Hitting the highways with a bit of Texas swagger just got an official seal of approval, thanks to the "Lessons in Texan" series, a fresh initiative by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT). They're rolling out some good-humored education on road manners, and it's all about driving with a Texas-sized portion of kindness and care.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, the crux of the campaign is 'driving like a Texan' – that's code for behaving kindly and courteously behind the wheel, merged with a strong sense of safety. Cowboy Carl, the series' host, works to infuse a dose of amiable but firm guidance to encourage better driving habits. Brandye Hendrickson, TxDOT Deputy Executive Director, emphasized the intent behind hiring Cowboy Carl, saying, "Driving with kindness, courtesy behind the wheel, and looking out for your neighbor is part of the Texas way of life." She elaborated on the educational angle, "We're not just telling people what safe driving looks like — we’re showing them in a way that’s funny, relatable and unmistakably Texan."
With the State Fair of Texas as their stage, from Sept. 26 through Oct. 19, the "Lessons in Texan" is not just going to be an online excursion. Fairgoers can experience it firsthand within the GO TEXAN Pavilion, a spot tailored to resemble a retro service station harking back to 1950s–60s Americana. The setup, complete with interactive features, is designed to appeal to all ages, making sure the drive safe message clicks for everyone.
Thirsty for a bit of celebrity charm? Circle Oct. 2 on your calendar when Cowboy Carl himself tips his hat at the Drive like a Texan booth. He's there for hellos, photos, and a dash of Texas hospitality. Plus, you can walk away with keepsakes like a sticker, or a postcard – but most importantly, what they hope, is a commitment to road safety. The day's crescendo is the Drive like a Texan Starlight Parade, bringing glowy floats and bigger-than-life puppets to the fair's nighttime sky.
The broader aim of the 'Drive like a Texan' initiative is more than just a tip of the hat to good manners – it’s a full-on embrace of the shared duty Texans bear on the roads. By spreading this brand of road care, TxDOT is banking on the Lone Star state's characteristic pride and community spirit to make its highways safer for everyone involved. Whether you're a born and bred Texan or just passing through, the rules of the road here now come with a wink and a nod – Texas style.
