According to the news website Posta Yucatan, the Mérida Periférico has been identified as the third deadliest road in Mexico and the most dangerous in the state of Yucatán.
This alarming information was shared by René Flores Ayora, a traffic engineer and road safety auditor, who emphasized the increasing danger for both drivers and pedestrians.
Flores Ayora, who meticulously tracks road deaths, noted that the year began without any fatal accidents on the Periférico during the first two months. However, starting in the third month, the first fatal accident was recorded, and more unfortunate cases have continued to accumulate.
“The Periférico de Mérida does not spare lives; it is very dangerous,” said Flores Ayora.
Causes of Accidents
According to Flores Ayora, the main causes of accidents on the Periférico include:
– High vehicle speeds
– Driver recklessness
– Distractions such as cell phone use while driving
– Consumption of alcohol and drugs
In every fatal accident, at least one or more of these factors are always present.
Speed Limit Compliance
Flores Ayora highlighted that the Federal Road Safety Law establishes specific speed limits for various areas:
– 30 km/h in school zones, hospitals, and city centers
– 40 km/h in residential areas
– 50 km/h on avenues
– 80 km/h on the Periférico de Mérida (previously 70 and 90 km/h)
However, many drivers do not respect these limits, significantly contributing to the high number of accidents.
Pedestrian Safety
Regarding pedestrian accidents, Flores Ayora addressed the lack of use of elevated pedestrian bridges installed along the Periférico. He acknowledged that the bridges are located at considerable distances from the nearest crossing points, leading many people to risk crossing recklessly.
“No one is going to prevent them from crossing from one place to another because there are police stations, subdivisions, and schools inside and outside the Periférico. However, the bridges are not less than 100 meters from the desired crossing point; they are 200 or 300 meters away. This causes a high flow of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists on the bridges of Cholul, and Chichí Suárez, and for this reason, they risk crossing,” explained Flores Ayora.
The situation underscores the urgent need for improved road safety measures and stricter enforcement of traffic laws to reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on the Mérida Periférico.
TYT Newsroom
