BajaNomad - Guerrero Negro South

Guerrero Negro South

Bomberro - 10-15-2006 at 06:13 AM

Baja Highway 1 is of course dangerous everywhere, but, be careful of the stretch South of Guerrero Negro! Twenty Miles South there is new paving, the road bed is much higher, surface is smooth but not really flat, the most dangerous part if the road edge. There is an almost one foot drop to the sand, the edge is almost at 90 degrees, this makes it impossible for a vehicle to get back onto the road if one drifts over. We were following our friends in there 2002 Chev 3/4 ton truck, Cab over camper. He got a wheel over this edge, he tried to steer back onto the road, this only complicates the problem as one may get the front wheel back but the back wheel is flat to the drop off and hangs back so the the truck becomes side ways! He flipped and rolled to the left down the embankment. The car and camper and everything inside was litterally shreded in a swath of 300 feet to and way past the fence. They both survived, pretty much lots of bangs and scrapes, and they may need some ortho work later. The chances of anyone surviving this is at least 1000/1. This stretch is 55 mph at best, and needs real close attention by the driver as to lane position, road is very narrow. The PFP officer that responded still had a back seat covered with the blood of a 4 year old child that died on the way back to Guerrero, his help to us at the accident scene was fantastic, while waiting for a tow truck, I followed him back to town to try to find a trailer to rent to try to get some of their things off the ground, we ended up getting a 2 ton panel van to follow us back and we were able to get some things. He helped them with getting the insurance adjuster and getting that process started. I then towed the panel van back to town as it would not run, towed it with a 1/4" rope doubled 6 times at 10 mph. Please slow down on this strech and when trying to make it to Rice and Beans for the night, don't let your guard down on the last leg. We met some good friends that night in town, they took some of our things to make room in our car for the accident people, then as they drove by the accident scene they were hit in the rear about 1/2 mile past by a Mexican dirver in a large truck trying to pass them as they drove a 50 MPH the next morning, this stretch of Highway one should be called "Blood Alley". It seems safe, but, because of that appearance, it has to be the worst of all........

Lee - 10-15-2006 at 09:32 AM

This section of road can have a strong cross wind, as well. I geneally start to slow down when I'm coming up on a larger vehicle going the other way knowing the consequences are hitting head-on or going off the road and rolling. Neither are acceptable to me.

I saw the most horrendous accident involving a very large cow on this stretch. The cow was on the road and blood had been projected for a very long distance. Didn't see another vehicle so guess things worked out.

I was once given some advice about this stretch of road: go slow and stay awake.

:cool:

shari - 10-16-2006 at 09:49 AM

Having lived 10 years in Guerrero Negro, I can attest to this...it's an extremely dangerous part of the road, narrow, sand shoulder, cross winds,canals in the pavement, lots of cows, and straight so people fall asleep and are always exhausted by the time they get there....drive slow and if you do drop a tire keep going down no matter what...DO NOT try to get back onto the pavement cause you'll most likely flip over. We call it the Baja Triangle as there have been soooo many deaths, locals too.

AmoPescar - 10-16-2006 at 11:04 PM

THANKS BOMBERO...

For writing about the dangerous conditions on the road SOUTH of GN!!! It's IMPORTANT that we share these types of things when we know of them. I'm sure glad your friends came out of it alive!!!

Below is a posting I recently wrote about my scariest thing in Baja. There's 2 parts in the posting that deal with that stretch of road.

Michael aka: Amo Pescar :saint:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOW...My SCARIEST thing in Baja...

Was actually a string of things which happened, as my Son, his friend and I were driving South to the East Cape for a fishing trip.

Let me start off by saying that...I KNEW that I should NEVER drive at NIGHT!! But, we had gotten off to a LATE start from home that morning. Well, I allowed my son to badger me into driving a bit further, because they wanted to get there a bit earlier the next day, so they could get in some fishing time.

As we headed South on 1 out of Guerrero Negro towards Santa Rosalia, we were driving along with few cares, when I suddenly realized that the approaching Semi Truck was well into my lane and was not moving back into his lane. So, to avoid being crushed, I had to quickly swerve out of his way, which meant going off the right shoulder of the road. Luckily, the road did not have very much of a drop-off at that point and after some fishtailing in the dirt, I was able to regain control and get back on the asphalt.

Well as you can imagine, that scared the H_ _ _ out of me and my Son's friend who was riding in the front with me. My Son, who I had let badger me, was asleep in the back seat and never knew what had happened!!

Later, as we got further down the DARK highway, we encountered a man who was waving at us to stop. Thinking he might be a bandit, I was very leery to stop. But, as I slowed and rolled down my window, he cautioned us to drive slowly and be careful, as a bit further ahead, a Chevy SUV had hit a COW. As we passed them, the cow was laying just off the highway and the Chevy was 75 yards off the highway with a smashed-in front end.

BUT...that was not ALL we were to encounter that night!!! As we drove through the DARK downhill, curving, winding mountain portion of the highway on the way to Santa Rosalia, we came around a curve and the traffic was stopped and backed up several hundred yards behind an accident. A Gasoline Tanker had crashed on his way south and had the highway completely blocked.

WELL...It finally sunk in, that...WE WERE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE DRIVING AT NIGHT!!!! I told the boys we were not going any further and I made a U-turn and headed back up the highway. After a couple of miles, I found a dirt road and headed up it a mile or so, where we stopped and went to sleep.

The next morning, we awoke and headed South again. As we came to the accident site, the Tanker had been pushed off to the side of the road, so that traffic could drive around it.

And yet...our adventure was not over yet!!!! Shortly, we came upon an OLD Mexican's OLD Pick-up, loaded to the hilt with USED furniture and such, JUST LIKE you see on the freeways her in CA. As we headed up a hill behind him, I didn't feel I could pass him safely and so I was relegated to following him slowly up the hill. As we crawled SLOWLY up the hill, my truck, suddenly DIED! I stopped and tried to restart it, but, no luck! I told the boys to get out and off to the side of the road...just in case somebody encountered US. I let it roll backwards to a flat spot off the side of the highway, where after some coaxing, I was able to get it restarted. We had no more problems with it heading south, but had some at the East Cape and a couple more on the way back North. It turned out to be a Fuel Pump/sender problem, which the dealer at home was able to solve. While in Baja, one thing we found which would help get it started, was to stand on the rear Bumper and get the truck bouncing up and down. That was a pretty funny sight to see!!

SO, TO MAKE A LONG STORY SHORT...DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT!!!! IT IS NOT SAFE AND YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT DANGEROUS THING YOU MIGHT ENCOUNTER!!!!

AMO (Michael) :saint:

[Edited on 10-17-2006 by AmoPescar]

Bruce R Leech - 10-17-2006 at 06:16 AM

I think 55 mph is way to fast for that construction zone. it is not very forgiving at that speed. I like 30 or 35 through there.

Al G - 10-17-2006 at 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I think 55 mph is way to fast for that construction zone. it is not very forgiving at that speed. I like 30 or 35 through there.

Well this is where I some lead foot drivers are going to get upset. I will be driving 18,000 Pounds and will not go over 45mph and most times not over 30mph. Nothing to do with Baja time. I just don't think HWY 1 is safe over those limits.
I may change my mind, but driving a rental in Sur 50 was about it.

Bruce R Leech - 10-17-2006 at 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I think 55 mph is way to fast for that construction zone. it is not very forgiving at that speed. I like 30 or 35 through there.

I am with you AL G they post the speed limits low for a reason. if you drive the limits you are going to avoid most of the problems that clause the accidents. yes it is boring and slow but you get there and don't kill anyone along the way. many years ago I drove Hy.1 like most and always tried to set some sort of land speed record and I was lucky and survived. but after seeing the things that I have seen in over 300 round trips I Finlay got smart. and you know what? it only takes a few hours longer and I don't arrive like a nerves wreck.

DianaT - 10-18-2006 at 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech

Quote:

Originally posted by Al G

Quote:

Originally posted by Bruce R Leech
I think 55 mph is way to fast for that construction zone. it is not very forgiving at that speed. I like 30 or 35 through there.

Boring? I never get tired of the Baja landscape---besides other dangers, it is one reason I don't like to travel at night---can't see the sights.

We are among the slow moving geezers and want to stick around to be even older geezers. We do, however, pull off the road whenever possible to let those in hurry to not grow old, pass us by. :yes:

Diane

[Edited on 10-18-2006 by jdtrotter]

[Edited on 10-18-2006 by jdtrotter]

Skeet/Loreto - 10-19-2006 at 11:10 AM

Please take the Advice of all of the Above!
Having driven that Section so many times I will offer some ADVICE:

On you next Trip along that section, slow to about 30 miles per Hour and go off the road> Simulate and Emergency just like the One described in the Roll over , Pick out a spot that is safe!
It is hoped that by doing a Test of what occurs with your wheel dropping off and going straight down into the Dictch will remind you in case of an Emergency"NOT TO TURN THE WHEEL BACK TO THE LEFT AND TRY TO GET BACK ON THE ROAD"
I know that it is the Natural Reaction, but if you have done it in Practice, it may trigger your Reaction to go Straight-A much Safer movement!!!!

At one time in my Varied Positions in Life I Taught DEfensive Driving to New Police Officers.
As you drive that Section, just keep watching the Drop off especially when you meet the oncoming Traffic.It is the same in training new Pilots going crossCountry- Always keep watching for a Place to Land if you have an Engine Failure!

Chances are that you will have a Bumpie ride, but will stay upright. It is much better than a Rollover!!

Anon The Preacher

DENNIS - 10-19-2006 at 11:26 AM

An informal travel advisory for you folks who travel Highway 1 between Ensenada and Maneadero, the posted speed limit is 60 KM / 35 MPH.
Who goes only 35 on that road? Almost nobody unless you're being pulled over. They're out there with radar now [ probably a beer can on a stick] so be advised.

[Edited on 10-19-2006 by DENNIS]

bajaguy - 10-19-2006 at 12:37 PM

well, they don't need radar on the road to the BCC....those topes will slow you down for sure!!!!. I just might set up a shock absorber stand alongside of the road :lol:

[Edited on 10-19-2006 by bajaguy]

Bruce R Leech - 10-19-2006 at 01:03 PM

where is BCC?

Al G - 10-19-2006 at 01:06 PM

Another reason I drive at or below the limit is driving a 18,000# MoHo cost a lot of my beer money to go any faster then enjoyable speed. 65=5.5 mpg, 55=6.5 mpg, 45=7.5
Cannot wait to find out what 35 get me. When the mpg are this low the % gain is awesome. Beer and fish money are greatly enhanced. Not to mention no mordida :lol:

DENNIS - 10-19-2006 at 02:21 PM

BCC ----- Baja Country Club

Bruce R Leech - 10-19-2006 at 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
BCC ----- Baja Country Club

Dumb me. thanks