Safety in sonora

Posted By: Tom T House "Salsa"
Date: 10/20/08 8:05a.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Travel Safety (David)

When one reads newspaper articles about the violence in Sonora, if read carefully it seems there are NO names or specifics concerning Americans in these attacks. References to dangers on Highway 15 often seem to roll into the headline "Violence in Nogales Sonora", the information specifically addressing drug related shootouts and murders...and there are lots. One poster from a different forum noted: "With all of this detail they were able to dredge up, there is no tally of Americans involved, injured, killed, or kidnaped. THAT'S BECAUSE IT IS NOT HAPPENING TO AMERICANS TRAVELING TO SAN CARLOS!!!! It is a reckless, irresponsible grasp for a stunning headline and very poor journalism. So unless you find yourself drawn to dangerous areas of Nogales, stop worrying..." Here's another persons take on traveling to San Carlos: "We have been driving down to San Carlos for 19 years and have never had a negative incident from a Mexican national. We have had trouble with our vehicle 3 separate times, and 2 times were met with friendly, helpful M.N. folks that went out of their way to aid us. The 3rd time we had a fire at the border, and if it weren't for the quick reactions of 4 Mexican truck drivers popping out of their trucks with fire extinguishers in hand, we may have perished... We also saw the detour to green/red light area, but were waved on. Saw lots of police along 4 or 5 of the intersections all the way down last week, but were always waved through. I felt safer knowing they were on the job and in full protection mode." Here's one more poster who has a place in Sna Crlos and who's unintended itinerary resulted in a decision to travel at night or not, from Tucson to San Carlos: "I was delayed in Tucson, not able to leave until after 8PM. I passed through Santa Ana just before 11pm. I elected to stay overnight at the Elba. I've never done that. But, I just didn't feel safe this time, traveling alone, with the car full, so late at night. Paid $40 for a double room (all they had..they were full) and had my car parked in their secure lot. Had a nice dinner, good nights sleep. Pulled out at 6AM and was home a little after 9AM Thurs morn. Good choice. I don't like any of the border cities, or the big cities, on either side of the border. This is especially the case after the sun goes down and more particular in the wee hours of the night. Drunk drivers and drunk people and mindless decisions / actions seem to be mostly creatures of the night. When I travel, I stay on the main highways, I make it a point to be polite, courteous, have patience, don't get angry or belligerent and smile and pass through and pass on when I hit borders. In all the places one could visit in the USA or Mexico, there are probably times, conditions and places one should avoid. You may wish to contact the auto club AAA for some tips or you may get from your Mexican car insurance provider. Also, here are some traveler's safety tips: http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html That's my two cents on a Monday morning.