bad cartel areas? We are driving in from the USA in may and have to get to the tulum area.
Here in Mexico City, where I live, everybody blow their horn especially during rush hours. As you had said Paul, depends on the part of the country you are.
In Oaxaca city, people sometimes honk their horns and I've had someone honk at me when I was trying to turn left, may have been doing it wrong. But the general.point seems very true, people go with the flow.
I always say about driving in Brazil "Erosion" is the most terrifying sign to see on a mountain road - no telling if there's any highway at all around the next curve.
I've not driven in Mexico, but I have driven in Santiago, Chile and all over Argentina. What you describe in Mexico is the same in those two countries. You WILL get cut off, and you WILL cut off other drivers. That's just how it is. No one gets agree or wants to fight. The US could learn a lot from these countries. It's really not that serious.
I was harrassed by two Peruvians in a pickup truck on a dark, wet mountain road I was stuck on. They wanted to fight. Kept hounding me to pass. I pulled over, and they stopped behind me. I said they should just go. No, they wanted to fight. I hopped on the bike, and they chased me again. Eventually they went on their way. Not much of a fan of Peruvian driving.
Driving in Mexico requires BETTER driving skills, because obstructions and rules are very different. No shoulders on most roads in Mexico. The infamous 3 lane hwy. in Mex. requires that you move to the side to allow the middle lane to be used for passing - if you don't yield you may have a head on collusion. You MUST stay more engaged driving in Mexico.
Something I found odd driving in Mexico. I rented a car in PV to go visit someone in Guyabitos (not sure of spelling). It is a winding rode with just two lanes, one in each direction. When I came up behind another car driving slowly I would wait for a break in oncoming traffic. When I put on my signal that I was going to pass it was like I was signalling the person behind me that the coast was clear and they would then pass me. I am a pretty aggressive driver so not one to hesitate so this really was a surprise. It happened every time I used my signal. When I didn’t signal I had no problems.
I definitely experienced the creative multiple lanes while in zihuatanejo. The topes are everywhere, many unmarked. Once there was a manhole and the cover was standing up on its side. I didn’t see it but my brother did. He thought I was going to hit it. I could have cuz I didn’t see it but luckily I didn’t. My bro and his wife were spending the day on their scooters with another couple. At the end of the day my bro hit a unmarked tope. He ended up 5 hours away in the hospital with a swollen brain (despite their helmet). It took both of them about a year to recover. She had leg and foot issues.
I rode down on a motorcycle with 5 other riders in 2002. We had wild donkeys and cows in the road in the desert, wild hogs down in the jungle all either in the road or charging us. The speed bumps were quite the surprise. Hit one of those on a motorcycle a couple of times and you’ll start watching for them. We did have one of our riders hit head on by a bus trying to pass a semi. She almost died and we had to have her med evacted to Texas. I had to bribe cops and Red Cross ambulance drivers to get her out. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I’d love to go back on a motorcycle but my health precludes that.
As an ambulance jockey in the States I've seen many motorcycle vs deer, elk, cows and pigs day or night. Almost all were fatal. Also head-ons with semis, also fatal. We put 8 foot wildlife fences along the interstates in Colorado and we still have wildlife accidents at night. I try to limit my night driving in Mexico to cities in cars, but driving at night in rural areas both in the US and Mexico requires heightened awareness.
Great video. One thing I'm curious about is turn signal etiquette. We rented a minivan and drove some family we were visiting with from Veracruz to El tajin. My brother-in-law was instructing me to pull over to the right but put my left turn signal on to tell the people behind me it was okay for them to pass me on the left. I'm curious If this is a common practice or just localized. One thing I would advise is definitely not to drive a night on your first or second time driving in Mexico. I did pull a Bo and Luke and launched our minivan rental over a speed bump in the dark and the potholes are atrocious. This was on 2 lane road at least. I mean highways I've driven down there we're in pretty good shape but being from a US city I'm used to lights on expressways and there are none there until you get close in. Love your videos take care.
@@qroo please do the video about how the left turns work and how to fluidly navigate through. especially that the far right lane is for the left turn when you get the green arrow and that if you're out in the country the left turn signal means you can pass. I'm pretty sure I'd be dead by now if my friend hadn't told me. Thanks for your channel.
Love it! Useful intel as always! Ya, that "culture," thing can bite you in the boo, boo. As a motorcycle rider traffic behavior/conditions are a concern. I'm planning to get a motorcycle to tour Mexico on so this is a good heads up. Perhaps more in this in the future? 😁
Here in Mexico EVERYONE watch out for bikers, tons of them all over, most of them are not fast bikes just the economic good transportation kind for men and women, young and old people, so less stress to be "invisible" bike driver as is in the US; you will be fine.
We lived in San Antonio for four years. They drive on the shoulder to let faster traffic pass too! It’s called the “Texas Courtesy Pass.” Pretty sure it’s technically illegal, but it worked out great!
I really enjoyed this video. We have been living in Quintana Roo for a couple of months and, I have been afraid to drive here. Now that I have seen this videos and, Understand how ur works here. I will definitely venture out more. My poor husband has been driving me everywhere lol. Thank you Paul you make it easier for us to Adapt in Mexico!
I live in Costa Rica. Our traffic cops stand by the side of the road and wave you to pull over so they can give you a ticket. Amazingly, people do, but when you pass a cop on the side of the road you're supposed to flash your lights at oncoming traffic so they can cut out whatever they may be doing that's illegal. They mostly stay in the same spots all the time so you automatically react to approaching those spots by slowing down. I don't think I've come to a full stop at a stop sign in decades though.
Having been driving in Thailand, Mexico is far easier to safely navigate. The one exception is Stop signs, apparently they are merely suggestions, no one in Mexico actually stops unless an accident is imminent.
I was in Guadalajara on business for three weeks about eight months ago. Monday thru Friday, a driving service would transport me to various office locations and then back .one morning, around 8:15 am while driving approximately 1/8 of a mile from passing under a “ footbridge “ on a bustling road… a man was thrown over the rail with a hangman’s noose… his body swung around and not one person stopped nor did my driver bat an eye towards the incident… I turned around in my seat, releasing my seat belt for a better view; as we continued to drive away ….later that day, my driver ( who is a very decent gentleman that I’ve known over the past ten years) was waiting with a few pictures and over coffee gave me an ear full….we certainly have our fair share of nutty events in the USA. Still, the casualness of the locals was enlightening!
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Very true I haven't encountered any road rage there. I would add two things: Trucks and high profile vehicles will leave their left turn signal on to tell you it's OK to pass. If someone is going to turn left on a two lane highway they tend to signal left but then pull over to the right shoulder and CROSS the highway instead of turning from it (after you have passed). That's a MUCH better way than we do it in the U.S.!
As a motorcyclist, I have been on many back roads where only the trucks can tell what's up ahead. I learned (slowly, carefully) to trust them as an indicator of when it is OK to bounce out for a fast pass. I would never trust a US driver to give me accurate info to bet my life on. I think they just like to see someone with a fast vehicle that can drive as the road calls for. Oh, to be on a bike on the Mazatlan-Durango Highway again!
@@BOULDERGEEK Mexicans love to drive fast and I love them for it, haha.
I’ve been a little afraid of renting a car and driving in Mexico. I appreciate this video, makes me think I’d be ok.
It’s funny how in the U.S. we aren’t very tolerant of other people, specially their driving. I think I’m drawn to the Mexican culture because of the more friendly attitude towards others. We could learn a thing or two.
Thanks for all the tips and insight.
Fear not. be courteous. Always yield. NEVER drive faster than your brakes can respond, and expect the unexpected. Every kind of life form in your path at any given moment. (Do not drive at night).
I’ve driven in a dozen cities in Mexico and they are all manageable. Except in Mexico City. That place is INSANE.
That depends on where in the USA you are. In the midwest states like Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, etc if you are not in a major city traffic is very easy going and many people stop to check if you pull over. When I drive in eastern states I am very much more on defense to avoid the idiots that brake check and swerve in front of people to see them lock up the brakes. In western states it is pretty calm driving but the pacific states seem to breed very angry people. In the south once again away from the cities and it is nice to drive, cities seem to make people stupid and suicidal.
Mark . . . . there's another cultural difference . . . . 'inching your way' to get onto a road from an intersection. when there is traffic and there is no traffic lights. hate to say it, but if you dont 'inch your way' . . . you could be there for hours and nobody would let you pass . . . i guess its just part of the culture . . . they expect you to 'inch your way' . . . till somebody is forced to let you pass infront of them. no problem.
@@victorflores6349 It is what it is. I mostly just go around the right side of the road as it's mostly free, albeit with significant road damage.
Interesting video. I wish you would’ve mentioned some thing that completely shocked us when driving in Mexico. When you are on a 2 Lane road and want to pass a car, many times the car in front will turn on the left blinker. This does not mean the car is turning left. In Mexico it means it’s OK to pass! It took us a while to adjust to this. And now I really appreciate it when someone does that. =:-)
Really? Haven't seen this while driving for a couple weeks in QR. In Europe we blink to the right if the road in front of us is free to overtake and left if there's incoming traffic from the front. That makes more sense as the left turn signal officially means "I'm turning left/overtaking'.
Spot on. I spent 10 months in Baja Sur and everything you discussed was accurate. One thing I also noticed was that drinking a beer while driving is not illegal. I experienced this twice, being stopped once by the police in Mulege and once by the Federales while having a beer between my legs and nothing was said either time. I was shocked because I thought, being from the U.S., I was going to jail. Nope. They were both polite, professional and did their jobs well.
Actually it is illegal, depend on how drunk you are cops would let you go after some "money", or if they want they would take you to jail
@@bigpapa870 Its NOT illegal, I asked the Mulege Chief of Police while I served him his fried grouper fish dinner one night at the cantina I was helping out at. He DID say that if you showed signs of being impaired, they would probably question THAT, but not if you were normal and sober. I guess it's up to the discretion of the officer. it happened to me twice.
I loved how you talked about this. I tell people Mexico has stop signs, stop lights and lane markers, but these are merely suggestions. lol.....
so true. stop sign = yield
Paul is diplomatic. "Toto, I don't think we are in Kansas any more..." Gotta remember where you're at😎
Great video. I live in Yucatan, and one thing I've noticed is that Mexicans DO use their horns for the purpose that they were intended. Not to tell someone off, but the give a brief cautionary alert. If you see someone is about to back out of their driveway into oncoming traffic.. one polite beep lets the other driver know, be careful, or caution. Lots of helpful little beeps.. no angry "hornings" like up north.
Yup, even the buses make short, informative beeps for potential passengers just walking on the pedestrian path.
❣️ simply love this one 😂 it’s you „badly need to adjust“ and that’s exactly what’s all about when entering another culture or country all over the world ❣️
Thanks, Anne. :)
You’re spot. on about road rage here. I’ve lived and driven in Guadalajara/Zapopan for 4 years and have never once seen anything remotely resembling road rage.
For me, the iffiest part of driving here are the glorietas (roundabouts) many don’t seem to plan or know which exit to take and it’s quite common to have drivers cut across 2 or 3 lanes to make a desperate attempt to make their turn. Also, beware of drivers with their hazard lights on, it means that they are confused and might do something hazardous. Also something kind of weird is that it is cars that are insured…not drivers. Someone could have multiple accidents/violations and it doesn’t affect their insurance rates one bit. Bad drivers pay exactly the same as super safe drivers.
The hazard lights help a lot. Mostly they're used by drivers who inform that there is a slowdown in front or they're slow themselves. Makes it easy to make advance decisions as you can't really detect the speed of traffic in the blazing sun.
Thank You Paul your blogs and now videos have been most helpful as we have moved to Tulum. Something that I have found while driving around is the use of 4 way flashers which you have to allow the car to do whatever it wants stopping, backing up, cross traffic, stop in the middle of the road/lane, cross over 3 lanes of traffic....lol...whatch out for the four way flashers as the car may make an unpredictable maneuver...lol
That's just the god-mode indicators
Love your advice about road rage “ leave it at home”!! Great tips !!!
Excellent culture talk, more than food. Go with the flow, love it. I like this idea.
I haven’t personally driven in Mexico, but have rode many times with people. Definitely a go with the flow type of driving culture. One thing you didn’t mention is how stop signs are often treated more like yield signs!
Great info here. My mother always called the people who stayed left and wouldn't move as "Left lane police." haha. And no, many topes aren't marked. Agree, no road rage here, it's wonderful! Horns are used as they should be, as a warning. - Anne
Specially when crossing big intersections at night... which can be annoying if you live next to one T_T. send help.
you're right topes signs are not always there and also
some signs are right on the topes and some before the topes.
🤪😜🤪😜
so when thinking topes will be on 20
feet ahead, you're right on them.
🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂
Thanks for this informative and entertaining video. I have only driven on the Oaxaca coast where there are hundreds of topes (I can confirm that many are unmarked). My tip: follow behind another vehicle. When the car in front bounces over a tope, slow down for your turn. I have been a passenger in many parts of Mexico. My observation was that the "rules of the road" (especially lane markers) are actually friendly suggestions. Road rage? I don't know about QR - but honking is constant in Mexico City. After a week there I feel like I am hearing honking in my dreams (just like after a week in Jalisco I start hearing the oom pa pa of a tuba in my sleep). I am not sure if they are raging or what - but there is a lot of honking. I see Mexicans as the friendliest people around - in person - but not inclined to give the right of way when behind the wheel. One more tip - if you are a pedestrian - RUN! There is a reason the "walk" sign is a running man. And watch for bikes, scooters and cars that simply do not stop despite the fact they had a red light. Strangely enough, drivers actually stop for pedestrians in Merida and Queretaro. But I still recommend running no matter where you want to cross the road.
It amused me to hear you talk about aggressive driving in the U.S. I am from Germany and find the driving so very relaxed here in the U.S. as compared to Germany :)
I have more than 100,000km on my motorcycles on Mexican roads. I agree with everything you said. Particularly topes. MOST are not marked and many never were
Thank you! I'll be driving to Mexico for the first time this October. I appreciate your advice!
You're welcome. Happy motoring. :)
This was absolutely hilarious, so well done Mr. Serpentine, terrific sense of humor, plus still informative! "It was very pleasurable"
Thanks, Brian.
Also, If the road is rough, 4 lanes 2ea.way, it's OK two drive down the center of the 2 lanes just keep an eye out for cars behind you and pull to the left if needed. If you see police light flashing, don't panic, pull to the left let them pass. Watch out for farm vehicles they might have things that stick out that could rip a big slice out of your car. Trucks will often put on their left blinker to let you know that it's OK to pass, very helpful.
I should have said pull to the right,cars including police, do this because it's smoother between the 2 lanes
Yup, police have always red/blue lights flashing here.
@@sombrerogrande6317
Wow. Sounds perfect to me! The concept of "flow" and keeping the left lane clear. Sounds like we could learn a lot from Mexico about driving here in the US. I did 1,700km by motorcycle in Costa Rica 15 years ago and loved how four vehicles would pull up to a 4-way "stop" and nobody actually stopped, they just flowed. It was a beautiful thing. I also noticed there were stray dogs everywhere and they were alert to vehicles. I guess Darwin has a bit of an edge on that front as well. Also appreciate your law enforcement experience/perspective/background on the topic. Oh, and cars had the right-of-way, which also made sense whether I was walking or driving (riding). Thanks for the great video.
I feel like it's more about the possibility of honking at the wrong person that forces you to remain calm 😂
The biggest thing that you didn't mention is that when slowing down quickly for the tope or another reason, vehicles turn on their hazard lights to let you know what they are doing.
I have not seen pedestrians get priority on any streets when I was driving, they wait til there is a break before stepping off the curb.
Great video 😊, thanks! My husband, who drove all over the South states of US, had a hard times with the "p..che topes" because he is very cautious about his vehicles; you definitely find those UNMARKED topes everywhere, particularly near or within small towns. Now he developed a habit: not familiar with the road, follow with safe distance someone and keep eye when their car bounces on the road ... Tope in front of you.
Also, you are absolutely correct, no road rage here, if you get angry 😡 and honk your horn, they will look at you as a rude lunatic... Culture diving , that's all.
, we are also cautious , we do not know who is driving the other car, may be a bad guy.
@@canalsmt3869 absolutely!
@3:20 this is done in many parts in texas too.
Another thing that is common in texas, that i assume is done in mexico, is if a car is making a left turn, you pass him on the shoulder. It is actually legal to do so in texas.
Super helpful! I will be driving to Mexico in a few months from the US, so this was good info and the video that you.shot was really what i needed to see
Glad it was helpful! Have fun!
Nice video, the only thing I would say is officially the left lane in Mexico is only a passing lane. If there are two lanes, you should always stay to the right and only use the number 1 lane if you are passing someone in front of you. In practice though all that is really going to happen is someone is going to flash their lights at you.
Great vid...Fluid is a perfect word. Many "fun" adventures in cabs in S MX...Better than some carnival rides. O those speed bumps.. Fun to watch new drivers not understand they are there...I'm amazed at the skills of the MX drivers especially the taxi drivers....Seen a lot of accidents however on the 307....Gracias for this vid.
Videos like this one are why I subscribe to your channel. Plus, you can be a funny guy, when you're having a good time...
Thanks, Patrick.
(Expat perm. 7 Years, Jalisco). This is a great topic, thanks for jumping into it. I have a suggestion though. The issue that the left turn signal can be interpreted in at least two different ways ... Is he turning left, or does he want me to pass on the left.??? Also, I have had Mexican drivers in a huge hurry pass me unsafely, only a few moments later, yield to a pedestrian(s) crossing the roadway. Soooo Mexican. In addition: Whenever possible, DO NOT drive at night. That is when the cows own the road! Best wishes.
Mexico is very serious about pedestrians having the right of way. It's like California when I was a kid 70 years ago. Some topes are built with pedestrian crosswalks on top. At night unmarked topes are particularly dangerous and in some villages neighbors install their own to slow people down.
If you like a little bit of adrenaline rush, go drive in Monterrey, it will be fun...
I've been driving in Mexico since 1973. Not one accident. Drove from San Diego, CA to Cabo and back for 5 years...4 times a month. Be aware!! Simple.
Im from Scotland so I had the challenge of driving on the other side of the road and my first experience of driving being Mexico City.
Im doing my biggest drive next week cdmx to merida with a stop in Ciudad del Carmen.
Now Im used to Mexican roads I enjoy driving here!
Very well explained. You have that beautiful culture down. I prefer driving in Mexico, well maybe. At least people in Mexico won’t wreck their new Mercedes, just to prove they had the “Right of Way”
In Tijuana at the US Border, I did the exact same thing. A local vendor suggested it and said people drive backwards on the freeway daily to get back on the right track.
That is so funny..
SO TRUE!!!!! I wish it was a little more like that here in the USA and they do everything possible to avoid a crash.
Belize has speed bumps anytime you come to some populated area
This is the best advice I’ve ever seen on driving Mexico. Totally brilliant. But there again I love the magic third lane, the absence of road rage and my idiot button. When I’m going to do something stupid I hit the four way flasher and cars flow around me when I stop suddenly for a roadside attraction. Brilliant. Driving Mexican roads requires attention but is much easier than dealing with the foaming raging aggressors in the US.
I drove the 95D at insane speeds, the cops just watch you go by. I speed in the left lane, set my flasher to the left when I want to pass someone and they move right away! Be agressive and you’ll be fine, if you’re not a great driver, don’t try it. THIS IS A REAL FREE COUNTRY and $20 usd takes care of everything. ❤ Mexico
The in's & out's of knowing is always helpful. Thanks.
Oh my gosh Paul we have been living in Puerto Morelos since May and this video is 100% true! I was laughing because I have seen all those things here and I learned Tope too 😮. Great video
Props to anyone that keeps to the right except while passing! Bravo
We almost got killed in Mexico. Crazy. An 18 wheeler passing another 18 wheeler in a two lane highway. It’s like the passing driver didn’t care on oncoming traffic. Horrendous. I still get the chills when I remember.
Yep. That's typical driving in Mexico. I've been passed many times by semis and buses on narrow 2 lane rural highways.
Great vid Paul 👌 👍
Ya im nervous about driving in Mexico 😆
I work for the government here in Canada n drive for a living n have taken defensive driving courses. I have my class 3 n motorcycle license.
Be aware of your surroundings at all time calm n courteous cautious ⚠️ 👌 should be ok. Drive according to road conditions:
Update been driving 10 months here n everytime you get behind the wheel is an adventure it's truly like the wild west driving
N everything is just a suggestion fully alert at all times n just go with the flow not one issue yet 😊✌️
I'm from the US and my wife is from Mexico we have driven to and in Mexico a lot this video is spot on. I will say that the only place I've witnessed road rage is in Mexico City and more than once, my wife refuses to drive there. They do tend to drive more aggressive.
One day while in Cozumel away from the ciudad de centro I watched the drivers of Cozumel. Every 5 or so minutes I would see a family of 4 on a scooter and I would take a pic. I thought it was funny/scary.
This is the best tutorial out there. I personally prefer Mexico driving to America driving. I feel as crazy as it looks, it works better.
Basically, this is how I already drive; especially in the country. Mi espousa needs to learn this before we get there!!
Haha
As a dane driving around Yucatan for 7 days last month in march 2024 I find that bald Tom Cruise describes my experiences with mexican traffic pretty spot on.
Somewhat hectic, slightly chaotic, and oftentimes unpredictable, but with it's own 30 degrees celsius Taco-charm to it.
Very recommendable, but keep your eyes open.😅
Amazing and accurate video Paul! I certainly don’t miss the road rage :)
Looking forward to being a pedestrian in mid-size cities in Mexico. With focus on the congested areas!!! One of my favorite parts is the left hand turn from the right side. It makes so much sense. The glorietas are cool -but then again I’ve never driven around them in CDMX or Guadalajara.
You were lucky you got a sign on the washed out road. Sometimes it just has a couple of rocks stacked in front of it. The bus drivers know where they are and watch traffic winding through the mountains to time it so they don't have to stop or even slow down.
I really appreciate your insight! Here in Merida, some of the paint has actually faded away on some of the topes. I'm sure it's because of the rain fall. I'm always hoping my poor lil vehicle will survive.
I'm originally from NYC. Drivers usually honk before the light even changes. I thought to myself, folks don't really honk here in Merida. Then a day or so later, I heard a car honk 2x. I figured it was an expat. I love Merida!
Can you comment on what is a good expat monthly expense budget in Merida? 2 people, aircon mandatory, home cooking half the time?
@@BOULDERGEEK My rent here for a 2bed, 2 bath townhome is presently 13,500. which depending on the day and peso/US exchange rate is about 640. US. I eat out all of the time but I use a vegan meal delivery service usually Mon -Fri, then its pepperoni pizza on the weekend. It's just me so I'm guessing I spend about 250 US per month on food. As far a s AC, I only run it in one room and I tend to keep it between 25 and 30 degrees celcius. Yes, my friends say I may as well not use it. Mostly I don't. My first electric bill here was 1,300 Pesos which is about 65 US but I was actually away an entire month and my landlord came by and turned on every light in my place as a security measure. So The bill wasn't actually based on my usage. There was absolutely no need for that. I'm in neighborhood I'm in is Montebello which is considered to be one of the most secure locations but honestly I get the feeling that 99% of the colonias are safe. For me, I think I spend about 1,000 US a month if that. I'm actually about to move to a different location and my rent will be 8,500 ps. 425 US per month. Pretty much the same layout that I have now except I'll have a dipping pool. Come on down!
Also you do pay for the water in your home but that bill has been about $9 US and that every other month just like the electric bill.You pay for gas also but again, it's a nominal fee. Internet fee is $25 dollars a month and I pay $10 dollars per month for my mexican cell phone. I bought the phone outright so I just pay for the recharge of the simcard.
@@cpeeps430 Thank you very much for typing out this useful information. It sounds like you live a good and comfortable life. We appreciate your willingness to help others figure out how they can do the same. :-D
Good videos for newbies. I will share for sure. I've been driving in Mexico for 50 years. Mostly for the Baja off road races. Plus driving for 4 years from San Diego, California to Del Cabo. No accidents . Hit 4 cows. Kept going. Lol. I was in a big truck. Lost 3 mirrors...other than that all good What fun times!!🏁🏁🏁
4 cows? Wow. I'm glad you weren't hurt.
@@qroo We were traveling about 20 mph...doing a radio check with a race car in mountains between Cabo and Todo Santos. They came out of the bushes...Cows crapped all over the windshield on impact...my truck had a huge steel bumper with winch...broke the night LED lights...all good. Had many many close calls over the years.
I drive a lot in Mexico - certainly more than I have in the USA - and it's very different in Mexico where hazards like no shoulders and three lane highways. One story about a canadian driving in the USA and Mex. is likely very common - this drive would not move over for oncoming trucks and, as a result, lost the entire RH side of his car's "skin".
An other thing..it is very common for lanes not to be marked, so a lot of times you got to figure out where your lane is..the best thing is to follow the ones ahead of you, and if none's ahead...hahaha good luck!! I drive in both countries all the time..and yes be kind, you never know whose gonna draw a gun out if you show the bad finger..and I tell you brother..they will use it. Just be kool and you be alright. Thanks paul, I love your channel.
Drove into Mexico in 2003. First international drive for me. It's useful to know the rules of the road.
Lucky you. You didn’t get stopped. Not everyone is so lucky. But I knew the game and paid “la grand mordida,” and was allowed to a do over on my mistake. This was in trying to pass back over the border from Tijuana to the US. I make this trip frequently and this was only my second run-in with the TJ police. But I’d does happen.
Very good advice. I've driven in nearly every state and have found Villahermosa to have the most aggressive drivers in all of Mexico. I have no idea why but I have nowhere else even close including Mexico City.
In 2003 I drove in Mexico city, and had a very basic map, and no GPS. What a nightmare, and rude drivers. If you signaled your lane change, they would speed up to block your move. Lot of other issues too.
Thanks for this! You didn't mention how they pull to the right to turn left and that left turn signals sometimes just means it's ok to pass. 😀
I learned "tope" the hard way. Thank heavens I had full coverage on the rental.
Haha, that bad, huh?
@@qroo Yeah, I'm driving around Guadalajara with my Mexican then-fiancée, now-wife. She screams "TOPE! TOPE!" I say "what's a to-" KABOOM! Cracked bumper. Those things are on the highways, unpainted. I guess residents have a trained eye for seeing them.
Everything he said is true, again infrastructure in the south is way behind road infrastructure in northern Mexico. Another thing to consider is insurance, in Mexico if you get into an accident and you are at fault and the other party has injuries, you are going to be detained no matter if you have insurance or not. If you have insurance, the insurance company will send a lawyer to confirm they will pay for injuries, and once that has been confirmed you will be released.
👍🏼 And then the use of blinkers…
I remember being in Mexico, seeing when cars pull in front of each other, just laughing when I think about how Americans will be blasting the horn and angry. In Mexico it's super chill.
I have driven quite a few times in Mexico, this is very helpful. I learned some new things, especially cultural norms. You simply cannot fight those, you won't win.
This video is so on point! We've been driving to and from all parts Mexico for 29 years, and now own a home in San Pedro Choula (where I unexpectedly keep flying over 2 topes). People are gracious on the roads, and reverse driving on ramps is common place. We do our best to stay on toll roads as better maintenance, but either way it's always an adventure... Cheers
Good video. I'll definitely look forward to your future videos on this same topic. I'd like to see an overview of what it was like for you & your wife to learn to drive in Mexico--apprehensions, stuff you found the most confusing, stuff you found the most helpful, etc. Also navigating tips/tricks, learning the signage, etc.
There's a difference between aggressive drivers and aggressive driving, the latter being the norm on heavily trafficked streets and highways of Mexico. Seems like almost everyone is in a race. There might be more road rage in the States, but stateside drivers are much more courteous. On my eighth cross-country tour of Mexico and wouldn't miss it for the world. Live and drive fearlessly.
Ive been in playa del carmen for three weeks now and im getting accustomed to driving here 😅but first week was stressful!
Does the guy that invented the speed bumps in Mexico, sell shock absorbers also:)
lol, he would have made a killing if he did...lol.
I passed a taxi on the right on a curve in the mountains near Palenque and he honked at me a lot. I deserved it!
I noticed that a lot of Mexicans install a second horn in their cars (especially taxis). It is much quieter (wee wee wee) and seems to be used as a 'friendly reminder' that you are doing something wrong. It is nice how consistently slower traffic in Mexico moves to the right allowing faster traffic to flow.
I can attest to the fact that you need to always be ready for surprises while driving in Mexico. I was on a well maintained state road (maybe 200 going north out of Manzanillo) and all of a sudden it goes from a well paved 2 lane road to a one lane road. My lane just ended and dropped off into a construction site. Luckily there was no oncoming traffic so I was able to shift to the left and stay on pavement.
Love your videos. Do you have one about driving through Mexico and avoiding the bad cartel areas? We are driving in from the USA in may and have to get to the tulum area.
Here in Mexico City, where I live, everybody blow their horn especially during rush hours. As you had said Paul, depends on the part of the country you are.
City folks do tend to be more impatient no matter what country you're in...lol.
In Oaxaca city, people sometimes honk their horns and I've had someone honk at me when I was trying to turn left, may have been doing it wrong. But the general.point seems very true, people go with the flow.
I always say about driving in Brazil "Erosion" is the most terrifying sign to see on a mountain road - no telling if there's any highway at all around the next curve.
I've not driven in Mexico, but I have driven in Santiago, Chile and all over Argentina. What you describe in Mexico is the same in those two countries. You WILL get cut off, and you WILL cut off other drivers. That's just how it is. No one gets agree or wants to fight. The US could learn a lot from these countries. It's really not that serious.
I was harrassed by two Peruvians in a pickup truck on a dark, wet mountain road I was stuck on. They wanted to fight. Kept hounding me to pass. I pulled over, and they stopped behind me. I said they should just go. No, they wanted to fight. I hopped on the bike, and they chased me again. Eventually they went on their way. Not much of a fan of Peruvian driving.
Driving in Mexico requires BETTER driving skills, because obstructions and rules are very different. No shoulders on most roads in Mexico. The infamous 3 lane hwy. in Mex. requires that you move to the side to allow the middle lane to be used for passing - if you don't yield you may have a head on collusion. You MUST stay more engaged driving in Mexico.
In the Riviera Maya, topes are not always marked. I agree with Paul :)
Thanks HarshColby.
Something I found odd driving in Mexico. I rented a car in PV to go visit someone in Guyabitos (not sure of spelling). It is a winding rode with just two lanes, one in each direction. When I came up behind another car driving slowly I would wait for a break in oncoming traffic. When I put on my signal that I was going to pass it was like I was signalling the person behind me that the coast was clear and they would then pass me. I am a pretty aggressive driver so not one to hesitate so this really was a surprise. It happened every time I used my signal. When I didn’t signal I had no problems.
you were signaling it was safe for them to pass you
I definitely experienced the creative multiple lanes while in zihuatanejo. The topes are everywhere, many unmarked. Once there was a manhole and the cover was standing up on its side. I didn’t see it but my brother did. He thought I was going to hit it. I could have cuz I didn’t see it but luckily I didn’t. My bro and his wife were spending the day on their scooters with another couple. At the end of the day my bro hit a unmarked tope. He ended up 5 hours away in the hospital with a swollen brain (despite their helmet). It took both of them about a year to recover. She had leg and foot issues.
Love this Funny and Wise video!
Glad you liked it!
That traffic at the Tijuana border crossing was not mad 'cuz that mistake you made happens often. TJ driving is an adventure!
WOW..You're absolutely right, we need a second video..
I have a part two planned for this. I just don't like the videos to get too long.
I rode down on a motorcycle with 5 other riders in 2002. We had wild donkeys and cows in the road in the desert, wild hogs down in the jungle all either in the road or charging us. The speed bumps were quite the surprise. Hit one of those on a motorcycle a couple of times and you’ll start watching for them. We did have one of our riders hit head on by a bus trying to pass a semi. She almost died and we had to have her med evacted to Texas. I had to bribe cops and Red Cross ambulance drivers to get her out. It was an experience I’ll never forget. I’d love to go back on a motorcycle but my health precludes that.
As an ambulance jockey in the States I've seen many motorcycle vs deer, elk, cows and pigs day or night. Almost all were fatal. Also head-ons with semis, also fatal. We put 8 foot wildlife fences along the interstates in Colorado and we still have wildlife accidents at night. I try to limit my night driving in Mexico to cities in cars, but driving at night in rural areas both in the US and Mexico requires heightened awareness.
Exactly the same as in Puerto Rico 🇵🇷
Juts discovered this channel, looks interesting. Looking forward to watching more videos.
Welcome!
Great video. One thing I'm curious about is turn signal etiquette. We rented a minivan and drove some family we were visiting with from Veracruz to El tajin. My brother-in-law was instructing me to pull over to the right but put my left turn signal on to tell the people behind me it was okay for them to pass me on the left. I'm curious If this is a common practice or just localized. One thing I would advise is definitely not to drive a night on your first or second time driving in Mexico. I did pull a Bo and Luke and launched our minivan rental over a speed bump in the dark and the potholes are atrocious. This was on 2 lane road at least. I mean highways I've driven down there we're in pretty good shape but being from a US city I'm used to lights on expressways and there are none there until you get close in. Love your videos take care.
That is a common practice. I actually plan to discuss it in another video.
@@qroo please do the video about how the left turns work and how to fluidly navigate through. especially that the far right lane is for the left turn when you get the green arrow and that if you're out in the country the left turn signal means you can pass. I'm pretty sure I'd be dead by now if my friend hadn't told me. Thanks for your channel.
Love it! Useful intel as always! Ya, that "culture," thing can bite you in the boo, boo. As a motorcycle rider traffic behavior/conditions are a concern. I'm planning to get a motorcycle to tour Mexico on so this is a good heads up. Perhaps more in this in the future? 😁
Here in Mexico EVERYONE watch out for bikers, tons of them all over, most of them are not fast bikes just the economic good transportation kind for men and women, young and old people, so less stress to be "invisible" bike driver as is in the US; you will be fine.
@@Dragon-kf5sb that's good news, but, if you don't mind, I'll still be an alert biker. 😁
He is right. Thanks for sharing
Excellent as always! Wish in the USA drivers would GET over. O Well.
We lived in San Antonio for four years. They drive on the shoulder to let faster traffic pass too! It’s called the “Texas Courtesy Pass.” Pretty sure it’s technically illegal, but it worked out great!
I love it!
I really enjoyed this video. We have been living in Quintana Roo for a couple of months and, I have been afraid to drive here. Now that I have seen this videos and, Understand how ur works here. I will definitely venture out more. My poor husband has been driving me everywhere lol. Thank you Paul you make it easier for us to Adapt in Mexico!
I'm glad you liked the video. I actually prefer the way people drive in Mexico, but Linda does not...lol.
@@qroo lol I hear you.
I live in Costa Rica. Our traffic cops stand by the side of the road and wave you to pull over so they can give you a ticket. Amazingly, people do, but when you pass a cop on the side of the road you're supposed to flash your lights at oncoming traffic so they can cut out whatever they may be doing that's illegal. They mostly stay in the same spots all the time so you automatically react to approaching those spots by slowing down. I don't think I've come to a full stop at a stop sign in decades though.
Our local hi way has a sign that says shoulder driving allowed to help passing
Hey Paul I love your videos!, Now what about teaching us some laws and regulations for your neighbors: expats (like me!) in YUKATAN.
Having been driving in Thailand, Mexico is far easier to safely navigate. The one exception is Stop signs, apparently they are merely suggestions, no one in Mexico actually stops unless an accident is imminent.
Good one Paul! Definitely an adjustment to drive down there! Like you said « go with the flow » and hope for the best! 🇲🇽
I was in Guadalajara on business for three weeks about eight months ago. Monday thru Friday, a driving service would transport me to various office locations and then back .one morning, around 8:15 am while driving approximately 1/8 of a mile from passing under a “ footbridge “ on a bustling road… a man was thrown over the rail with a hangman’s noose… his body swung around and not one person stopped nor did my driver bat an eye towards the incident… I turned around in my seat, releasing my seat belt for a better view; as we continued to drive away ….later that day, my driver ( who is a very decent gentleman that I’ve known over the past ten years) was waiting with a few pictures and over coffee gave me an ear full….we certainly have our fair share of nutty events in the USA. Still, the casualness of the locals was enlightening!
Spot on. Excellent video