Making This Mistake In Los Cabos Could Cost Tourists Over $500

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Last Updated 11 months ago

Traffic accidents are on the rise across Los Cabos, and it has the attention of not only the local municipal government but also the concern of state and federal authorities as well.

One of the major contributing factors to accidents in the area is distracted driving. The major issue is drivers using their smartphones while driving.

Strict Enforcement of Smartphone Ban

The issue with distracted driving goes beyond the traditional responding to texts and calling; it also includes travelers unfamiliar with the area using navigation apps to get around the beach resort destination.

To reduce the number of traffic accidents and injuries in Los Cabos, the municipal police department has declared that it will strictly enforce a ban on smartphone use while driving.

Being caught using a smartphone when driving will cost drivers in Los Cabos currently about $10,374 Mexican pesos, or about $575.

Traffic Accidents in Los Cabos

According to Los Cabos Municipal Traffic Officer Jesús Antonio Gómez Rodríguez, traffic accidents are becoming a major issue in the popular beach resort destination.

It is one of the most common causes of accidents in Los Cabos. It results in drivers in the area losing visibility, unable to maintain control of the vehicle, and even lack of attention to the roadway and pedestrians.

Municipal authorities say it can be as impactful as a driver behind the wheel while intoxicated.

It has also led to more aggressive driving on the roads of Los Cabos as drivers are caught on an emotional phone call or text message exchange and then drive more aggressively. This can directly contribute to road rage with other drivers.

Need For Attentive Driving

Los Cabos overall is becoming a more challenging location for drivers due to the dramatic increase in visitation to the area.

Municipal police have increased their patrols of roads around the tourist corridor and the traffic circles around the area.

Earlier this year, they even had to call out the Mexican National Guard to help patrol the traffic circles to keep tourists safe.

The roadways of Los Cabos are at maximum capacity, and additional roadwork is underway to improve the overall traffic flow for tourists.

Several traffic issues and resulting distracted driving incidents have taken place on the Transpeninsular Highway. This is the key toll road link between the tourist zone in Los Cabos and the Los Cabos International Airport.

The highway, also known as Route 1 in Los Cabos, is being reconstructed to include popular traffic safety features such as u-turn returns for emergency first responders.

All of the major traffic issues, along with unfamiliar signs and distracted drivers, make Los Cabos an important place for all drivers to pay special attention to attentive and defensive driving.

Actions Tourists Should Take Now

The strict enforcement of the law in Los Cabos should not be any different than what drivers are accustomed to in the United States and Canada.

Tourists driving in Los Cabos during the duration of their vacation should travel with hands-free device technology to make sure they are not caught using their smartphones while in the vehicle.

While most cars are Bluetooth-equipped, tourists should not expect that service to be available in rental cars in Los Cabos and plan accordingly.

If drivers do not have hands-free devices or capability, there are a number of alternative options available for transportation in Los Cabos, including taxis, ride shares such as Uber, and local public transportation.

Better to be prepared with hands-free technology or an alternative in advance of visiting Los Cabos instead of having a $500 violation ruin a vacation getaway to the beach resort destination.