With the holiday season upon us and roadways brimming with travelers, the Texas Department of Transportation's HERO teams are emphasizing the importance of vehicle maintenance before hitting the road. In a statement obtained by TxDOT, HERO Program Manager Martin Morales highlighted that, while trip planning is often thorough, the same attention should be given to vehicle checks. Morales advised checking fluid levels, belts, hoses, tire pressure, and conditions, ensuring caps are in place, and assessing battery life and windshield wipers.
Morales pointed out the significance of not just air pressure but also the physical state of each tire. "Our whole trip depends on the tires that we roll on, all our loved ones are riding on that vehicle," Morales told TxDOT. He emphasized the need to watch for nails, screws, and signs of wear that could lead to roadside emergencies. AAA projects a surge in holiday travel, with an expected 122.4 million Americans journeying more than 50 miles from home between December 20 and January 1, surpassing last year's record. These numbers suggest that motorists should prioritize vehicle upkeep this week, especially in anticipation of the busiest travel period just before Christmas.
Diligence doesn't stop under the hood. Ensuring that cargo is securely stowed is another critical aspect of travel safety. Unsecured loads pose significant dangers, causing approximately 730 deaths and 17,000 injuries annually, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Motorists are reminded to use ropes, netting, or straps and to consider a sturdy tarp to cover loads, and to avoid overloading vehicles or trailers.
"Always wear your seatbelt, don’t speed, and make sure when you see emergency lights on the side of the road that you move over or slow down," Sgt. Eliot Torres with the Texas Department of Public Safety stated in an effort to remind drivers of essential safety practices, according to TxDOT. With a nod to holiday traditions, making a checklist for vehicle maintenance may seem as detailed as Santa's ledger, but it can be indispensable for a secure and joyful journey.
