Puerto Vallarta Rules of the Road Advisories Vallarta Opina
go to original January 9, 2014

While ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking the legal driving rules in Puerto Vallarta, it is good that the authorities work to spread the new rules in informing the public before violations are issued.

During this week, the Municipal Transit Operators in Puerto Vallarta, are doing work of providing information to drivers, warning them of the changes that the new law has in mobility, especially of the increased amounts in paying fines.

Important issues such as talking on a cell phone; not fastening your seat belt and advising passengers to do the same; children in the front seat; and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are the major offenses.

In previous years, these issues were ignored by drivers, perhaps due to the insignificant amount of fine involved.

Studies by experts report that talking on a cell phone while driving is as serious as driving while under the influence of alcohol.

The correct thing to do if your cell phone rings while driving is to either stop at a convenient place at the side of the road, if available, before answering the call or just to let it ring and return the call later. The hands-free system is accepted by the rules of the State of Jalisco, but is also not advisable while you are driving.

The point is that those who are driving should not be distracted, because the driver holds in his/her hands an instrument with the potential to deprive others of life and health, including himself or herself. When the authorities observe such violations that can cause vehicle disasters, they are surprised at the carelessness of the individuals. For example, there are people who fear a gun for the damage it can cause, but do not realize that their cars have the greatest potential to generate death and injury. This is the reality.

In regards to a child on the front seat of the vehicle, this borders on madness. How can it be taken as a sign of affection to expose a child to sudden stops or other emergencies without protection.

Children must ride in the back seat inside special protective seats which can be purchased at any supermarket.

The authorities are recognized and thanked for attempting to educate drivers to act with more responsibility. Hopefully, as they say, forewarned is forearmed and perhaps the threat of increased fine costs will help too.

Translated and edited by Team Angels