Driving in Baja - Part 2
Baja travel and adventure guide.

Be glad this part of road (?) is a thing of the past.

Summer rain on the highway near San Ignacio.

It's a tough job, but...!


Road repairs are sometimes difficult to get past.

City driving must be monitored very closely also.  In most cities in Baja you should drive with a lot of extra caution.  Drivers in Baja tend to have a common disregard of the traffic laws (yes they really do have traffic laws) and many drivers lack common road courtesy.  Stop signs are often ignored, in some places they actually speed up for stop signs.  You should learn to expect turns (in either direction) from any lane on the road.  Also, many streets and roads may lack basic markings, even one-way streets.      

Driving in Baja can be a real adventure.  The fine line that separates adventure from disaster can be just one bad decision or a small lapse in attention to the road.  You hardly ever see any minor accidents in Baja, most accidents tend to be major.  Just look at the number of shrines along the road, reminders of the need to pay attention while driving.  Highway 1 is, in most places, pretty narrow by anyone's standards.  Along most of the road, the lack of any shoulder can make for some nervous times.

Be extra careful while passing another vehicle.  Be aware of everything around you, look way ahead and keep an eye on your rear view mirrors.  When I approach a vehicle, from behind, to pass, I always check to see if they actually have a mirror glass in their mirror.  Then I know that they will be able to see that I would like to pass.  I also watch carefully to make sure that they have actually seen me before I make the pass.  Sometimes a polite blink of the headlights is in order to make sure they know you are there.

Use extra care in the mountains and on all curves.  Large trucks tend to use both sides of the road at times.  The truck drivers of Baja  are usually great drivers and very considerate to on-coming traffic and those who want to pass them.  There are exceptions to the rule and there are occasions when the good ones will slip up, as can happen anywhere. 

You will undoubtedly notice that a large number of cars and trucks on the road are not in the best state of repair.  This can sometimes make for erratic driving and other difficulties for the driver.  Give older cars, and trucks, a little more room than you normally would.  Note: Before any trip to Baja, make sure that your vehicle is in a good state of repair.

If you feel that you are getting tired, pull over, splash some water on your face, go for a walk, have a short nap, do whatever works for you.  It doesn't matter how hot it is or how late you will be, it is better to arrive late - than to not arrive at all.

That said, I do not want scare you away from driving in Baja.  I just want you to know that this is not a drive to your corner market.  The incredible scenery,  friendly people and unique experiences will more than make up for the extra care you must use during your time behind the wheel in Baja 

A group know as the Green Angels are on constant patrol (daylight hours) on all of the major highways in Baja.  They are well named and their main purpose is to help motorists with car problems. 

Back to Driving in Baja - Part 1

See also:

Baja Mileage Chart
Baja Maps
Is Baja safe?
How do I get to Baja?
Preparing for your journey.
Tijuana border crossing map.

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