Cancún, Quintana Roo — Motorcycle accidents remain a major road safety concern in Benito Juárez municipality, with 472 crashes recorded from January 1 to May 4, 2026 — an average of 3.8 incidents per day.
According to data from the Secretariat of Public Security and Transit, 522 motorcycles were involved in these crashes, resulting in 410 injuries and at least one death. The death toll may be higher, as the count only includes cases where municipal police were the first responders.
Authorities said the most common infractions include lack of documentation, riding on sidewalks, ignoring traffic lights, and parking in pedestrian zones. As part of preventive operations, officers issue between 20 and 40 fines daily.
Residents and drivers blame the problem on easy access to driver’s licenses without rigorous testing. “They should at least require a basic road knowledge exam,” said motorcyclist Francisco González. “Improving streets and signage is also important, but everything must go hand in hand with respect for the rules.”
Jorge Guzmán, a motorcyclist with over 10 years of experience, acknowledged that many crashes are caused by riders themselves. “They go where they shouldn’t, the streets are in bad condition, and wet pavement or paint makes them skid. Plus, many don’t wear protection or carry more passengers than allowed,” he said.
Driver Alex Canto argued that no one should be allowed to drive any vehicle without a license that proves basic knowledge. “First, you should go through a driving school. It’s not just motorcycles — there are bicycles and high-speed scooters. Motorcyclists generally don’t respect anything and put lights of all colors on their bikes; they look like Christmas trees, and if you see them in your rearview mirror at night, they blind you,” he said.
Additionally, the local traffic regulations have not been updated to comply with the Federal Mobility Law, which prohibits transporting children under 12 on motorcycles. During operations, officers urge riders to wear helmets, avoid extra passengers, and respect lanes and speed limits.
The ERUM rescue and emergency medical service reports attending 10 to 15 emergencies daily, with traffic accidents being the most common. Medical personnel note that many riders lack experience and are unaware of the rules. By comparison, 746 accidents were recorded by the end of May 2025, indicating the problem persists and continues to strain emergency services in the city.
