In Yucatán, several roads have been marked as particularly hazardous due to the high number of accidents and fatalities in recent years. These roads typically see heavy traffic as they connect popular tourist spots and densely populated municipalities with the city of Mérida.
However, during holiday seasons, these roads experience an even greater influx of vehicles, making it even more important for drivers to exercise caution. Currently, there are five highways known for their high traffic volume and high accident rates. These include the Mérida Peripheral Ring, the Mérida-Motul Highway, the Mérida-Campeche Highway, the Mérida-Progreso Highway, and the Kantunil-Holcá Highway.
Mérida Ring Road: The Mérida Ring Road is considered the most dangerous road in the state. With a length of 49.5 kilometers, it records an alarming average of weekly accidents. In 2023, 20 deaths were reported on this road, and the worrying trend continued in 2024.
The main victims are pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists, who face significant risks when attempting to cross or travel on this artery, even with the presence of pedestrian bridges that, according to authorities, are underutilized.
The most dangerous stretches are between kilometers 15 and 38, areas with high urban density and numerous businesses.
Mérida-Motul Highway: This 30-kilometer road has seen multiple fatal accidents. The most dangerous sections are located around kilometer 6, near Conkal, and between kilometers 18 and 24, which extend from
Baca to
Hilí . The combination of heavy traffic and poor road conditions contributes to the dangers of this route.
Mérida-Campeche Highway: Along this route, the sections between kilometers 158 and 130, from Poxilá to Maxcanú , are especially dangerous. Accidents on this highway often involve heavy vehicles, and a significant proportion of them result in vehicle rollover.
Mérida-Progreso Highway: This road has been the scene of numerous accidents, with critical sections from the Temozón Norte bridge to San Ignacio . High speeds and increased traffic contribute to its dangerous nature.
Kantunil-Holcá Highway: Residents of Kantunil and Holcá have reported that the Mérida-Valladolid freeway , especially the 49-kilometer Kantunil-Pisté section , is extremely dangerous. Between three and five accidents are reported each week, many of them fatal. The road is narrow, in poor condition, and lacks adequate signage, which increases the risk of accidents.
It is imperative that both the authorities and road users become more aware of the risks associated with these roads. By adopting preventive measures, the number of accidents on these Yucatán roads can be significantly reduced.
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