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Mexico spring break trips can be dangerous

The top item on many UA students' spring break agendas is a trip to Cancun, Mazatlan or Rocky Point, Mexico, but university police warn of potential dangers.

For the past 20 years, college students have flocked to beaches along both Mexican coasts for both the weather and the 18-and-over alcohol laws.

But, according to UAPD crime prevention officer Paul Reinhardt, trips to Mexico present many hazards and tight restrictions on activity and transportation.

"There are a whole bunch of people who want to drive to their Mexican spring break destination," Reinhardt said. "And most of those people don't realize how much different it is than traveling in the United States."

Reinhardt put together a set of rules to follow while in Mexico for students to maximize their pleasure while remaining safe.

First on the list is making sure students have identification and backup identification.

"The Mexican Government is extremely strict," Reinhardt said. "The drinking law is over 18 there, but that doesn't mean a person can forget the essentials. Passport, driver license, even a birth certificate; people need to make sure they have them."

Other essentials to pack are extra water, a first aid kit, car registration and insurance, and clothing suited for the weather.

Another pre-trip idea is to buy Mexican insurance.

"There are many different kinds of insurance people can buy at just about any insurance agency to protect valuables on a trip south of the border," Reinhardt said. "There are four-day plans, seven-day plans and they can be as cheap as $10 a day."

As important as what to take to Mexico is what not to take.

Drugs are as illegal in Mexico as they are in the United States, according to Ed Selecta, president of the Southern Arizona DUI Task Force, and the Mexican Government lays a heavy hand on those who break the rules.

"Just keep it at home," Selecta advised. "It isn't legal here and it isn't legal there. But I guarantee a night in a Mexican jail won't be a fun thing to do during spring break."

Reinhardt also advised against bringing weapons and large sums of money. Traveler's checks are the best way to keep money safe abroad, he said.

Jim Van Arsdel, director of UA Residence Life, advises students leaving dorms or apartments that locking doors and windows is important, because many people stay in town during spring break.

"The university is here for people to come to, not go home from," Van Arsdel said. "The residence halls will be open and they will be staffed. Anyone leaving should realize that and take precautions. For those staying, they need to realize that we are treating this upcoming week no differently than any other week."

Reinhardt said the key to staying safe on vacation is to obey whatever rules are set forth by the town, club or resort traveled to in Mexico.

"It is really easy to get caught up in the partying and drinking in Mexico," Reinhardt said. "But it is extremely important to keep your head about you. I'll say it again - the Mexican Government doesn't tolerate much of anything."

Selecta added that drinking and driving is also something to avoid south of the border.

"Being drunk and getting into an accident down there would be a nightmare," he said. "Your car would be impounded, you'd be in a world of hurt."

Although drinking and driving is an obvious crime in both Mexico and the United States, some other laws shared by the neighboring countries are enforced much differently in Mexico than here, Reinhardt said.

Littering, for example, is a crime in the United States, but people get away with it scot-free most of the time, he added.

But in Mexico, a citation for littering, such as for most crimes, requires the offender to appear in court. That could be a hassle for someone who receives a citation in Cancun on the last day of the trip, he said.

"Most importantly, I think, is to respect the Mexican culture," Reinhardt said. "It just isn't a good idea to insult the way of life down there. It isn't hard to be respectful and it ensures a good time over the break."

As with taking items into Mexico, there are laws concerning bringing items back into the United States.

Drugs, weapons and fireworks are illegal, but 50 cigars or two cartons of cigarettes, a camera, 12 rolls of film, personal hygiene items, three liters of alcohol for those over the age of 21, books and magazines are OK.

Reinhardt said it isn't a good idea to take fruits or vegetables, meat or birds back into the United States.

"Mexico can be a great time over spring break for everyone," Reinhardt said. "But it is important to be aware of laws and surroundings to keep everyone safe."