AUSTIN, Texas — As Texans gear up for Thanksgiving travel, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging drivers to plan ahead, drive responsibly, and pack an emergency kit. With millions expected on the roads, DPS emphasizes the importance of taking extra precautions.
“Texas is a big state and, like it or not, you’re not always connected,” said Bryan Rippee, Chief of the Texas Highway Patrol. “If you experience a breakdown or emergency on a rural highway, help may take time to arrive. That’s why having an emergency kit and preparing for the unexpected is so important.”
DPS recommends travelers pack essentials such as water, non-perishable snacks, a blanket, extra clothing, rain gear, a first-aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables or a portable battery charger, a basic toolkit, a tire pressure gauge, a spare tire, a portable phone charger, an ice scraper, and a map or printed directions. Prescription medications and necessary supplies for children or pets should also be included.
Ensuring the vehicle is in good working condition is crucial, including checking the oil, wipers, brakes, tires, and lights, and fueling up before long trips. DPS also offers travel safety tips: avoid drinking and driving, eliminate distractions, move over or slow down for emergency vehicles, buckle up, slow down in adverse conditions, drive defensively, use the left lane for passing only, and avoid cutting in front of large trucks.
So far in 2024, there have been more than 9,284 Move Over, Slow Down violations, according to DPS. The department stresses the importance of these precautions to ensure a safe holiday travel experience.