As millions of Americans prepare to hit the road for the Thanksgiving holiday, Texas officials are beefing up efforts to ensure a safe journey for highway travelers. TxDOT, together with AAA, reminds drivers of the best ways to stay safe on the roads, and they've got backup from the HERO team in Austin, ready to assist drivers who find themselves in a bind. According to CBS Austin, AAA projects that a whopping four million people will be cruising Texas roads this holiday season.
Digging into the details, as the temperatures drop and travel peaks, the Texas Department of Transportation highlighted "the last thing you can do is check driveTexas.org before you travel to find out all of our road conditions," which Tucker Ferguson, the district engineer for TxDOT's Austin District stated in a press conference obtained by FOX 7 Austin. They're pushing for vigilance against an unwelcome streak: 23 years of fatalities on Texas roads without a break, underscoring a haunting history of holiday havoc.
In the wake of last year's grim tally, where "tragically last year there were a total of 114 fatalities on TxDOT roadways during the holiday season," as reported by Tucker Ferguson to CBS Austin, nearly 40% of which occurred over the Thanksgiving weekend, TxDOT and AAA are doubling down on their call to prepare for the unexpected. Motorists are encouraged to see a mechanic before traveling and keep an emergency kit in their cars to avoid the top causes of roadside rescues: dead batteries, flat tires, and engine problems.
With winter weather rearing its frosty head, TxDOT isn't skimping on resources. They've upped their game with extra snowplows and a bolstered stock of de-icing materials like brine and magnesium chloride, as detailed by Ferguson when he said, "This year, we have five snowplows available for our use to remove snow and ice," in statements given to FOX 7 Austin. Those looking to travel are advised to avoid speeding and to drive cautiously on icy bridges and overpasses. HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator), part of this safety net, stands by to prop up those in need, ready to provide fuel, jump batteries, and water for overheating engines while you celebrate. Needing help? HERO awaits at 512-974-HERO (4376).
Beyond the mechanical, human factors weigh heavily on the safety scales. Buckle up, say 'no' to driving drunk, watch your speed, and abide by the 'Move Over, Slow Down' law. Ferguson stressed the simple yet life-saving efficacy of these measures during his address that was shared by FOX 7 Austin, reinforcing, "One of the keys to keeping everybody safe this holiday season is the ‘Move Over, Slow Down’ law." Desperately urging all to heed these rules of the road, the hope is to avoid repeating the dark chapters of bygone years and usher in a season where giving thanks doesn't come with the burden of loss on Texan highways.
