Lighting the Way to Safer Streets in Tulum
TULUM, Mexico – Recent months have seen the federal highway linking Quintana Roo’s prime tourist destinations transform into a grim stage for severe accidents. These tragedies have claimed the lives of both national and international tourists, as well as tourism industry workers. Speeding emerges as the principal culprit in the majority of incidents, compounded by excessive traffic load, insufficient lighting along the Riviera Maya stretch from Cancún to Tulum, and residual construction materials from roadway repairs, particularly noticeable near Xpu Há beach resort and the Iberostar Hotel.
Despite the closure of the sinkhole near Xpu Há, remnants of the construction phase, such as signage and other objects, were not removed on time, posing ongoing hazards. The sinkhole by the Iberostar Hotel, which opened in 2015 and will show cracks by 2021, is flagged by drivers and authorities alike as especially dangerous. Located in a federally managed area, local authorities are powerless to intervene. With repair efforts stalled for years, the area is littered with abandoned construction signs and materials. What was intended as a temporary diversion has become a permanent, perilously sharp curve, recently the site of a fatal collision when a driver lost control while navigating the bend.
Removing electrical infrastructure to accommodate the Tren Maya railway project, a plan later shelved, has left this heavily trafficked route in darkness. The reinstatement of lighting is pending, highlighting the government’s oversight.
Jesús Almaguer, president of the Cancún, Puerto Morelos, and Isla Mujeres Hotels Association and recently appointed head of the Quintana Roo Hotel Council, voiced the tourism sector’s concerns over road safety. In meetings with Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Espinoza, Almaguer conveyed apprehensions regarding the state’s road conditions. He emphasized the importance of addressing visibility issues, such as the need for brush clearing, and called for enhanced surveillance during the tourist season.
The presence of the National Guard on the highways was acknowledged, but Almaguer stressed the need for driver awareness and education to mitigate speeding and carelessness. Describing sinkholes as “traps” for motorists, he underscored situations exacerbating road risks.
This report underscores a critical juncture for Quintana Roo’s road safety, combining local insights with broader concerns. Enhanced infrastructure, better lighting, and rigorous enforcement of speed limits are urgent needs. As the region’s allure draws visitors globally, ensuring their journey’s safety becomes imperative.
