Lifestyle

Avoiding Deadly Roadway Dangers as You Travel Texas This Summer

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Living in Texas, we are fortunate enough to enjoy spending time outdoors more than people in other parts of the country. With summer almost officially here, we can expect more parties, festivals, community events, and even some epic summer vacation travel plans.

When school is out, and there’s saved up vacation days just waiting to be used up, there are few things more exciting than packing up the car and hitting the road. Whether you’re heading to Marfa to see Big Bend National Park, or to Dallas to do some sightseeing and catch a Rangers game, you’re sure to make some unforgettable summertime memories.

Avoiding Roadway Dangers

Photo: Pixabay.com

The Reality of Roadway Dangers

While driving to your destinations is the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around, it can also be the most dangerous. According to the latest data by the Texas Department of Transportation, there were fatal crashes every day in 2016, and a majority of them had 100 percent fatalities.

Some of the highest fatality rates occurred during the summer months and during the weekends or around the summer holidays.

Every Texan knows that traffic congestion is a major issue and it can be a contributing factor in dozens of accidents each year. Weather, distracted drivers, road rage, animals crossing the road, road construction, and even just “bad” drivers are also responsible for a handful of accidents in Texas.

Avoiding Roadway Dangers

Photo: Pixabay.com

Alcohol Continues To Be A Significant Factor In Accidents

One of the biggest roadway dangers continues to be drivers under the influence of alcohol. Drunk drivers are responsible for thousands of accidents in Texas every year. While not every accident has fatal consequences, accidents can result in physical injuries and emotional trauma.

All throughout Texas, there are plenty of unique opportunities to explore distilleries, wineries, and enjoy a local craft beer. These types of businesses help boost local economies while providing a good time for the people who visit. No business owner wants to see their patrons walk out the door and get behind the wheel of a car while impaired, but we know that it happens every day.

Graduation parties, retirement celebrations, weddings, birthday parties, cookouts, family reunions, music festivals, and summer holiday events; all of these activities are an excellent reason to celebrate. They are also a reason to raise a glass (or two) to toast “good times.” However, while there are more and more people who decide not to get behind the wheel after a drink, there are still many who do, and it can be nearly impossible to know if we are sharing the road with a drunk driver.

 

Avoiding Roadway Dangers

Photo: flemingattorneys.com/lost-lives

This Could Be You

The following story is true, the picture and names have been changed to protect the privacy of the victims and their family.

Flora and David, a California couple, were visiting Austin with their teenaged children, Bobby and Jill. Flora and Bobby were instantly killed when an alleged drunk driver crossed a median, hitting the family’s car and another driver. David, who was on life support, died in the hospital a few days later, and Jill, the sole survivor, suffered from non-life-threatening injuries.

This family could be you, or anyone you know, enjoying a summer vacation on the road. There are hundreds of stories just like this one, and each year another community in Texas loses a family member and friend.

While you can’t always change the way that other people drive, you can encourage and inspire them to be safer drivers. Share your own experiences or share a victim’s story.

Avoiding Roadway Dangers

Photo: Facebook/Mothers Against Drunk Driving

Travel Tips For Safer Driving

Deciding not to get behind the wheel of your car after you’ve had a drink is impactful and is likely to keep you and hundreds of other motorists safer, but here are some more safe travel tips to consider this summer:

  • Follow the distracted driving laws in Texas
  • Eliminate all distractions
  • Never drive when tired
  • Plan ahead, avoid using GPS when driving