TxDOT, AAA reminds drivers to stay safe on roadways for Thanksgiving holiday

AUSTIN, Texas — With Thanksgiving now just days away millions of people will be traveling near and far to see loved ones and enjoy a good meal with family. As AAA Texas projects most of those people will be driving, they teamed up with the Texas Department of Transportation to remind drivers of the best ways to stay safe on the roads.

TxDOT says it’s been 23 years since no one died on Texas roads. With that in mind, they’re sharing how drivers can help end the deadly streak and make it to their holiday destination safely.

AAA is expecting four million people to gas up and hit Texas roads for the Thanksgiving holiday. They say 90% of those who are heading out will do so in an automobile, so they want drivers to avoid distractions and drive safely.

“Between tomorrow and Sunday AAA expects to rescue more than 20,000 motorists on the roadside here in Texas and the top reasons for that- dead batteries, flat tires, and engine problems,” said Daniel Armbruster with AAA.

Daniel Armbruster with AAA says seeing a mechanic before traveling can help reduce the risks of getting stuck on the side of the road. Drivers are also encouraged to prepare for the unexpected and keep an emergency kit in their car.

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“Tragically last year there were a total of 114 fatalities on TxDOT roadways during the holiday season and nearly 40% of those happened over Thanksgiving weekend,” said Tucker Ferguson the district engineer for TxDOT’s Austin District.

During a holiday travel and winter weather update Tuesday -the Texas Department of Transportation says drivers should also be aware of how the incoming cold weather could impact driving conditions.

“The last thing you can do is check driveTexas.org before you travel to find out all of our road conditions,” he said.

But if you find yourself in a jam- Austin’s Highway Emergency Response Operator team known as Hero will be standing by to help.

“We prop up provide fuel if your vehicle is out of gas, jump batteries, water for over overheating engine. While you guys are out there to holiday seasons hero will be out there as well assisting wherever needed,”

You can reach HERO by calling 512-974-hero or 4376. TxDOT also reminds drivers and passengers to wear a seatbelts, never drive drunk, and follow the slow-down move-over law to help keep the road safe.