Tips for Driving in Texas: Stay Safe and Confident on the Road

Virtual Drive News
December 29, 2024
Author: Kevin Knapp

Table of contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Know the Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions
Use Your Turn Signals
Be Prepared for Aggressive Drivers
Be Aware of Texas’s Unique Traffic Laws
Know How to Handle Texas’s Weather Conditions
Driving in Texas Cities vs. Rural Areas
Yield to Pedestrians and Bicyclists
more insights
TEXAS DRIVER ED RESOURCES

Table of contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Know the Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions
Use Your Turn Signals
Be Prepared for Aggressive Drivers
Be Aware of Texas’s Unique Traffic Laws
Know How to Handle Texas’s Weather Conditions
Driving in Texas Cities vs. Rural Areas
Yield to Pedestrians and Bicyclists
more insights
TEXAS DRIVER ED RESOURCES

Driving in Texas can be a unique experience, especially if you’re new to the state. With its vast highways, busy cities, and diverse weather conditions, it’s important to be prepared and know how to navigate the roads safely. In this blog, we’ll share essential driving tips for Texas that will help you stay safe, comply with local laws, and enjoy your time on the road.

Know the Speed Limits and Adjust for Conditions

In Texas, speed limits can vary widely, especially between urban and rural areas. Understanding the posted speed limits and adjusting to road conditions is critical for your safety.

Highways and Interstates: Speed limits on highways can go up to 75-85 mph, but always be cautious of changes in speed limits, particularly when you’re near construction zones or entering smaller towns.
Residential Areas: Speed limits in residential areas or near schools are often much lower (typically 20-30 mph). Be vigilant, especially when children are present.
Adjusting for Weather: Texas is known for extreme weather conditions—from summer heat to heavy rain or even winter storms. Always adjust your speed based on the weather. In rainy conditions, it’s best to slow down and increase your following distance to prevent accidents.

Tip: If you’re not sure about the speed limit in a given area, err on the side of caution and drive more slowly until you see clear signage.

Use Your Turn Signals

In Texas, turn signal use is not just a courtesy; it’s required by law. Signaling your intention to change lanes or make a turn helps prevent accidents and allows other drivers to react accordingly.

Why It’s Important: Proper use of turn signals communicates your driving intentions and helps prevent accidents. Failing to use your turn signal can result in a traffic ticket and cause confusion on the road.
When to Signal: Always signal at least 100 feet before changing lanes or turning. Make sure your turn signals are functioning properly to avoid unnecessary confusion.

Tip: Practice using your turn signals early to make sure you’re in the habit of signaling, even in less congested areas.

Be Prepared for Aggressive Drivers

Texas is a large state with heavy traffic in many areas, especially around major cities like Dallas, Houston, and Austin. Aggressive driving is a common issue in these urban areas, and you may encounter drivers who speed, tailgate, or change lanes without signaling.

What to Do: If you find yourself in a situation with an aggressive driver, remain calm and avoid engaging with them. Let the aggressive driver pass safely if possible, and keep your distance to reduce the risk of an accident.
Stay Defensive: Always be aware of your surroundings, keep your eyes on the road, and avoid aggressive behaviors like tailgating or weaving in and out of traffic.

Tip: Use the two-second rule to keep a safe distance from other vehicles, especially in heavy traffic. This gives you enough time to react if the driver in front of you suddenly stops.

Be Aware of Texas’s Unique Traffic Laws

Texas has specific traffic laws that every driver should be aware of. Familiarizing yourself with these laws can help you avoid fines and ensure your safety on the road.

Move Over Law: In Texas, if you see an emergency vehicle on the side of the road, you must move over and change lanes if it’s safe to do so. If you can’t change lanes, you must reduce your speed to 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
School Zones: When driving in school zones, speed limits are reduced, and you must stop if children are present, even if there are no crossing guards.
DUI Laws: Texas has strict DUI laws, and the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.08% for most drivers. Penalties for driving under the influence can be severe, including fines, license suspension, and jail time.

Tip: Always pay attention to school zone signs and emergency vehicle alerts to avoid fines and penalties.

Know How to Handle Texas’s Weather Conditions

Texas is known for its varied weather conditions, which can change rapidly. Whether it’s intense summer heat, thunderstorms, or icy winter roads, it’s important to know how to adjust your driving to the weather.

Summer Heat: Texas summers can be brutally hot, and extreme temperatures can affect your vehicle’s tires, engine, and brakes. Keep your car well-maintained and always carry water with you in case of emergencies.
Rain and Flooding: Texas is prone to flash floods, especially in spring and summer. Avoid driving through standing water, as it can cause your car to stall or get swept away.
Winter Weather: In areas like the Texas Panhandle, snow and ice can make roads treacherous during winter. Always check the weather forecast before heading out in the winter, and keep an emergency kit in your car in case you get stuck.

Tip: During heavy rain or storms, slow down and avoid using cruise control, as it can cause loss of traction.

Driving in Texas Cities vs. Rural Areas

Driving in Texas varies greatly depending on whether you’re in a large city or a more rural area. Urban areas tend to have heavy traffic, narrow streets, and more pedestrian activity, while rural areas may have less congestion but also fewer road signs and landmarks.

In Cities: Be prepared for heavy traffic, construction zones, and potential delays. Use a GPS or map app to navigate efficiently, and plan extra time if you’re driving during rush hours.
In Rural Areas: Be cautious of narrow roads, sudden curves, and wildlife crossing the road. In some rural areas, cell service may be spotty, so it’s important to have a fully charged phone and tell someone your route before you head out.

Tip: In rural areas, always have a roadside emergency kit with you, including a flashlight, water, and basic tools.

Yield to Pedestrians and Bicyclists

Texas has a growing number of pedestrian walkways and bike lanes, and it’s crucial to yield to both pedestrians and bicyclists when required.

Pedestrian Safety: Always stop for pedestrians at crosswalks, and never pass another vehicle that is stopped for a pedestrian.
Bicyclists: When sharing the road with bicyclists, maintain a safe distance of at least 3 feet when passing. Be cautious at intersections, as cyclists are often harder to see than other vehicles.

Tip: Stay alert in areas with high pedestrian traffic, such as near schools, parks, and shopping centers.

Driving in Texas presents unique challenges due to its vast size, varying weather conditions, and urban traffic. By following these essential driving tips, you can stay safe on the road, avoid accidents, and ensure a smoother driving experience. Always be prepared for Texas’s unpredictable weather, respect the traffic laws, and remain aware of your surroundings. Whether you’re driving in a busy city or a quiet rural area, being informed and cautious will help you navigate the Lone Star State safely.