Los Cabos Authorities Add Checkpoints And Inspections To Ensure Tourists’ Safety

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Last Updated 10 months ago

With the dramatic increase in visitors to the beach resort destination of Los Cabos this year, municipal officials are working hard to make sure that tourists are safe on the local roadways during their vacation.

Part of this safety enforcement has focused on the issue of speed in the area.

Recently, the State of Baja California Sur took control of one of the roadways in Los Cabos and lowered the speed limit to promote safety.

Earlier this year, local government officials requested assistance from the Mexican National Guard to help control hit-and-run accidents at popular traffic circles located near the tourist zone.

Now they are enforcing the driving under the influence laws as checkpoints and inspections go into place to control drunk drivers behind the wheel.

Stepping Up Enforcement

The Los Cabos General Directorate of Public Safety, Preventative Police and Municipal Traffic Jesús Antonio Gómez Rodríguez has deployed checkpoints and breathalyzer operations at numerous locations around Los Cabos.

During the month of June alone, three checkpoints were held in Los Cabos, resulting in 16 arrests of drivers under the influence of alcohol.

Los Cabos municipal police and Mexican National Guard also took the opportunity to educate locals and tourists about driving under the influence during the deployment of the checkpoints.

Those arrested were handed over to the Los Cabos civic judge on duty for administrative proceedings and criminal prosecution.

Alcohol Driving Restrictions

The age to consume alcohol in Mexico is lower than in the United States at 18 years old, and the driving alcohol driving limit in Baja California Sur is the same as the United States at .08.

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However, tourists should know that drivers can be held up to 36 hours in jail for drunk driving and may even lose the ability to enter the country with repeat offenses.

This is in addition to the fine, which could range from $2,075 pesos (nearly $124) to nearly $8,300 pesos (almost $500).

Additionally, drivers may lose the ability to drive and have their driver’s license revoked for being arrested under the influence of alcohol when driving.

Drivers should generally avoid driving with open containers in the vehicle, even if they are not consuming alcohol while driving.

Risks of Driving Under the Influence

The danger of driving under the influence is well known.

Driving impaired may slow down driver response time to obstacles or other vehicles in the road.

This can be very dangerous in Los Cabos, where people often cross in the middle of the street, and road hazards are common.

There are also some curvy streets and roundabouts, which may be risky to navigate when under the influence of alcohol.

Drivers also risk falling asleep behind the wheel, have their vision impacted and even lose the ability to control the steering wheel when drunk.

Protecting Yourself Behind The Wheel

Visitors should avoid consuming any alcohol and getting behind the wheel while on vacation in Los Cabos. The risks are simply too high.

The issue can also become more complicated when driving a rental car.

It’s better to assign a member of the group to be the designated driver for the evening in advance. That driver can even rotate from evening to evening, allowing for visitors to enjoy having a drink with friends.

Meanwhile, Gómez Rodríguez urges tourists to drive smart and not put themselves and their fellow passengers in harm’s way by driving impaired while traveling in Los Cabos.

If a visitor finds themselves in a situation where they have been drinking and need to get back to their vacation rental or hotel room, there are plenty of options available in Los Cabos.

Travelers can find convenient taxi and ride-share services such as Uber available to get back safely without risking themselves and others on the road.