Everything’s bigger in Texas! Bigger cars, bigger roadspaces, and the bigger the road trips. When you live in one of the biggest states in the country, there is always a reason to pack up the car and get to lookin’. Let’s dive into some of the things you should know about driving in the Lone Star State.
Keep an eye out for those speed limits
Did you know that the State of Texas has the highest posted speed limit in the United States on Highway 130? Believe it or not, 85 is the posted speed limit on this particular highway and in other areas throughout the state. And what would Texas be without some roadwork to compliment the views.
Be sure to keep a close eye on the fluctuating speed limit signs throughout these construction zones to ensure you don’t get a hefty ticket while taking that family road trip. Beware of those tickets not only for your wallet but also for your car insurance too. A speeding ticket raises your Texas car insurance about $600 over 3 years. Now that’s a pretty penny!
Fun fact: The fastest speeding ticket issued in history took place in Houston for a vehicle traveling 242 mph in a 75 mph zone.
Look out for sneaky parking police
We all like to think that a neatly tucked envelope under our windshield wiper is a stack of coupons or a spontaneous gift from a stranger but in Texas they call those parking tickets. Texas is #5 on the national list for the state that gives out the most tickets.
Park in areas with clearly designated parking signs and more than likely, if you’re parking in an urban area, there’s a meter by the car. Parking citations range in cost from $25 in some cities to over $100 in others. Texas is known for hunkering down on their regulations. Don’t get caught missing the window to pay a parking fee because good ole Walker Texas Ranger will let you know.
Turning left on a red light? You heard right.
Now this one is a really tricky one. Many individuals in Texas like to assume that if there are no signs to indicate ‘left turn signal’ or ‘left turn on green,’ then you’re all good to roll on through that light if it’s red. Think again, friends. It is extremely important to know that it is illegal to turn left on red from a two-way street to a one-way street.
If you are at an intersection and the street you’re on is a one way street but also the street you are looking to turn on is a one-way street, then is a left turn on red allowed. Don’t risk getting ticketed and always double check that you’re turning from a one-way to a one-way at a red light if left is where you want to go.
Move over because surprise- there’s traffic
Depending on which city you live in, traffic can be quite the blood pressure elevator if you let it. Austin, Texas was ranked #19 in the U.S. for most congested traffic, as well as ranked above all other Texas cities for worst congested traffic in the state. The Texas A&M Transportation Institute has conducted a study finding that congestion is costing the average commuter $1,010 a year.
By simply “driving friendly- the Texas way” you can avoid nasty road rage, fender benders, and unpredictable situations during rush hour traffic. Use your turn signal ahead of time to merge, and don’t piss off the 18-wheeler with breaks like your first tricycle.
Put the phone down!
In 2017, the State of Texas made it illegal to use any kind of electronic device while behind the wheel, especially texting and driving. Punishment for the violation of texting while driving can amount to a ticket of $25-$99 for first time offenders and $100-$200 for repeat offenders. So let the phone turn it’s do-not-disturb mode on and don’t actually click the ‘I’m not driving’ button because guess what- you are!
Texting while driving is proven to make an accident 23 times more likely to occur. Whatever the post and whoever the text was from; it can wait. In 2016 alone, there were 109,658 distracted driving traffic crashes in Texas, resulting in 3,000 serious injuries. Don’t let yourself become a part of a statistic for not abiding by the law.
We hope that we’ve given you a good glimpse into what to expect while driving in Texas. Always remember to put the safety of yourself and others first, following the rules of the land, and enjoy the views (for as long as they may span)!
