[rossman]

I personally have never had any issues driving in Mexico. When you drive through the cities and villages you have to obey the speed limits and they can be tricky because they can be posted at 90 or 100 kpm and then boom a quick change to 45 kpm for not much more than a bus stop. In the cities and towns I just try to go the same speed or a little slower than the locals..
Every one says to not drive at night but because I know the road quite well I tend to cross the border an hour or two before sunrise and am through the metro areas of TJ and Ensenada by daylight. The main issue with nighttime driving is the free range cattle. They are there in the day too but can really surprise you at night. On coming traffic tend to flash their lights at you if there is something going on up ahead. Could be around the next curve or 5 miles ahead. Just drive very defensively.
One thing that is unique to Mexico and especially outside the cities an towns, if you have car trouble or a flat or out of gas, not one local will pass you and not offer help. You could stop for a piss break and have 3 cars waiting for you to make sure you don't need help. Try that in the US.
There are 3 or 4 checkpoints where there are children (seemingly) with machine guns. They tend to ask where are you coming from and where are you going and wave you through. Northbound these checkpoints tend to be a bit more thorough. They may ask you to get out and they will go through your stuff. Take your money and passport and phone and other valuables with you when you vacate the vehicle. Offer water or soda if it is hot, smile and you will be on your way. If you don't do drugs, carry drugs, buy drugs, or sell drugs you will be safer in Mexico than most of the large cities in the US.