Simplify Your Journey in Texas with Travel Tips You’ll Love

Attention all Texas drivers! The Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provides handy tips for common scenarios on the roadways. For instance, did you know that Texas has 76 rest stops spread across 80,000 miles of roadways? Drivers are encouraged to take 15 - 20 minute breaks for every two hours spent driving.

Check out these other scenarios TxDOT provides tips on from their recent Road Tips Handbook!

Texans Need to Learn How to Use the Left Lane

First off, you most likely have seen the "Left Lane for Passing Only" signs along highways. These are actually enforced by law. Failure to move from the left lane that causes traffic backup can lead to a fine of up to $200.

When driving behind another vehicle--especially during high speeds like 75 mph--you should always stay three seconds behind them. A good way to measure this is to note when the car in front of you passes a fixed object. Make sure that at least three seconds have passed before you pass that object as well.

You've probably also heard the slogan "move over or slow down." This refers to emergency vehicles with flashing lights on the side of the road. You are required by law to move over a lane or slow your speed down to 20 miles under the posted speed limit.

What to do After a Collision in Texas

Say you get into an accident and you wonder what to do next. First, always check with everyone involved to assess any injuries. Then, document EVERYTHING. Make sure you get the name, phone number, and insurance info from the other driver and take pictures of all vehicles involved and any debris scattered on the road.

If your vehicle is unable to be moved, leave it and wait for the police to arrive. Otherwise, go ahead and move it off the road so you aren't blocking traffic.

It's always good to call the police when a major collision occurs, but ALWAYS call 911 when there's an injury, if you feel the other driver is intoxicated, or if they do not have insurance and/or flee the scene.

Texans Shouldn't Be Full of Road Rage

If aggressive driving escalates to road rage, it risks becoming a criminal offense if violence is involved. It's always best to limit any risk of provoking aggressive drivers. If you do, follow these steps to avoid potential danger:

• Don't flash your lights at them
• Let them pass if they are riding your bumper
• Avoid eye contact with aggressive drivers
• Give them plenty of room on the road
• Don't fuel their anger by making rude hand or facial gestures

If all else fails and the situation escalates where you fear for your safety or the safety of others, always pull over safely and call 911.

You can read about these and so much more from the Texas Road Tips Handbook from TxDOT!