Avoid Texas highway traffic congestion. Here's how.

Congratulations, you survived the holiday weekend with your family. But now, you just have the difficult task of navigating the crowded Texas highway system to get back in time for the daily work grind and before the kids head back to school. No need to fret, MySA has you covered with tips and tricks from the Department of Public Safety and a heads up on when Texas roads will be the most crowded.

Tuesday is going to be a hectic time to traverse Texas with the Texas Department of Transportation warning that most major highways in the Lone Star State will see increased traffic as everyone makes their way back home after the holidays. Plus, DPS is going have extra patrol on the highways as part of their Christmas and New Year’s holiday traffic enforcement campaign, so maybe watch that speedometer while you’re rushing to get back to your own bed.

“The holidays can be a dangerous time with so many people traveling to and form celebrations,” DPS Director Steven McGraw said in a statement. “It’s absolutely critical that drivers pay attention, stay at safe speeds, put their phones down, and do not drink and drive. Let’s all do our part to close out the year on a happy and safe note.”

So, when are Texas highways supposed to be the most crowded? Well, TxDOT expects I-10 to see moderate traffic from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in most of the state from Beaumont to San Antonio; anyone making that trek between Houston and San Antonio the day after Christmas may want to head out super early Tuesday, December 26, or wait for a more peaceful night drive. The real nightmare is expected to be along I-35 as TxDOT projects heavy traffic for much of the day around Austin, Dallas, and Waco.

The Texas Department of Transportation Holiday Travel Forecast shows heavy traffic in Gainesville and New Braunfels between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.; however, traffic is pretty much going to be a nightmare all day on I-35 in Dallas, Waco, and Austin areas as congestion is forecasted between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. It might be wise to get a super early start on the trek between San Antonio and Dallas or any journeys along I-35 in between. Or, if you can, why not just stay an extra day and miss all the holiday headaches?

If you must get on the road during busiest time to travel this year – AAA Texas is estimated some 8 million drivers will hit the road in Texas between Christmas and New Years Day – the Texas Department of Public Safety has a couple seemingly obvious but helpful tips to avoid a crash. DPS is encouraging drivers to remain sober, either move over or slow down for emergency vehicles and tow trucks, drive at a slower pace in areas of high traffic or that are unfamiliar to you, and keep your eyes on the road rather than on your devices – it is against the law in Texas to text in drive, after all.

If you’re one of those looking to avoid the traffic woes come Tuesday, December 26, DPS warns to rest up before you make the journey, allowing yourself plenty of time to get home rather than rushing and risking falling asleep at the wheel.