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Vehicular Safety Tips In Mexico—for High Level Protectees and Vacationers

12 Safety Tips to Note

Travel to certain regions of Mexico is risky– even with a full-blown protection detail. Whether you are traveling to Mexico for vacation or business, with or without protection, here are a few critical safety tips that might help prevent an attack or help you avoid catastrophe under attack.

1. 1. Do not rent or utilize cars with running boards or luggage racks. These are holding straps for would-be attackers. Running boards allow them to stand alongside the vehicle and hang on to a side mirror or a luggage rack. Luggage racks allow them to hold on to the top of the vehicle as it moves.
   2. Whenever possible, arrange for a hard car. (This is a must if you are traveling with a Protectee.) The National Institute of Justice has a ballistics scale for rating the level of armor that is required to withhold varying ammunition rounds. Depending on the geopolitical climate in your area of intended travel, it would be wise to look up ballistic ratings for the level you will need to ensure safety.
   3. If a hard car is not available, rent a car with run flats so you can keep moving to safety in the event your tires are shot out, or you simply have a flat tire in a volatile location. Tinted windows are recommended to minimize exposure of vehicle occupants.
   4. Use reliable intelligence sources to hire vetted, professional drivers. Having a trained tactical driver with intimate geographical knowledge of the region is critical to your success in escaping a hostile situation.
   5. A tip for the vacationer: when driving yourself, always leave an escape gap between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you, whether you are at a forced stop intersection or in traffic. This is good practice no matter where you are driving.
   6. Ensure you have a tested and fully charged method of communication while you are in transit. Secure communications are always recommended so radio traffic and Protectee movements are not intercepted.
   7. Having a portable emergency med kit with trauma care and ballistic blankets is highly recommended.
   8. Maintain as much discretion as possible in your motorcade. If all vehicles are equally outfitted, alter the transport vehicle for the Protectee. Alter routes and times, and send out mock motorcades to conduct counter-surveillance. Use counter-surveillance motorcade techniques to conduct real-time threat assessments when the Protectee is on the move.
   9. Know primary and secondary hospital routes and what each hospital’s trauma level rating is within your area of travel.
   10. Keep all doors locked at all times. Right front controls all door locks and determines when it is safe to unlock them. If you come under attack, find drivable terrain, no matter if it is a sidewalk or off-road.
   11. Drivers always stay with the vehicles in a departure ready status.
   12. Situational awareness — pay close attention to your surroundings.

Kathy Leodler Chief Executive Officer Email:kathy.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-2703 PI License #3555

Paul Leodler Executive Vice President Email:paul.l@rampartgroup.com Phone: (360) 981-3397 PI License #4180

We at Rampart Group are committed to your security. Call 1-800 421-0614 or contact us today with your security or investigative needs.