Texas Travel Tips for Travel Season
Spring time is here so many Texans are beginning to travel. Texas has nearly 80,000 miles of roads and highways: That is more than any other state in the United States (US)! As a result, it is important to keep some traveling safety tips in mind.
Texas is full of beautiful sights and destinations. Many places are spread fairly far apart, though. Planning your road trip is important. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) established the Texas Travel Information Centers throughout the state and they are staffed by professional travel counselors. These staff members will provide information on points of interest, events going on, “Welcome to Texas” photo opportunities, and more. In addition, they will help you plan the best route for your trip. These centers can be contacted by calling (800)452-9292 or by visiting Texas Travel Information Center.
A week or so before a road trip is planned, make sure to check the vehicle’s maintenance status. This includes checking the tire pressure, oil level, engine, battery, etc. You can find a more complete list at DMV.org Pre-trip maintenance. Also, ensure that you and your passengers have all the proper paperwork readily available in the vehicle like your drivers licenses, proof of insurance for the vehicle, and road side assistance contact information. Pack a paper map in case there is no cell phone service at some point in your trip, as well.
Before you take off on your trip, check the weather and road conditions. There are several useful websites for this. Some of these include: Drive Texas.org, AccuWeather.com, Federal Highway Administration, and Weather Underground. Be sure you and your passengers have a plan on a driving schedule. Taking turns driving helps to reduce the risk of drowsy driving since this buddy system enables one to focus on driving as the other rests and/or decides on music to listen to. Also, plan the stopping points to take breaks and/or eat as you switch drivers.
While driving, stay aware of your surroundings and stay alert especially while you are in construction zones, bad weather, and heavy traffic. Also, do not forget to slow down and/or move over if you see emergency vehicles and/or tow trucks on the side of the road with their lights on because it is the law! In addition, eliminate as many distractions as you can. Finally, be sure you and your passengers are buckled up for the duration of the trip!
Traveling through Texas is a beautiful and fun experience. Make the most of it by planning the trip, in full, beforehand. This will warrant a safer and more prosperous vacation. Be sure to utilize different traveling checklists and safety resources, like https://www.dps.texas.gov/tle/traveltips.htm, as well.
If you have questions regarding any of the information mentioned in this week’s article, please do not hesitate to call my Capitol or District Office. Please always feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or issues regarding a Texas state agency, or if you would like to contact my office regarding constituent services. As always, my offices are available at any time to assist with questions, concerns or comments (Capitol Office, 512-463-0672; District Office, 361-949-4603).
– State Representative Todd Hunter, District 32
Rep. Hunter represents Nueces County (Part). He can be contacted at todd.hunter@house.texas.gov or at 512-463-0672
