I made the trip between Midland, TX, and Roswell, NM, the other day, and my GPS directed me along a route that consisted of about 90 miles between the Texas state line and Roswell, NM, along U.S. Highway 380. There's isn't much between Roswell and Texas on that highway, so almost every vehicle on that road is either going to or coming from Texas.
With a speed limit drop of 70 in Texas to 65 in New Mexico, the New Mexicans must feel a little bit queasy with all those speedy Texans on the road. And that may explain why there were so many NM State Police out there on July 3. And each time I saw one he was writing a ticket. (If I had been thinking I would have looked to see if the ticket recipients had Texas plates. DOH! Maybe next time.)
Then there's Tatum. The two lane highway widens to a smooth four lanes as it enters Tatum, a little town with a population of fewer than a thousand people. Oh yeah, the speed limit slows to 30 mph, and the law was certainly being enforced that day in what could be the biggest source of revenue that tiny little town has. In a sense, it's like a toll road with a free ride for those who slow to a snail's pace and a steep fee for any driver who doesn't.
No, I didn't get a ticket, but others did. Welcome to New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.
By far, the better & faster route to Roswell is via Kermit, Mentone, Orla, and on up thru Carlsbad & Artesia. Nice smooth roads, no troopers, and not as many small towns to have to slow down for. Just make sure you're sufficiently gassed up before you get past Kermit, 'cuz there are no convenience stores for about the next 100 miles.
Not that I'd ever suggest exceeding the legal limit, but Dede's little turbo 4-banger Caliente really flies on that stretch...
Posted by: Rob O. | July 05, 2009 at 04:29 PM
Rob O., when I was a tyke we always knew when we crossed the state line because the road surface in NM was always worse than in TX. However, Friday on Hwy 380 the road surface was better in NM. I guess each state uses its highway money differently.
That's good to know about the Kermit route. Thanks for the info, I'll try that way next time.
Oh yeah, I would not suggest exceeding the legal limit either. However, no criminal intent is necessary for a speeding violation, so a momentary lapse of attention can make a lawbreaker out of an otherwise safe driver.
Posted by: Geo | July 05, 2009 at 05:11 PM
Speed trap still going strong in 2020. Horrible town making money off out of state people. They haven’t learned how to post correct speed signs. Sorry but signs slowing down 5 miles each one after the other is a horrible idea just post a sign saying 30 miles ahead and people would slow down! But no the town wouldn’t make money that way.
Posted by: Coontz | May 12, 2020 at 12:12 PM