In response to the increase in car accidents in recent days on the toll road connecting San Cristóbal and Tuxtla Gutiérrez, which have resulted in at least six deaths and more than a dozen injuries, tourism service providers have requested that the relevant authorities implement and reinforce various measures to prevent accidents.
In a document addressed to Janette Cosmes Vázquez, director of the Chiapas branch of the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation, and Albania González Pólito, the state’s Secretary of Mobility and Transportation, they stated that “the implementation of road safety measures is urgent” on this road, “one of the busiest and most essential highway sections in Chiapas.”
They pointed out that “during the last few days of December, multiple vehicle accidents have occurred on this stretch, resulting in deaths, injuries, property damage, and profound emotional trauma for the victims and their families.”
This “deplorable situation,” they added, “affects not only the residents of Chiapas who travel this route daily, but also national and international visitors who arrive in our state, who unfortunately leave with a bad impression due to the perception of road insecurity.”
They stated that the aforementioned highway “is a fundamental axis for social, economic, and tourist mobility, making it essential to raise safety levels in order to prevent accidents that endanger the lives of those who travel on it.”
They requested that the Ministry of Communications and Transportation “consider reviewing, reinforcing, and implementing security measures, such as those commonly applied on high-demand highways.” They reiterated that the “urgent security measures recommended for highways that can be implemented in the short term, especially for the 2025 December holiday season, should be applied, such as monitoring compliance with speed limits through patrols and monitoring systems; installing breathalyzer testing stations; and updating and maintaining the emergency communication system, guaranteeing rapid and efficient response, such as assistance from the Green Angels or the Red Cross.”
Likewise, “awareness and road safety education campaigns focused on accident prevention through various local media outlets, such as radio, television, social media, print media, etc.” They stated that “other additional medium-term safety measures include issuing federal tour operator licenses or similar, which include practical exams; and installing or reinforcing guardrails (metal or concrete) to prevent lane invasions when passing; this measure is essential to mitigate accidents.”
They expressed that “the implementation or reinforcement of these measures will significantly contribute to reducing accidents, protecting the lives of users, and improving the experience of those who visit our state.” The document is signed by Victoria C. Hidalgo Pérez, president of the Association of Economy-Class Inns and Hotels of San Cristóbal; and Verónica Alcántara Martínez, president of the Association of Hotels and Motels of San Cristóbal. Herlinda Armas Hernández, president of the Chiapas Association of Travel Agencies San Cristóbal and Tourism, as well as Laura Zarate, director of Public Relations and Representative of the San Cristóbal Chapter of the Mexican Association of Women Business Owners.
Source; jornada
