BajaNomad - Driving at night

Driving at night

gallesram - 2-23-2012 at 11:28 AM

I'm familiar with (and always follow) the very good advice of not driving at night in Baja. That said, I have also found that there are exceptions (like the toll road between TJ & Ensenada, which I have driven at night on many occasions without incident). I typically don't go further than Ensenada at night, but one time decided to keep going to San Quintin and made it just after nightfall; I remember thinking "that wasn't so bad; maybe San Quintin would be as far as I should go at night". But then the stretch to El Rosario & the Baja Cactus isn't that much further, either.

I guess I'm wondering if people would go as far as El Rosario at night? I definitely wouldn't go further due to the increase in animals south, but would be interested in people's perspective.

night driving

captkw - 2-23-2012 at 11:44 AM

HOLA,the inshure company's due survey's in the us..and they find you chance's of getting in a wreck are 90percent at night,,now that's the us,,,,,and no,,mexico does not stop at night,,matter fact,that when the trucker's roll !!but,,myself,I have found that driving early bird and getting off the road before 3 has a lot of benie's,,driven to alaska to panama,and more mile's than anybody I've ever met,,,,so for me,,I try and not drive at night and I'm usally towing a boat,,but it happen's,,and when it does,,,,,,,,SLOW DOWN !! K&T :cool:

[Edited on 2-23-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 2-23-2012 by captkw]

Woooosh - 2-23-2012 at 11:46 AM

I would have the thought the TJ to Ensenada part was the more dangerous section.

TMW - 2-23-2012 at 11:58 AM

I usually don't drive at night but have on many occasions, just not late night. The main reason I don't like driving at night reguardless whether it is in the US or Mexico is that I just don't see as well. As is said slow down and pay attention. As far as going on to El Rosario go for it.

DENNIS - 2-23-2012 at 12:02 PM

It's not the crime and it's not the darkness or anything like that for me. It's the potholes. Even daytime driving around here requires a constant eye on the road surface.

captkw - 2-23-2012 at 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
HOLA,the inshure company's due survey's in the us..and they find you chance's of getting in a wreck are 90percent at night,,now that's the us,,,,,and no,,mexico does not stop at night,,matter fact,that when the trucker's roll !!but,,myself,I have found that driving early bird and getting off the road before 3 has a lot of benie's,,driven to alaska to panama,and more mile's than anybody I've ever met,,,,so for me,,I try and not drive at night and I'm usally towing a boat,,but it happen's,,and when it does,,,,,,,,SLOW DOWN !! K&T :cool:

[Edited on 2-23-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 2-23-2012 by captkw]

gallesram - 2-23-2012 at 12:08 PM

Agree with (and appreciate) the comments; except the toll road is the safest road for me since I have yet to encounter an animal and the road surface is generally very good. Has anyone had an issue with crime at night? I have focused more on animals and potholes (as well as people driving with their lights off) as being the real concerns.

DENNIS - 2-23-2012 at 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gallesram
Has anyone had an issue with crime at night?

Well....it has happened. Seems it runs in cycles. The criminals get uppity and the police, prompted by tourism concerns, put it down. I've often thought they all come to these conclusions in a seedy bar somewhere.
There really is no pattern of bad activity on the roads at this time that I've heard of, but crime is like porn. You'll know it when you see it and there are two things that come out at night that I can readily think of....c-ckroaches and criminals.

Don't drive at night.

sancho - 2-23-2012 at 12:21 PM

Logic dictates the obvious, I do remember someone
driving at nite and being able to see headlights of
cars and did not consider it more dangerous, I would
disagree. I was on a TJ/La Paz bus yrs. back, those
drive straight thru, 1 time the bus driver that was not
driving was pointing out landmarks between Rosarito
Ensenada, I realized this was this kid driver's first time down
the Peninsula, oh boy. So. of El Rosario we must
have been going 80 mph, I was in the front seat, so
I had a picture of a cow coming thru the windshield. Just about
the time I was going to say forget it, and get off, this
20 yr old woman came up and sat next to the driver
at which time he slowed to 55 or so, what a relief

bimp/bump

captkw - 2-23-2012 at 12:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw

Quote:

[Edited on 2-23-2012 by captkw]

[Edited on 2-23-2012 by captkw]

Sunman - 2-23-2012 at 01:32 PM

I broke my rule on my latest trip. It got dark on me around San Vicente and I drove through to El Rosario and stopped for dinner, then decided to press on another hour to my usual campsite near Catavina.

I have KC's which helped greatly but I must tell you it was far more stressful than I thought it would be. Notwithstanding other drivers and livestock, it' s definintely harder to see the potholes, but more importantly you can't always see the edge of the road either which could be disastrous for you. Factor that in with the necessary constant scan of the road in daylight hours you need to be extra vigilant at night. Plus at that point you've probably been driving for 6 or 7 hours already, fatigue can be a factor too. Poorly adjusted headlights and people who don't dim their lights really wear on your eyes too.

I'm not saying it can't be done safely but there is w/o a doubt MUCH more risk. I was really surprised how bad it affected me at the end of the day. I'll think twice before pressing on again.

Mula - 2-23-2012 at 02:15 PM

Why try to make El Rosario at night ????? for dinner at Mama Espinosa's?????

No more for me. Catavina or San Quintin!

Love the Baja Cactus, but tired of a bad meal after I get out of the truck and don't want to go to the other end of town for a meal.

Also there's the fog in the AM.

Cypress - 2-23-2012 at 02:53 PM

Driving at night is no problem, just keep the high beams on and your eyes open.

bill erhardt - 2-23-2012 at 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Driving at night is no problem, just keep the high beams on and your eyes open.

And/or, find a rabbit, the bigger the better, and stay back a hundred yards, or so. A bus or an empty tractor/trailer is ideal. Let the rabbit blow the livestock off the road and the oncoming traffic back on their side.

I would rather not to drive at night, but if circumstances dictate and I have a choice, I much prefer the predawn hours to early evening hours after nightfall. Most of the livestock has done its wandering for the night, there are a lot less drunks on the road, and fewer drivers rushing to get where they want to be.

gallesram - 2-23-2012 at 03:23 PM

Sunman, that's what I have experienced too; it does wipe you out driving at night. In fact, you mentioning that made me remember that's one of the reasons I avoid it.

Mula, I really don't care for El Rosario (and I won't eat at Espinosa's anymore) but the stretch to Catavina is so remote that I'd rather do it in the daylight. I'm always worried about the animals, too, and I always seem to find them in that stretch.

bigzaggin - 2-23-2012 at 05:34 PM

I've tried hard over the years to obey a strict "no driving at night" policy - and heading S - try to cross at VERY first light. But of course, I've broken my own rule more than a few times. And yes, the stretch between TJ and Ensenada can be hairy. Last time I did that in the dark, there was a stretch where it was down to one lane - BOTH directions - and very hard to read oncoming traffic.

The fact is, it's really easy to talk yourself into going JUUUST A BIT further, but there is some logic to the San Quintin or Catavina theory. Especially San Quintin heading S. You think it's juuuust a hop to El Rosario, but the stretch at/around Socorro is HAIRBALL at night. Zero shoulder, zooming big rigs and people fly on those straightaways.

S of El Rosario at night, forget it. Can you do it safely, sure. Is it worth it? No. No vale.

David K - 2-23-2012 at 05:50 PM

Many times have driven at night to EL ROSARIO because staying at BAJA CACTUS is well worth it! I would pick up Baja Angel at 5:00pm from her work and be at Baja Cactus by midnight... Never any problem... We would have dinner on the way down at the Halfway House or Tacos El Yaqui or another spot.

Why are you guys stuck on Mama Espinoza's? There are many OTHER places to eat in El Rosario!! Too many taco stands to name, but for sure try Ed's Baja's Best Bed & Breakfast Bar & Restaurant... It is on the other end of twon, 2 miles from Baja Cactus. Hugo's Tacos Mision has killer stuffed baked potatoes and giant burritos, too. Ateo's trip report mentioned another good restaurant even closer to Baja Cactus. Primo's La Bocana Beach Restaurant at the Sinahi Motel is another option...

I made a map in 2006 showing all the businesses along the highway with restaurants highlighted, but things do change... Here it is:

EDIT: Ateo's post with mention of a new restaurant called 'Mi Casita'... and the photograph of it shows it is next to or across the highway from the tire repair (#19 on my map) and the police station (#20).

[Edited on 2-24-2012 by David K]

CP - 2-23-2012 at 05:54 PM

After many years of never driving at night in Baja because of animals, bad roads, other vehicles lack of lights,, no road construction 'notice', etc etc we thought well what the heck just between La Paz and Cd. Const. and we will be almost in Cd. Const by nightfall.
5 minutes to Cd. C., It is dark and I noticed a goat walking on the side of the road, I 'gently' hollered at husband who rapidly reduced speed just in time for us to see a strange green glow in front of us. If not for that goat we likely would've driven right into the rear of an old lighteless, reflecterless little pickup truck creeping down the highway. The light was from the cellphone of one of the guys in the cab.
Luckly lesson learned. No more night driving. Thank you señor goat!
But I still cannot get husband to see that beforelight is the same dark as nightfall....mornings seem to be a different ballgame.

gallesram - 2-23-2012 at 06:06 PM

David, thanks for those restaurants; in fact, I think you posted once that you drove to Baja Cactus arriving at midnight, and that's what made me think of this topic, so I appreciate you joining in. Great descriptions of the food, too! I like the BC hotel but have never liked the town, so I generally avoid it; but if I can get to Mulege an hour earlier, it's worth it.

CP, your post really made me sit up; I definitely would have plowed into that truck, too.

Sounds like the obvious lesson here is that if you do decide to push through, you definitely have to slow things down a lot (which is obvious, but the stories I'm reading definitely bring it home). That's tough when you're used to going 70 MPH on those lonely straightaways and especially when you just want to make the next town.

bigzaggin - 2-23-2012 at 06:40 PM

David -

You're missing La Pasadita, our must stop taco joint in El Rosario. It's right around #33. I have pictures somewhere.

AWESOME shrimp tacos. Really nice people. Surprisingly clean bathroom in the back.

David K - 2-23-2012 at 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bigzaggin
David -

You're missing La Pasadita, our must stop taco joint in El Rosario. It's right around #33. I have pictures somewhere.

AWESOME shrimp tacos. Really nice people. Surprisingly clean bathroom in the back.

Could it be a new name for #34 ? As I said, this was accurate in 2006... You know how they like to change names or change ownership!

redhilltown - 2-23-2012 at 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bill erhardt

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
Driving at night is no problem, just keep the high beams on and your eyes open.

This is great advice! I always like it when driving in Mexico I am "locked in" with a couple of other cars driving a similar style (ie: not tailgaiting) at a similar speed...makes me feel safe for some reason.

As to the safe TJ to Ensenada toll road, isn't that where the notorious kidnapping took place after the Baja 1000 a few years ago?

bent-rim - 2-23-2012 at 07:09 PM

Ask the McMillins about the toll road at night.

mcfez - 2-23-2012 at 07:53 PM

I always drive to Baja....during the night. It's cooler....less traffic. I do however stick behind a big rig or RV. A few good breaks....perhaps a 30 minute nap. Still here...alive...so far

Islandbuilder - 2-23-2012 at 10:25 PM

We just (an hour ago) got back home from a 3-week trip into Baja as far as Loreto. We crammed way too much stuff into our short time in Mexico, but still had a great time.

I avoided night driving, for the same reasons already mentioned. I did push late on one night, leaving Ojo de Libre at about 1430 heading north. After driving out to check out Santa Rosalilita, I decided to try for El Rosario. We ended up stoping in Catavina, at the Hotel Mision.

Expensive!

It was raining, and cold, so the place had collected most of the gringo's on the road for the night. The resturant (what an amazing ceiling!!) was slammed, and the poor waiter was literally running from table to kitchen to bar to table......

Anyway, I had thought of going further, but I was very tired and very consious that my situational awareness was dropping fast. Stopping was expensive, but very wise.

Bajafun777 - 2-23-2012 at 11:06 PM

Several times we have driven at night and several times we have had unexpected things occur to our vehicle that we did not intend to happen. Call it bad luck or just a "kick in the butt" for not getting off the road before night.

It only takes once to have vehicle problems on roads in Mexico at night with semi-trucks going by you so close you will not need a shave for several days. Just not the thing to do and I understand traveling at night can be peaceful use to do it like David K talks about. Can remember only too well the times we got off work at 5pm, got kids some snacks for the road trip down to San Felipe as we did that drive. Did this a lot and stopped for shrimp tacos or shrimp to cook later at the house. I know a number of you used the roadway to San Felipe when the water from the Colorado was on both sides of the roadway just like we did. However, back then lots of Americans and others on that roadway at night but no so much anymore unless holidays. Possibel vehicle problems are never a thought until they happen and at night on Mexican roads is just to dang stressful and DANGEROUS!! The vehicles driving without lights are another factor and the animals on the road are always the biggest risk at night just like they can be in the daytime. Take Care&Travel Safe------- "No Hurry, No Worry, Just FUN" bajafun777

Driving at night? I had no choice!

Ken Cooke - 2-23-2012 at 11:46 PM

Hiking up Cañon del Diablo at 1 p.m.

At 3 p.m., the shadows started getting longer... (uh oh!)

Laguna del Diablo at 4 p.m.

Hwy 3 Roadside repair at 4:45 p.m. :?:

Dinner in Valle de la Trinidad

Ensenada at 9 p.m. (phew! We made it!)

BajaAnthro - 2-24-2012 at 09:07 AM

redhilltown wrote: "This is great advice! I always like it when driving in Mexico I am "locked in" with a couple of other cars driving a similar style (ie: not tailgaiting) at a similar speed...makes me feel safe for some reason."

I definitely agree. I drove down from CA last month. There was a really long stretch where I was traveling along with another car at about the same pace. Makes sense to find a "rabbit" or "lock in" to others cars--especially at night. On this last trip I ended up driving for a couple hours at night north of G. Negro, where there was a lot of roadwork. A few of us kind of informally stuck together through that stretch. Tagging along with others (when possible) seems like a good idea to me.

Night Driving???

bajaguy - 2-24-2012 at 09:24 AM

The only problems that I have driving at night are the potholes........oh, and that strange Mexican Moror Vehicle law that states all oncoming cars must have their bright lights on or have at least one headlight out of adjustment....

PS I always follow about 100-150 yds behind another vehicle

SFandH - 2-24-2012 at 09:28 AM

Do any Nomads see a difference between driving at night with a full moon and driving at night with no moon? I've considered driving at night in baja with a full moon, thinking that the moonlight would be enough to make a safe difference, but, as of yet, have not done so. My biggest issue with driving at night is that in many places there are not enough road side reflectors, nor reflective painted lines to define the roadway.

[Edited on 2-24-2012 by SFandH]

gallesram - 2-24-2012 at 09:28 AM

I did do the tagging thing when our flight to Loreto was delayed by several hours and we didn't end up leaving for Mulege until it was already dark. I stayed behind a semi the entire trip (very weird since I'm so used to passing them when I can). When he was crusing along the straightaways at a decent speed it was pretty easy; what got more difficult was going 10 mph in the hills and on curves; but at least I arrived without any problems.

Great point about car repairs at night; hadn't thought about that. It would be pretty hairy pulled off on the side with the semis flying by during the day, but having that happen at night would really be a vacation-killer, for sure.

Thanks for all the perspectives everyone; this has been really helpful.

Bajatripper - 2-24-2012 at 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by captkw
HOLA,the inshure company's due survey's in the us..and they find you chance's of getting in a wreck are 90percent at night,,[Edited on 2-23-2012 by captkw]

I think that what I'm deciphering here is that in the US we have a 90% chance of getting in an accident if we drive at night? Really? That would make for an awful lot of nightly accidents, wouldn't you think?

Bajatripper - 2-24-2012 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by gallesram
Agree with (and appreciate) the comments; except the toll road is the safest road for me since I have yet to encounter an animal and the road surface is generally very good. Has anyone had an issue with crime at night? I have focused more on animals and potholes (as well as people driving with their lights off) as being the real concerns.

I've never encountered a problem on the toll road, but once while staying in a hotel in Ensenada a caught a Mexican news report on TV of a Mexican family that ran into a row of rocks that someone had placed across the toll lanes heading north, blowing out a front tire and making them pull over. Once they were by the side of the road, a vehicle with a bunch of guys pulled up and robbed them of their posessions. Probably didn't make the news in US because it didn't involve Americans. But that must not be a frequent occurrence, or for sure we'd have heard about it by now.

KurtG - 2-24-2012 at 12:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SFandH
Do any Nomads see a difference between driving at night with a full moon and driving at night with no moon? I've considered driving at night in baja with a full moon, thinking that the moonlight would be enough to make a safe difference, but, as of yet, have not done so. My biggest issue with driving at night is that in many places there are not enough road side reflectors, nor reflective painted lines to define the roadway.

[Edited on 2-24-2012 by SFandH]

One of my best m/c rides in Baja was a number of years ago when I arrived in GN at about dusk and decided to press on. At about Vizcaino the full moon came up and with the bright moonlight I rode all the way to Mulege. It was a beautiful experience and I felt I had great visibility

night driving

captkw - 2-25-2012 at 09:26 AM

HOLA< I can say,with a lot of time on the road,,full moon's mean more wildlife (cows,etc) and I slow down, myself...K&T :cool:

Pompano - 2-25-2012 at 10:29 AM

I am a Baja Road vet, and these are easy choices for me to make.
Lately, say in the last 10 years, I have found that night driving is much more relaxing and safer than daytime driving. At night there is far less traffic, the drunks and Baja 1000 wanabees are pretty much passed out by then...or wrecked already, the few semi-drivers are very professional and considerate of high-beams, they use left blinker on to let you know it's safe to pass, etc. If you know the rules of the road, it's a pretty good way to make the best of it from TJ to Cabo.

So...pay heed to all of our individual opinions & experiences listed here....and add that info to your own safety and expertise level ..because utimately it is YOUR decision to make.

One thing for sure: If you go on the Baja Road 'white-knuckled' and nervous, your chances of a driving mishap are greatly increased. Practice some cone-driving clearance tests in an empty parking lot, distance-judging, low-light manuevering, guessing how close to you can drive to the right edge, stuff like that...

you know your own skill level, so...use common sense....get prepped. It's your life ..and mine...and all of the other drivers out there wondering if the next vehicle will be the one that kills us.

Anyway, just my 2 cents..and Hope that helps....Relax and Enjoy your trip! :rolleyes:

..and if you are still able to write afterwards...please don't forget the Road Trip Report

captkw - 2-25-2012 at 10:48 AM

Thank god I'm driving a VOLVO !!! K&T :cool:

comitan - 2-25-2012 at 11:04 AM

Roger

Said much better than I could.

DianaT - 2-25-2012 at 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pompano
I am a Baja Road vet, and these are easy choices for me to make.
Lately, say in the last 10 years, I have found that night driving is much more relaxing and safer than daytime driving. At night there is far less traffic, the drunks and Baja 1000 wanabees are pretty much passed out by then...or wrecked already, the few semi-drivers are very professional and considerate of high-beams, they use left blinker on to let you know it's safe to pass, etc. If you know the rules of the road, it's a pretty good way to make the best of it from TJ to Cabo.

So...pay heed to all of our individual opinions & experiences listed here....and add that info to your own safety and expertise level ..because utimately it is YOUR decision to make.

One thing for sure: If you go on the Baja Road 'white-knuckled' and nervous, your chances of a driving mishap are greatly increased. Practice some cone-driving clearance tests in an empty parking lot, distance-judging, low-light manuevering, guessing how close to you can drive to the right edge, stuff like that...

you know your own skill level, so...use common sense....get prepped. It's your life ..and mine...and all of the other drivers out there wondering if the next vehicle will be the one that kills us.

Anyway, just my 2 cents..and Hope that helps....Relax and Enjoy your trip! :rolleyes:

..and if you are still able to write afterwards...please don't forget the Road Trip Report

Well stated --- and I think you should start a school of driving for RV caravans! We personally drive mostly during the day as we like to see the desert, but you make some very good points for the after dark travel.

However, off the main highway can be a very different story. We drove the Viscaino-Tortugas road once after dark when it was really full of potholes and that was not fun as the potholes are far more difficult to see at night, especially on a very dark night.

Enjoy!

David K - 2-25-2012 at 11:36 AM

Interesting... I have found pot holes are far easier to see at night and gauge their depth... the darker the shadow, the deeper the hole! Perhaps upgrading your headlights or adding HID off road lights (for use when nobody else is in sight) is in order?

All in all, I still believe driving in daylight is a wiser choice in Baja... seeing the boojum tress is more than worth it! Cows also like to lay down on the still warm asphalt at night... in vados... and they are usually very dark skinned cows!