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Google Maps Offers Crime Zone Warnings for Drivers in Puebla, Mexico

Puebla is a region in Mexico well-known for its culinary delights, colonial architecture, and amazing pottery. Its city center, Puebla de Zaragoza, is roughly 135 kilometers southeast of Mexico City and takes around two hours to drive to, which is excellent for travelers and expat explorers.

The region is relatively safe according to the National System of Public Security, but incidents of robberies, assaults, and thefts do occur from time to time. Fortunately, to help warn drivers traveling to and in Puebla, Google Maps offers alerts for high-risk areas and incidents on the road.

In this Pacific Prime Latin America article, we’ll go over the latest updates from the platform and provide tips for drivers on the road to follow and keep safe during their journey.

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Google Maps is Warning Drivers about Danger Zones

Google Maps offers crime zone warnings for drivers in Puebla. Danger spots are indicated as zona de asaltos (robbery zones) or asaltos expréss (express robberies) on the platform, which help to alert drivers that they are heading towards or in the vicinity of criminal activities.

Over the years, Google Maps has added many safety features to its platform, which include alerting users to car accidents, traffic-related issues, natural disasters, and even risks of gunfire. So, be sure to use the platform to stay updated on what’s happening during your trip to or in Puebla.

How to Stay Safe While Driving in Puebla

Although Puebla is fairly safe for travelers and newly arrived expats, it’s best to exercise caution. If you’ve never been to Puebla, keeping these tips in mind will help you stay safe and prepared for unfortunate incidents.

1. Avoid Driving at Night

The cover of nightfall provides a prime opportunity for criminals, such as robbers and even kidnappers, to act. More so, decreased visibility and poorly maintained roads can increase the chances of you having an accident and expose you to criminals.

2. Travel by Day to Avoid Potholes and Watch Out for Livestock

It’s best to travel by day so that you can see better and watch out for potential tire-popping potholes, sharp turns, or even livestock that wanders onto the road. Having clear visibility can reduce the risk of getting into an accident and ensure you can safely travel to your destination.

3. Check That You Are on a “Toll Road” When Using Google Maps

Cuota (toll) roads are different from libre (free) roads in that they are much safer and quicker to get from one destination to another; whereas traveling on free roads means you’re likely to get stuck in traffic. Journey times may also be longer as you pass through towns and populated areas.

4. Check That You Have Enough Fuel

Before heading out on your journey, check that your vehicle has plenty of fuel and that all components are working correctly. If you’re renting, ask the rental service to go through all the checks with you so you know that everything is in order.

5. Secure Kidnap and Ransom Insurance in Mexico

Sounding horrible as it seems, kidnappings in Mexico are common. Last year, Mexico reached a figure of 100,000 people disappeared or missing in the country. Kidnaps are suspected as one of the biggest causes of these disappearances.

In the worst-case scenario where you come across kidnappers, then having kidnap and ransom insurance will help provide coverage for ransom paid to kidnappers or extortionists, loss of ransom in transit, and other expenses incurred as a result of a kidnapping.

Get in Touch with Pacific Prime Latin America for More Tips and Insurance Solutions

No one wants to encounter accidents. Sometimes it is better to protect yourself by securing insurance. At Pacific Prime Latin America, our insurance experts are on hand to help provide personal travel tips and assist your search for a suitable insurance plan for your time in Mexico.

Whether it is travel insurance for Mexico or kidnap and ransom insurance coverage for unforeseen incidents, our team of advisors can offer impartial advice and recommend suitable plans that match your needs and budget.

Contact us for a FREE quote and compare the plans available to you today!

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Content Creator at Pacific Prime Latin America
Eric is an experienced content writer specializing in writing creative copies of marketing materials including social media posts, advertisements, landing pages, and video scripts.

Since joining Pacific Prime, Eric was exposed to a new world of insurance. Having learned about insurance products extensively, he has taken joy and satisfaction in helping individuals and businesses manage risks and protect themselves against financial loss through the power of words.

Although born and raised in Hong Kong, he spent a quarter of his life living and studying in the UK. He believes his multicultural experience is a great asset in understanding the needs and wants of expats and globe-trotters.

Eric’s strengths lie in his strong research, analytical, and communication skills, obtained through his BA in Linguistics from the University of York and MSc in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Bristol.

Outside of work, he enjoys some me-time gaming and reading on his own, occasionally going absolutely mental on a night out with friends.
Eric Chung