The 3 Biggest Dangers You’ll Face on Texas Roads This Holiday
Every Fourth of July, I become a little more cautious behind the wheel.
Maybe it's because I've spent decades driving Texas highways to concerts, broadcasts, and community events. Or maybe it's because I've seen too many close calls.
This year feels even bigger as America celebrates its 250th birthday.
While everyone is celebrating, I find myself looking at almost every vehicle around me, wondering:
Is that driver paying attention?
Have they been drinking?
Are they angry?
Truth be told, it's one of the reasons I'd rather stay home, fire up the barbecue, and have all the kids over than spend unnecessary time on the road.
No. 3 — Road Rage
- Holiday traffic can test anyone's patience.
- Don't let one bad driver ruin your celebration.
- Take a breath.
- Slow down.
- Let them go.
Getting home safely is far more important than winning an argument on the highway.
No. 2 — Drinking and Driving
- This one should be simple.
- If you're drinking...
- Don't drive.
- Have a designated driver.
- Call someone.
- Stay where you are.
One bad decision can change lives forever.
No. 1 — Distracted Driving
- This is the one that concerns me the most.
- Every day I see drivers looking at the road...
- Then at their phone...
- Then back at the road.
Even when you're talking on speakerphone, you're still concentrating on the conversation, not concentrating on driving. Your eyes may be looking forward, but your mind is somewhere else.
As I've often said: "Nothing on that phone is more important than getting home safely."
DPS Will Be Out In Force
My friend, Texas DPS Sgt. Marc Couch, has told me something I've never forgotten.
"We don't take the Fourth of July off because we must protect our community 24/7."
From July 2 through July 5, the Texas Department of Public Safety will increase patrols across the state as part of Operation CARE.
Troopers will be watching for speeding, intoxicated drivers, distracted driving, Move Over violations, and other dangerous driving behaviors.
Last year's Fourth of July enforcement resulted in more than 64,000 citations and warnings, along with 277 DWI arrests.
One Final Thought
America's 250th birthday only comes once.
- Celebrate.
- Watch the fireworks.
- Enjoy your family.
- Make some memories.
- Just promise yourself one thing...
- Put the phone down.
- Don't drink and drive.
- Keep your cool behind the wheel.
I'd much rather hear about your Fourth of July celebration than another tragic crash on a Texas highway.
Have a safe, happy, and blessed Independence Day.
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