Texas Officials Urge Motorists To Buckle Up For Holiday Travel

AUSTIN, TEXAS — As legions of Texans prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Texas Department of Transportation officials are urging drivers to buckle up and help end the streak of daily traffic fatalities.

In a press advisory TxDOT also reminds motorists of its Highway Emergency Response Operator (HERO) free roadside service, should their vehicles break down en route to their Thanksgiving destination.

Every day for the past 18 years, there has been at least one traffic-related fatality on Texas roads, transportation officials said. In 2017, there were 56 deaths on state highways over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, making it the second-deadliest holiday behind Independence Day that year, officials added.

"TxDOT encourages folks to drive to conditions, don’t drink and drive and avoid distractions while behind the wheel," officials said in an annual reminder that cannot be stressed enough. "It’s also important to always buckle up, whether you’re taking a long journey or just a short trip across town."

Previous story: Texas Agency Launches Campaign Urging Seat Belt Use (Video)

Despite her injuries and ongoing recovery, Eden Ganzerla has agreed to be cast as a real-life TxDOT poster person alerting to the need for safe driving. She chose not to wear her seat belt one day two years ago before getting into a single-vehicle crash. She broke nearly every bone in her body, and suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result.

“Before the crash, Eden was very outgoing and talkative, living life to the fullest with her animals and friends,” said John Ganzerla, Eden’s father. “Now, she is dependent on her mother and me for even the simplest everyday tasks.”

Eden now is part of our Buckle Up campaign and shares her story to encourage others to wear their seat belts.

Vehicles' road-worthiness also should be checked

Texans should make sure their vehicles are in good shape and winter ready before they travel, TxDOT officials added. But if you find yourself stranded in the Austin area, a HERO is on standby to help. Call our Highway Emergency Response Operator at 512-974-HERO (4376). The free roadside service patrols 138 miles of I-35, US 183, US 290, SH 71 and MoPac.

More than 37,000 services have been provided by HERO so far this year. HERO trucks are equipped with fuel, water, oil, and air to help stranded motorists, along with tools to complete tire changes and jumpstarts. In addition, the trucks have digital message signs to assist with incident management. The HERO program also helps with removing roadway debris and traffic control at crash scenes.

HERO service is available between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend service is available on I-35, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Get Patch's Daily Newsletters and Real Time Alerts

>>> Image via Shutterstock