Puerto Rico Warnings or Dangers

After having driven in many small countries, even eastern Europe, etc., I have to say that driving in P.R. is an 'experience'. We spent over a week driving ALL OVER the island, and never ceased to be amazed. The locals must have taken driving lessons from the WW-II Kamikaze pilots! I know thay you don't have to stay stopped at red lights at night (this, to reduce carjackings) but even at high noon, most traffic laws, signs, etc. are simply ignored. Even if the cross traffic has a red light, stop sign, yield, etc., never assume the other driver will obey. Leave yourself room to escape - defensive driving at its highest level is required.
Stop for no one, even an obvious accident, sick child, etc. Sad to say, most of these are staged for carjackings. Make a fast U-turn if you must, but DON'T STOP. Don't wear expensive jewelery, flash an expensive-looking camera, etc. Yes, the police seem to actually try, but they are TOTALLY overwhelmed.
Roads are not always well signed, bring a compass. Biggest problem seems to be that the locals like to trash new signs as soon as they are installed. Look in the woods at unsigned intersection - 9 or 10 times, there's the sign!
Car theft seems to be the national pastime. On mountain roads, even the beautiful 'Ruta Panoramica', burned shells of late-model cars litter the highway - I mean HUNDREDS. Since they are burned, not stripped, I conclude that this is simply sport, not business. Bring a 'Club' or something similar for your rental car. Even if you accept the insurance, finding your wheels, complete with luggage, etc., gone is no fun!
The only place you'll find a decent toilet on your travels is a restaurant. Public toilets, such as those at beach parks, are regularly destroyed almost immediately after installation. We went to a brand-new beach facility on the western end of the south shore, beautiful place, restrooms littered with smashed porcelain. Why?
Having said all of this, we still had a great time, and, owing mainly to my driving skills, zero trouble. But many are incredulous that we camped - and lived! At most places, with wide expanses of beautiful white Carribean sand, we were the ONLY campers!

Puerto Rico Warnings or Dangers

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Visiting Puerto Rico?

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