I’m driving from Texas to Belize this summer which means I’m going all the way through Mexico. Anything I should know?

I want to enjoy Mexico but I also don’t want to get shotgunned in the face or heavily extorted. I’ve been taking advice from friends who know better than I do and ChatGPT, but I would like to hear what you all have to say in this subreddit. Any safety tips? Should I enjoy the adventure and slow it down slightly or blast through the northern part of Mexico and enjoy the southern part more? (Which I’ve heard is safer)