Chetumal Traffic Chief Vows to Continue Checkpoints to Reduce Accidents During Vacation Period

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Facing a rise in vehicle and motorcycle accidents and fatalities, the state traffic director confirmed the reinforcement of operations and checkpoints to reduce crashes, especially during the summer vacation period.

Efraín García Chávez, director of the State Traffic Department, said that from January to May, 1,054 traffic accidents and at least five deaths were recorded, “which forces us to strengthen road safety strategies with the installation of inspection points in different areas of Chetumal.”

“What we seek during this vacation period is to help reduce road accidents, verify that vehicles and motorcycles have their documents in order and that their origin is legitimate, and locate units reported stolen,” García Chávez said.

During inspections, officers will urge drivers and motorcyclists to carry their license and vehicle registration, and will check for basic safety measures such as seat belt use and helmet use for motorcyclists.

Of the 1,054 accidents recorded in the first five months of the year, 923 resulted from traffic law violations — speeding, running stop signs, and tailgating, among other factors — while 133 were caused by alcohol consumption. Those crashes left 170 people injured and five dead.

The director acknowledged that this figure is higher than the same period in 2025, when there were 772 accidents, 132 injuries, and five deaths.

He insisted on the need to set up safety checkpoints to raise public awareness about complying with safety devices and to prevent people from driving under the influence of alcohol, which is one of the main causes of accidents.

García Chávez said that from January to June, officers issued 1,745 fines: 417 for ignoring traffic signs, 275 for parking in prohibited areas, and 270 for speeding.

Additionally, authorities administered 1,448 breathalyzer tests, of which 26 percent were positive.