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Bajahowodd
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Location: Disneyland Adjacent and anywhere in Baja
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Speeding in Baja
Since there have been several suggestions made on other threads to start a specific thread dealing with the experiences and consequences of speeding
drivers, here's a start.
In my opinion, there are three most likely causes of speeding on the peninsula:
1- Unreasonable expectations. How many times have I seen posts on this forum where people list their schedule and make Guerrero Negro their first stop
on a Southbound trip? Just an example. But that distance covered on a highway that has so many dangers should be considered unrealistic. There are so
many fine hotels, motels, campsites and restaurants along the way, it would seem to me that just planning one extra day in each direction could allow
people to slow down. Sorry to those who see President's Day weekend as ideal for a whale trip
2- Erratic highway conditions. You can just look at a mileage chart to estimate your time. All of us have been caught in the mountains behind big
rigs, busses and motor homes. Sure, it's frustrating. Same with the populated agricultural corridor around San Quintin. That frustration often leads
driver to try and make up time when they hit unpopulated straightaways.
3- Perhaps just a slight lack of respect for Mexican Law. 65 on a speed limit sign is oviously not MPH, but I'd really love to give a polygraph test
to anyone who wants to tell me they never exceed the speed limit.
Finally, I'm guilty. A trip from Cabo to the border with a single overnight in San Ignacio. 
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BajaDove
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Baja travel is not a scheduled event. It's aim for GN if we don't make it we'll find someplace where the trucks pull off.
many's the time on a straight we find going seventy and we're being passed by everyone on the road.
If its not where it is, its where it isn\'t.
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Barry A.
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| Quote: | Originally posted by BajaDove
Baja travel is not a scheduled event. It's aim for GN if we don't make it we'll find someplace where the trucks pull off.
many's the time on a straight we find going seventy and we're being passed by everyone on the road. |
So, your attitude is, "I will take my chances", and it must be ok since "others" are passing me when I am going 70?
I still shudder when I think of the other folks that share the road with speeders---------speed is simply not fair to others, it seems to me. Mex. 1
was designed for 45 mph------I have seldom gone faster than that-----maybe 60 max. on the straight-a-ways when no traffic in sight. I pull way to the
right to let others by me-----sometimes even pulling off the road to let them go by, if possible (which it seldom is). I plan for that speed, and no
faster------------I don't understand what you mean when you say "baja travel is not a scheduled event"?
Just my opinion, of course, but the subject is really scary to me.
Barry
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TonyC
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Guilty....speeding on the straightaways to San Quintin. No need for polygraph.
The Mexicans are also guilty for not respecting their laws. I've seen them (cars, trucks, and big rigs) passing in the mountain passes.
However, your right, two wrongs don't make a right. I'll try to remember.....tranquilo. Thanks.
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DianaT
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajahowodd
In my opinion, there are three most likely causes of speeding on the peninsula:
1- Unreasonable expectations. How many times have I seen posts on this forum where people list their schedule and make Guerrero Negro their first stop
on a Southbound trip? |
We are guilty of driving probably too fast on many of the straight parts of the road---easy for the speed to creep up, but we never do 100 like
someone else suggested. But we also don't drive 45. We also know how dangerous those straight, flat places can be---seen lots of accidents and that
does slow us down.
Around the GN area, the road looks flat, but is not flat---and then is the livestock that appear out of nowhere. Saw a motorcycle that hit a cow after
one of the not so easy to see dips and it was awful.
As far as making GN the first day, we often do that. We really wish there were more alternatives maybe a little south of Catavina. El Rosario is too
soon to stop for us, the Desert Inn in Catavina is really expensive and Linda's, well if we are tired, it is OK, but from there to GN there are no
alternatives that we know about.
That last 2 1/2 hours from Catavina to GN is often very tiring, so now if we could just have a Baja Cactus or Jardines out between Catavina and BN,
that would be perfect!
Diane
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Fred
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No wonder I take 4 weeks to get to Los Barriles from Tecate.
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fishbuck
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I guess I started this.
Yes, it's true I drive scarry fast in Baja. I don't like it either.
An example is my upcoming trip for whale watching.
I will get off work on Thursday night and drive to Ensenada. Than up early and drive to Guerrero Negro. Whale watch on Saturday and hopfully be done
by noon or so.
Then haul tail back to San Quintin. Up early and back to Costa Mesa and to (Long Beach) work by 3 pm.
That's Thursday night from 11:30 to Monday at 3:00pm.
Thats 1000 miles of driving.
Now you know why I want to fly down instead of drive.
And yes there are probably 2-3 spots where I'd like to do 100mph
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." J. A. Shedd.
A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it. – Albert Einstein
"Life's a Beach... and then you Fly!" Fishbuck
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TonyC
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Barry A.
Mex. 1 was designed for 45 mph------I have seldom gone faster than that-----maybe 60 max. on the straight-a-ways when no traffic in sight. I pull
way to the right to let others by me-----sometimes even pulling off the road to let them go by, if possible (which it seldom is). I plan for that
speed, and no faster.
Barry |
Speeding will put other drivers in danger. However, going 45 mph IMHO can also do the same.
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Skipjack Joe
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Our solution to high speed driving is to visit baja less frequently but for longer periods of time. I no longer go to baja for less than one month at
a time.
The goal when driving the highway for us is not to get from A to B but is the experience itself. We never drive fast because we don't have to, and
when it's time, we simply drive off-road somewhere and set up camp. The mornings are slow affairs as I like to walk around for an hour with the
binoculars, followed by a cup of coffee, and only then do we even think of preparations for continuing the journey.
I just think that the 'highway' is really just a country road that was built with that sort of traveler in mind. It's seldom used that way any longer
and hence the fatalities.
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CaboRon
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| Quote: | Originally posted by fishbuck
I guess I started this.
Yes, it's true I drive scarry fast in Baja. I don't like it either.
An example is my upcoming trip for whale watching.
I will get off work on Thursday night and drive to Ensenada. Than up early and drive to Guerrero Negro. Whale watch on Saturday and hopfully be done
by noon or so.
Then haul tail back to San Quintin. Up early and back to Costa Mesa and to (Long Beach) work by 3 pm.
That's Thursday night from 11:30 to Monday at 3:00pm.
Thats 1000 miles of driving.
Now you know why I want to fly down instead of drive.
And yes there are probably 2-3 spots where I'd like to do 100mph |
I just pray that no one else is hurt .............
.............................. 
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bajabass
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Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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I am guilty as well. Have done Mulege to Orange (CA) in 17 hours. CSL to Orange in 2 days. I do watch the limit MOST of the time. Stop to stretch the
legs, eat, make the bladder gladder, ect. The trip back from Cabo, I drove to San Bruno on day 1, ended in Orange day 2. Dawn to dark makes for a long
day. I am always very careful in the little towns, the mountains, the grades into Santa Rosalia and Mulege. Always watch the vados real carefully. I
love breakfast in Ensenada, tamales outside G.N., and dinner at Serenidad. All in one day!!! 
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fishbuck
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| Quote: | Originally posted by CaboRon
| Quote: | Originally posted by fishbuck
I guess I started this.
Yes, it's true I drive scarry fast in Baja. I don't like it either.
An example is my upcoming trip for whale watching.
I will get off work on Thursday night and drive to Ensenada. Than up early and drive to Guerrero Negro. Whale watch on Saturday and hopfully be done
by noon or so.
Then haul tail back to San Quintin. Up early and back to Costa Mesa and to (Long Beach) work by 3 pm.
That's Thursday night from 11:30 to Monday at 3:00pm.
Thats 1000 miles of driving.
Now you know why I want to fly down instead of drive.
And yes there are probably 2-3 spots where I'd like to do 100mph |
I just pray that no one else is hurt .............
.............................. |
The only thing that is going to get hurt is my a$$ from 20 plus hours of driving in a little less than three days.
The funny thing is there will still be people passing me.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." J. A. Shedd.
A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it. – Albert Einstein
"Life's a Beach... and then you Fly!" Fishbuck
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bajabass
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Location: La Paz,BCS
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You are driving to slow Fishbuck. You should tail me to San Bruno sometime. Leave O.C. Friday A.M., fish Isla San Marcos Saturday and Sunday, back in
O.C. on Monday night with a cooler full of yellowtail, and a load of bread from the bakery in Santa Rosalia. YUM!!!
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fishbuck
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajabass
You are driving to slow Fishbuck. You should tail me to San Bruno sometime. Leave O.C. Friday A.M., fish Isla San Marcos Saturday and Sunday, back in
O.C. on Monday night with a cooler full of yellowtail, and a load of bread from the bakery in Santa Rosalia. YUM!!! |
That's my kind of trip!
But I suggest that you only need to drive to BOLA starting in spring. And only as far as San Quintin in summer,
Don't worry, I drive plenty fast but can only take about 5 hours worth before I would like to be sitting in a bar with a cold beer in my hand and a
hot sinorita... well... you know!
But lets fly my plane instead. 3 hours from the border to Mulege.
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for." J. A. Shedd.
A clever person solves a problem. A wise person avoids it. – Albert Einstein
"Life's a Beach... and then you Fly!" Fishbuck
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Bajafun777
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Speed is a number one killer but also the times of the day you are driving also increase your chances of a wreck facing these issues. Big trucks are
always passing the double lines and could care less if it runs you off the road have had this happen so many times that I do not care to even think
about it. My solution is just about come to what Skipjack Joe says to do and I do not do the 2 or 3 day quick runs anymore unless it is like Ensenada,
The Rock or San Felipe. Just do not want the drama and ruins the trip down with making you and your partner argue about chances taken or those that
took chances you were not giving a big enough lead even if you have to stop trying to clear as much of the road if possible. I know people will
disagree with this but I wish they had a toll road all the way down, I know, I know it will ruin it-----maybe or maybe not. I use the toll road
mainland all the way to Mazatlan will not one arguement about driving issues with my rider. Just makes the trip more enjoyable and I still get off
when I want to the little towns or side shopping at the toll road venders. Since the roads in Mexico have such high drop offs you will roll your
vehicle if trying to get over in most areas, so somebody's elses B.S. driving mistake becomes yours too !!! I have also had large trucks get some damn close almost pushing you in turns and cutbacks that you know
increasing speed is not the thing to do. You probably all got the point that I really have an issue with big truck drivers. Later--------
bajafun777
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bajabass
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Posts: 2016
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Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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Sinorita, a Fruedian slip? A sinning senorita? I would really like to do a 3 or 4 day to BOLA or Bahia Asuncion. Give me a little lead time Fishbuck,
and I am in. My wife has family in San Bruno, and the fishing is incredible most of the time. I have friends in San Quintin as well. Need to hit
Huraches on a Friday night, and California Hot Dogs for a 2am snack!! Best slow death dogs in Baja!! Hey, a WSB-YT trip in late March??
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DianaT
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Registered: 12-17-2004
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Skipjack Joe
Our solution to high speed driving is to visit baja less frequently but for longer periods of time. I no longer go to baja for less than one month at
a time.
The goal when driving the highway for us is not to get from A to B but is the experience itself. We never drive fast because we don't have to, and
when it's time, we simply drive off-road somewhere and set up camp. The mornings are slow affairs as I like to walk around for an hour with the
binoculars, followed by a cup of coffee, and only then do we even think of preparations for continuing the journey.
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Yea, we used to travel that way, but it does seem to be different now that we have the home in Bahia Asuncion---we tend to be more destination
oriented and then take trips from there.
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bajabass
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Posts: 2016
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Location: La Paz,BCS
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Mood: Want to fish!!!
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Sorry, got sidetracked again. I can drive a long time(all day), but am normally VERY safe. Baja is beautiful, but can be deadly to the brash, bold,
and inexperienced driver. Drive a little slower, but longer. Daylight only as well. I did one night drive from Ensenada to Bahia Concepcion and it was
scary indeed. Slow down, enjoy the views, and ARRIVE ALIVE!!!
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tripledigitken
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Some thoughts on this subject.
Mexican speed limits with few exceptions (mostly in towns) will be broken by most drivers. Let's get that one out of the way first.
Goals for 1st day (such as GN) are dependant on the time of year, what you are driving and what your experience is.
Are you counting your start time as you cross the border be it Tecate or Tijuana?
We easily make GN crossing at TJ around 6am in summer in our SUV. It's a tough haul if we were driving the 3/4 ton with camper though.
In winter we won't try to get to GN the first day with the camper but can make it in the SUV.
As others have said the roads don't allow much room for error, no matter how experienced a driver you think you are.
Being flexible with your schedule is key no matter what you are driving.
And Diane, I came across that fatal motorcycle accident you spoke of also, very sobering.
Some of you that are covering long distances in winter I wish you good luck as you are taking on a lot of risk for your pleasure in Baja, IMHO!
Ken
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Bajahowodd
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And no one hydrates with Tecate along the either??
[Edited on 2-18-2009 by Bajahowodd]
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