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The 10 most common traffic violations in DF
Traffic laws are broken 500 times a day in Mexico City
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Ignoring traffic signals and double parking are probably two of the most common driving infractions that raise the ire of those drivers who follow the rules.
But there are many more and all are common, to the point where in Mexico City alone it has been estimated there are 500 such infractions every day.
And it’s not only drivers who pose risks: pedestrians who jaywalk or ignore traffic lights also contribute to disorder in traffic that can lead to fatalities.
But it’s motorists who represent the biggest danger on the roads. In response, security officials in Mexico City and the automotive and traffic research organization Cesvi have come up with their top-10 list of the most common driving violations:
• Ignoring speed limits;
• Driving under the influence;
• Driving the wrong way, against traffic;
• Double parking, parking in front of entry ways, in pedestrian zones or in zones reserved for disabled persons;
• Driving without registration;
• Driving without a licence;
• Driving without a seatbelt;
• Failing to use turn signals;
• Driving without plates; and
• Driving without paying sufficient attention: using a cell phone, not using mirrors or playing with the entertainment system.
Anther infraction that was mentioned but did not make the top-10 list is failing to give the right-of-way to pedestrians on designated crosswalks.
Your correspondent lived for a time in Peru, where it was suggested that the best way for a pedestrian to cross the street was to make the sign of the cross and dash to the other side. The advice might have some merit in Mexico as well.
IvanJ 
