The Texas Department of Public Safety warns students to stay out of Mexico this spring break, especially border towns. The warning is driven by the increase in violence caused by dueling Mexican drug cartels as they vying for control of narcotics trafficking routes.
The U.S. Embassy has urged citizens to delay any unnecessary travel to Michoacán, Durango, Coahuila, and Chihuahua (specifically Ciudad Juarez) . They say drug cartels are not only fighting each other, but they have retaliated violently against anyone who criticizes them or who they deem a threat to their organization. They say travelers have been accosted by criminals or targeted for robbery on highways between Monterrey and other parts of Mexico and the U.S.
It's not clear if this will help or hurt South Padre which once promoted the "two-nation vacation", but now focuses on staying safe by staying on the island and avoiding trips across the border.
DPS also announced it will have extra troopers sprinkled along the roadways. They will be watching for DWIs, seat belt violators and, of course, speeders.
“We want Spring Break to be memorable, but in a good way,” said David Baker, assistant director, Texas Highway Patrol. “You don’t want to get arrested for DWI, receive a ticket or be injured somehow because you were irresponsible. Have fun, but please be safe.”
DPS is offering several tips for a safe Spring Break.
•Don’t text while driving.
•Wear your seat belt.
•Don’t drink and drive.
•Find a sober friend to do the driving.
•Don’t leave your drink unattended, and don’t accept drinks from strangers.
•Keep a fresh driver behind the wheel, or stop every couple of hours to rest and walk around.
•Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained.
•Keep your friends close.
Check out U.S. Dept. of State travel advisories at Travel.State.Gov.
