BajaNomad

"Vandalism" on the toll road

bajabound2005 - 3-1-2008 at 02:42 PM

El Vigia reported today an attempted 'vandalism' on the Toll Road from Ensenada to TJ. Thursday night at 7:30 pm a driver and his two passengers encountered rocks laid across the road near the township of Primo Tapia. As they neared, rocks were thrown at their pickup damaging the windshield and other parts. The driver called it an attempted robbery but the authorities considered it 'vandalism.' Members of the 'Ministerio Publico' also said that these types of complaints are a very common occurance. Further they stated that although there may be many such attempts that, in fact, there have been no formal reports of robberies. The Commander of the 2nd Naval Region, Alberto Castro Rosas (Comandante de la Segunda Región Naval) said in January that "no assualts had been reported on the toll road and he considered these purported attacks to be part of a campaign to damage the image of the city." Nevertheless, representatives of the tourist branch of the toll road authority ( Caminos y Puentes Federales (Capufe)) said that reports of such attacks were responsible for a reduction in tourists visiting the port city (of Ensenada).

An interesting sidenote. The driver of the damaged vehicle tried to get reimbursed for damages and injuries acquired on the toll road (part of the coverage acquired from paying the toll). However, he was told that acts of vandalism are not covered (nor acts due to strikers, demonstrations and other such actions).

So, be on the lookout for 'vandals' and remember that it is not attempted robbery unless you report it as such (formally) or you are actually robbed.

Kell-Baja - 3-1-2008 at 06:07 PM

Everyone be extra careful

robrt8 - 3-1-2008 at 07:43 PM

Anyone know where on that long stretch this occurred? We're planning to go to Rosarito Monday.

DENNIS - 3-1-2008 at 08:00 PM

Primo is south of Rosarito.

bajaguy - 3-1-2008 at 08:17 PM

The last time there was an incident there I believe someone was dropping rocks onto the toll road from the pedestrian bridge.

BajaGeoff - 3-3-2008 at 01:56 PM

I think it is important to note that this incident (like the ones that have been publicized in the media recently) took place at night. I don't think it can be emphasized enough that driving during the daytime is the single most important factor in having a safe trip to Baja.

Criminals, like c-ckroaches, are mostly nocturnal. Aside from that, you also have dogs, livestock, potholes and vehicles without proper lights that all pose a threat when driving at night.

CaboRon - 3-3-2008 at 02:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGeoff
I think it is important to note that this incident (like the ones that have been publicized in the media recently) took place at night. I don't think it can be emphasized enough that driving during the daytime is the single most important factor in having a safe trip to Baja.

Criminals, like c-ckroaches, are mostly nocturnal. Aside from that, you also have dogs, livestock, potholes and vehicles without proper lights that all pose a threat when driving at night.


And that is the best advice so far.

CaboRon

The Gull - 3-3-2008 at 03:01 PM

This happens frequently along the Harbor fwy, San Bernardino fwy, Long Beach fwy, Pomona Fwy and other less travelled routes around Los Angeles, but the objects are not rocks, but bullets.

Sounds like the actions of some local Primo Tapia adolescents. To be covered under the insurance, throw your hands in the air and leave your (empty) wallet on the roadbed.

BajaGeoff - 3-4-2008 at 01:44 PM

There are some Mexican auto insurance underwriters that do have vandalism coverage available. It is a more expensive policy, but would come in handy in a situation like this where the toll road insurance does not cover you.