Being a tourist in the beautiful country of Mexico will allow you to experience first-hand how exciting getting around can be. Although there are exaggerated stories of crazy driving situations in places like Cancun, these rumors should not keep you from exploring the wonderful things Mexico can offer when choosing car rentals in Cancun while on vacation.

Car rentals – Is it safe to drive in Cancun?

Availing of car rentals in Cancun will help you discover more places on your own terms. The road quality is also great in and around Cancun, particularly the highway between Cancun and Tulum. You will find it fairly easy to navigate and drive in Cancun, particularly if you use a GPS application to support you.

Here are some practical tips to make the experience of car rentals in Cancun more relaxing:

Remember that after dark can be dangerous on the roads in Cancun

As is the case in most places around the world, Cancun’s major road accidents usually occur at night. Despite good road traffic police coverage in Cancun, it is not unusual to see cars with no lights or just one light; or a drunk driver swerving behind the wheel. On the highway from Cancun to Playa del Carmen, for example, you should take particular care at night, and not just because of drunken revelers driving to and from Cancun; animals are known to stray onto the roads, sometimes causing fatal accidents. There are also instances when drunk pedestrians cause trouble on the roads, or indeed potholes which are hard to detect at night. When driving for long distances, choose to drive during the day for your own safety.

Check your speed when you drive in Cancun

You would want to maintain a good driving speed in accordance with the speed limits while moving around this region. Beware the many speed bumps that require your careful attention or else you might hit them at full speed and the result can be damaging. On the main highway, there might be a few speed bumps that are not well signposted. If you don’t see them coming, they can cause major damage to your vehicle.

Green Angels

The green trucks carrying the Green Angels will come to the rescue if you have problems on the main highways. Dispatched by the Department of Tourism, the Green Angels are very helpful but they are sometimes not able to attend to you quick enough because of demand. Best never to need them!

Dates to watch out for when you drive in Cancun

Payday in Mexico usually happen twice a month on the 15th and 30th of each month. You might find more traffic on the roads around these times as people go out to spend their wages. The number of people driving under the influence of alcohol also increases around these times of the month. Sundays pose a similar situation in Cancun, drivers may still be drunk from the night before or driving home from a family lunch. No matter how careful you are, someone along the road might pose a danger.

Make Wise Moves

The frequency that people adhere to the laws in Mexico might be different from other countries. Tourists might be surprised to witness peculiar road scenarios such as kids hanging out car windows, families piling into the beds of pickup trucks, driving while drunk, and other driving infractions. Don’t follow suit. Remember that while you may witness this kind of behaviour, it does not mean that it is legal. Drive as carefully as you would in your home country to avoid being pulled over and fine by transito (transport police). Once you get used to the Mexican roads, you can travel with more ease and comfort.