Texas Transportation Officials Urge Safe Thanksgiving Travel

AUSTIN, TX — As Texans prepare to travel for the Thanksgiving the Texas Department of Transportation is urging drivers to help end the streak of daily traffic fatalities.

Grim statistics point to the need for the advice: Every day for the past 19 years, officials said, there has been at least one traffic-related fatality on Texas roads. Last year alone, there were 42 deaths on state highways over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

In the Austin district, officials noted there were three traffic-related fatalities over the same period. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 94 percent of all traffic crashes are preventable.

Given the deaths, transportation officials encourage people to buckle up, drive the speed limit, avoid distractions and never drive under the influence. Those who choose to consume alcohol should designate a sober driver, contact a cab or ride-share service or use mass transit, officials remind.

Texas Department of Transportation graphic.

"While wintry weather is not in the forecast this holiday weekend, it’s a good idea to know before you go by visiting drivetexas.org for the latest road closures," Texas Department of Transportation officials wrote in a press advisory. "If you find yourself stranded in the Austin area, a HERO (Highway Emergency Response Operator) is on standby to help."

HERO is the free roadside service that patrols 138 miles of Interstate 35, U.S. 183, U.S. 290, State Highway 71 and MoPac. Motorists can call (512) 974-HERO (4376) 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.

The free service has lived up to its acronym, as transportation officials suggested: More than 41,000 services have been provided by HERO this year alone. HERO trucks are equipped with fuel, water, oil and air to help stranded motorists, complete tire changes and jump starts.