Holiday Chaos: Playa del Carmen Sees Surge in Accidents

The influx of tourists to Playa del Carmen during the holiday season has brought a significant boost to the local economy. However, it has also led to a notable increase in traffic accidents, often attributed to the recklessness of younger drivers.

The summer vacation period has seen a considerable rise in both vehicular traffic and accidents, a trend mirrored on the island of Cozumel. Mario Kauil Tuz, a representative from the Green Angels Tourist Aid, a branch of the Ministry of Tourism, has expressed concern over this surge in road accidents.

He attributes most of these incidents to the reckless behavior of young drivers, who often invade lanes and even drive in pedestrian areas, leading to crashes and rollovers. He noted, "The number of vehicles has increased significantly in the area, leading to a rise in accidents, primarily caused by the recklessness of young drivers."

Tuz also warned that the high temperatures could cause the pavement to overheat, potentially leading to tire blowouts. He advised drivers not to forget essential tools like a cross wrench, jack, and spare tire.

On Cozumel, Traffic Commander Aníbal Gómez May reported a similar increase in accidents, particularly on weekends. He believes that unfamiliarity with the local roads contributes to the problem. "People come from other places, rent vehicles, and when they drive, they invade lanes because they don't know the streets. That's when accidents occur," he explained.

In response to this issue, local authorities have ramped up operations and launched awareness campaigns aimed at drivers, hoping to reduce the number of accidents during the summer holidays.