Municipal Transit Puerto Vallarta Implements Operation Radar Municipal Government of Puerto Vallarta
go to original January 15, 2013

To minimize traffic accidents in Puerto Vallarta, Police have been using Operation Radar speed-check systems on the city streets and highways.

The digital read-out on the radar equipment will show the vehicle speed as it passes the device. Sub-Directorate of Municipal Transit, under the direction of Jesús José Rodríguez Campoy, hopes to get the attention of the citizens and reduce speeds, thus making Puerto Vallarta a safer place to drive.

It is noted that most accidents are caused by speeding or distracted drivers. One of the established radar operations is on the main avenues of Fluvial.

In addition to raising awareness about speeding, the checkpoints also monitor drunk driving, lack of a fastened seat belt, using a cell phone while driving, and motorcycle drivers without helmets.

The officials stated that these measures are by direct order from the Mayor, Ramon Demetrio Guerrero Martínez, who is worried about the accidents that have occurred in our area, which has resulted in the loss of human lives.

"Operation Radar provides a safe driving example, especially in the Fluvial highway area where the speed limit is only 40 kilometers per hour," said a public service provider.

Rodriguez Campoy stated that a small margin in speed would be tolerated on a straight highway where the traffic signals are coordinated, however, on a curved highway or bridge with decreased visibility, the speeds are more strictly enforced.

"I would invite drivers to pay attention to their driving. Most of the accidents that we have registered are due to the driver being distracted. It is imperative to keep a distance of at least 10 meters from the vehicle in front of you so you can easily and safely stop the vehicle if it becomes necessary. The best way to prevent an accident is for each individual driver to use caution while driving since it is impossible to monitor every vehicle on the road," Campoy states.

In addition, he continued that the seat belt must be used and added that instead of using a cellphone with either speaking or texting, it is necessary to pull to the side of the road in an appropriate space. This is especially mandatory for public service drivers, such as taxi and bus drivers, in setting an example for the other citizens.

More attention is being paid to motorcyclists in making sure they have an appropriate helmet, plates, circulation card and driving ability.

During Operation Radar from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, there were a total of 124 infractions for violating Article 167 of the Law of Services of Roads and Transport of the State of Jalisco, and missing documents which resulted in the impound of two private vehicles and one taxi.

The amount of the fine is 10 to 30 days of minimum wage, which amounts to 590 to 1,770 pesos. There is a discount if paid within the first three days.

Translated and edited by Team Angels