Traveling by road through Mexico is a unique experience: our country offers impressive landscapes and the opportunity to discover the culture and history of each state on each national route.
However, road safety is not always guaranteed, and varies dramatically depending on the state and region you are driving through. To help you navigate Mexico's roads with greater confidence and peace of mind, this article will provide you with essential information about the most dangerous and safe areas to travel in, as well as relevant statistics on vehicle thefts on Mexican roads.
Most Dangerous Areas for Road Trips in Mexico
Tamaulipas:
This state in northeastern Mexico has long been known for its high incidence of drug-related and organized crime. The highways connecting cities such as Reynosa, Matamoros, and Nuevo Laredo are considered high-risk. If you don't know the area well, avoid traveling there on your own.
Warrior:
Guerrero, particularly in rural areas and some roads that connect to Acapulco, is also known for its dangerousness. Robberies and kidnappings on the highway are frequent problems in this region.
Michoacan:
Although it is a state with a rich history and beautiful landscapes, Michoacán has faced significant security problems on its roads due to the presence of criminal groups.
Veracruz:
The roads in Veracruz, especially those that connect to the port and rural areas, are known for their constant incidents of robbery and violence. Traveling on these routes requires extreme caution, and that is why the Travel Risk Map website recently placed this state on the list of the most dangerous destinations to travel to in Mexico.
Safest Areas for Road Travel in Mexico
Yucatan:
Yucatan is known as one of the safest states in Mexico. The roads connecting Merida, Valladolid and other tourist areas are generally safe and well maintained.
Baja California Sur:
The roads that run through Baja California Sur, including the famous Transpeninsular Highway, are considered safe. The low incidence of violent crime makes it a popular choice for travelers, although the recent murder of three foreign surfers in Ensenada in an isolated section of the road raised security alerts in the area.
Querétaro:
Querétaro has maintained a reputation for safety, with well-patrolled roads and lower incidence of crime compared to other states. Routes connecting to the capital and other major cities are safe to travel on.
Campeche:
This southeastern state is also known for its tranquility and safety on the roads. The routes that connect Campeche with other tourist destinations in the region are reliable for travelers.
Statistics on Vehicle Thefts on Mexico's Highways
According to data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System (SESNSP), vehicle theft on highways has been a persistent problem in Mexico. Recent statistics indicate that:
- In 2023, approximately 15,000 highway vehicle thefts were reported nationwide.
- The states with the highest incidence of vehicle thefts on the highway include the State of Mexico, Jalisco, Puebla and Veracruz.
- Most robberies occur at night and on lonely stretches of road.
Tips for safe road trips in Mexico
1. Plan Your Route: Research the roads you plan to take and avoid areas known to be dangerous.
2. Travel by day: Whenever possible, avoid traveling at night. Visibility and surveillance are better during the day.
3. Keep in constant communication: Inform family or friends about your route and planned schedule. Keep a phone charged and ready for emergencies.
4. Avoid Unnecessary Stops: Minimize stops in isolated or unsafe areas. Plan stops in safe and known locations.
5. Check Your Vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before setting off on your trip. On average, eight out of ten accidents on Mexico's roads are caused by driver carelessness and human error, and not by the condition of the roads or other factors. This article from the Ministry of Security is a good summary of the essential tips to check on your car.
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