A recent series of sensational highway accidents serve as an alert for lakeside area motorists to take extreme precautions and exercise defensive driving as they get out on the roadway during the busy holiday season.
Although no fatalities or serious injuries were reported in the wake of three rollover accidents last week and a head-on collision between a motorcycle and a mini-van on December 18, the incidents prompted Chapala Traffic Police Commandant German Alvarez Ahumada to share some valuable safety tips.
Recognizing that motorists have a greater tendency to be hurried, distracted and drive under the influence of alcohol at this time of year, he advised the public to be especially cautious to follow traffic laws and keep a careful eye on their surroundings.
In reference to a two-vehicle crash that occurred Monday, December 2 on the Ajijic-Jocotepec highway at Rancho del Oro, Alvarez issued a reminder about obeying the rules on crossing solid yellow lines painted on the roadway.
The accident happened when one driver put on the left-hand signal and slowed down to turn into a shopping strip located across the road. The car barreling up behind passed at high speed, clipped the front end of the front vehicle and flipped over as it swerved out of control. The commandant said both drivers were at fault for violating rules that prohibit passing and making turns across yellow lines.
Most drivers know better than to pass on stretches marked by solid lines. Many apparently are either ignorant or commonly flaunt the rule for executing left-hand turns where the markings appear. The proper way to carry out the maneuver is to continue driving to the nearest intersection or open point on the roadway, pull off to the right and wait until the road is clear in both directions.
Foreigners may not be aware that Mexican drivers traveling open highways often turn on the left-hand turn signal as a sign indicating to vehicles coming up behind that the road is clear to pass. It is therefore advisable to make your intention to turn clear by sticking your arm out of the window to give a hand signal. It is also wise to keep an eye on the rear-view mirror as you slow down to check if another vehicle is close on your tail or coming up fast and, if necessary, avoid danger by aborting the turn.
The latest accident was caused by an expat who ran a red light at the western traffic circle in La Floresta. The driver said he simply didn’t see the signal which is almost hidden by overgrown foliage on a nearby tree. The frequent malfunction of many other local traffic lights is another hazard to be avoided by approaching all intersections with extra attention and care.
Also watch out for the recent relocation of traffic at the east side of San Antonio Tlayacapan. It is now located close to Superlake at the corner of Independencia. Since that is a one-way street for traffic heading north toward the highway, both left- and right-hand turns off the highway and onto the lateral service road are prohibited.