With festive gatherings and increased travel marking the December holiday season, Tijuana authorities have issued urgent road safety recommendations aimed at preventing a seasonal rise in traffic accidents.
Mayor Ismael Burgueño called on residents to exercise extra caution and prioritize responsible driving, warning that nighttime travel to holiday parties and celebrations typically leads to a spike in road incidents during Christmas and New Year’s.
Apolinar Fernández Álvarez, head of the Secretariat of Sustainable Urban Mobility, Inspection, and Road Safety (SEMOVIS), said the mayor’s priority is to protect the physical well-being of everyone in Tijuana during the holiday period.
Fernández Álvarez emphasized the importance of adhering to speed limits and avoiding distractions, particularly the use of cell phones while driving. He also warned against risky behaviors such as improper maneuvers and abrupt lane changes without signaling.
“The goal is to raise awareness. This is a time to celebrate responsibly, and under no circumstances should anyone drive under the influence of alcohol,” Fernández Álvarez said, urging residents to designate a sober driver or use public or private transportation alternatives.
Additional recommendations include maintaining a safe following distance, obeying traffic signals and stop signs, and exercising extra caution in high-pedestrian areas such as commercial zones.
Fernández Álvarez stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, encouraging pedestrians to cross only at corners or designated crosswalks, use sidewalks, and hold children’s hands when walking near traffic.
He concluded by calling on residents to celebrate responsibly, noting that avoiding impaired driving, following preventive measures, and respecting traffic regulations remain the most effective ways to protect lives and reduce road accidents during the holiday season.
