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I consider Mexico to be a pretty safe country, and I usually drive my own car there, but I'm not sure that would now be such a good idea. American plates would be like a big red flag. So I came up with this idea:
Mexico could issue a set of temporary Mexican plates on US cars, for use only during the validity of the car import papers. That way, the cars of Americans would not be so conspicuous to Mexicans who might want to kidnap or rob Americans. Regular plates, indistinguishable from regular Mexican drivers.
In fact, that's what Guatemala used to do, presumably for different reasons. The first time I drove into Guatemala, the border inspectors put a Guatemala plate over my American plate, and took it off again when I left the country.
It would make me feel a lot safer driving in Mexico, especially near the borders. Incidentally, I recently got an email from a friend who says the Green Angel road patrol is are now offering to escort any American travelers from the US border as far as Mazatlan.
I think that would create more problems than it solves. First, the "bad" guys would be the biggest users of such plates, using them on all the U.S. cars and trucks they jack in Mexico or steal in the U.S. and drive over. Second, the bad guys mostly rob other Mexicans. They would starve to death if they had to depend on robbing Americans.
I don't think it's the plates that make the difference. It's the kind of car and whether you look like you have money or not. They are going to pick a Mexican plated Durango pickup over a U.S. plated Ford Focus every time.
As for the Green Angel patrol, let me know when you hear from someone that actually gets this escort. In other forums, lots of people reported inquiring about it and getting vague answers or no answers at all. And these unarmed civilians are hardly going to deter heavily armed gang members. They might even make you more of a target. Talk about being "conspicuous".
Or worse, some of them could be working with the bad guys since they get a chance to see up close if you have anything worth taking.
I think that would create more problems than it solves. First, the "bad" guys would be the biggest users of such plates, using them on all the U.S. cars and trucks they jack in Mexico or steal in the U.S. and drive over. Second, the bad guys mostly rob other Mexicans. They would starve to death if they had to depend on robbing Americans.
I don't think it's the plates that make the difference. It's the kind of car and whether you look like you have money or not. They are going to pick a Mexican plated Durango pickup over a U.S. plated Ford Focus every time.
As for the Green Angel patrol, let me know when you hear from someone that actually gets this escort. In other forums, lots of people reported inquiring about it and getting vague answers or no answers at all. And these unarmed civilians are hardly going to deter heavily armed gang members. They might even make you more of a target. Talk about being "conspicuous".
Or worse, some of them could be working with the bad guys since they get a chance to see up close if you have anything worth taking.
I'm very interested in the Green Angel escorts as my son had wanted to drive here this year with his young son - and his dog (as he has several times before). I discouraged him because so many I know decided to fly back this year instead of drive. Seems like the escorts could be a good idea -- if there were a caravan of sorts! Hope they get their act together and make this work. There may be a lot of folks who normally drive and actually won't come this year because of reports that traveling through the border states could be very unsafe. it's surely in the government's best interests to help out those who support the Mexican tourist economy by their annual presence! if anyone finds a link about this, please post it!
Well, I guess I found my own answer... In theory this all sounds good - but if those who want to take advantage of this service can't get any farther than a very, non-specific e-mail answer this great idea is doomed at its inception. Too bad there wasn't better follow-through because this could have resolved some of the concerns for those considering the drive.. But as someone in the link below said, it's also asking a lot for these unarmed Green Angels to put themselves at risk.
I consider Mexico to be a pretty safe country, and I usually drive my own . That way, the cars of Americans would not be so conspicuous to Mexicans who might want to kidnap or rob Americans. Regular plates, indistinguishable from regular Mexican drivers.
Don't worry, criminals do not discriminate, attack equally Mexican and American.
I recently got an email from a friend who says the Green Angel road patrol is are now offering to escort any American travelers from the US border as far as Mazatlan.
Green Angels are not cops, they are mechanicals to help you out when something mechanical happens to your car.
If they do scort cars they are wrong, because some one that really need helps, looses his opportunity of receive help by this.
Well, I guess I found my own answer... In theory this all sounds good - but if those who want to take advantage of this service can't get any farther than a very, non-specific e-mail answer this great idea is doomed at its inception. Too bad there wasn't better follow-through because this could have resolved some of the concerns for those considering the drive.. But as someone in the link below said, it's also asking a lot for these unarmed Green Angels to put themselves at risk.
I don't think it even sounds good in theory. They cannot even begin to provide security from violence. At best, they could keep you from getting lost.
But think about how much it would cost - in gas, food, lodging, labor - just to provide one escort. It would eat into the budget that could more effectively assist motorists. As stated above, they are there to assist with mechanical breakdowns not to protect against violent crime.
I don't think it even sounds good in theory. They cannot even begin to provide security from violence. At best, they could keep you from getting lost.
But think about how much it would cost - in gas, food, lodging, labor - just to provide one escort. It would eat into the budget that could more effectively assist motorists. As stated above, they are there to assist with mechanical breakdowns not to protect against violent crime.
Yes, you're probably right... It's not their job - but it is the job (supposedly) of 'law enforcement' to keep Mexico's roads safe(er). Maybe lots more patrols on both the altapistas and other main roads would help some.
The Green Angels are Mechanics and NOT Mechanicals. They provide an emergency service while only charging a person for any part they may supply.
I ran out of gas one time because a Pemex station person lied to me about the next Pemex station on my travel route. He was correct about the station being there but NOT about it being closed for a long time as a result I ran out. A green Angel came along...drained gas fron their truck and only charged me for the number of gals they supplied me.
They only supply a mechanics knowledge...not a guide service.
The Green Angels are Mechanics and NOT Mechanicals. They provide an emergency service while only charging a person for any part they may supply.
I ran out of gas one time because a Pemex station person lied to me about the next Pemex station on my travel route. He was correct about the station being there but NOT about it being closed for a long time as a result I ran out. A green Angel came along...drained gas fron their truck and only charged me for the number of gals they supplied me.
They only supply a mechanics knowledge...not a guide service.
Well, clearly Mexico's tourism department was overstepping its authority (and knowledge) by proposing that the Green Angels could serve as escorts to those afraid to drive on Mexican highways! Maybe someone should inform them of their gaffe..
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