A good resource for Baja travelers is “The Binational Emergency Medical Care Committee” or The BEMCC. which has over 30 years of experience for any medical issues on the Transpeninsular highway. Here are a few tips from Celia Diaz, the Executive Director of this non profit organization:

• Purchase your BEMCC Membership BEFORE you travel south of the border.
• If you are traveling or camping in a remote area where cell phones do not work, spend the extra money to rent or lease a satellite phone. Visit BajaGPSGuide.com for more information on satellite phones. This two way communication device is critical in any emergency where there are no phones.
• If you’re staying more than 72 hours – or traveling south of Ensenada – you need a tourist card. They’re available at the Mexican customs office at the San Ysidro-Tijuana border.
• Buy gas when you can. It often sells out in small towns along the route.
• Be courteous when stopped by soldiers at highway checkpoints. Sometimes they’ll wave you through, but often they’ll search the car for drugs and weapons.
• Allow yourself enough time to travel more slowly than you would in the U.S. “It’s not I-5,” says Celia Diaz. She recommends taking four days to drive Route 1 one-way from Tijuana to Los Cabos.
• Special auto insurance is available from agencies such as the Instant Mexican Auto Insurance or at storefront offices near the border for a small expense.
• Be sure to use the “buddy system.” Travel in a caravan or with more than one car whenever possible. The BEMCC wants you to have a safe trip while traveling into Baja. If one car is involved in an accident, then another vehicle is always a necessity to transport any injured to the closest medical facility.
• If you are traveling on the ocean, be sure to know your GPS coordinates. Today, most cellular phones also have applications to find your GPS coordinates. The BEMCC has coordinated many successful rescues utilizing the services of the U.S. Coast Guard and Mexican Navy.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Try to blend in as much as possible. U.S. laws do not apply in Mexico. Most of the time as long as you are friendly and courteous, there should not be any issues. The goal is to have a great time!