With summer travel about to ramp up across Texas, safety should be at the top of every driver's list. As Texans hit the highways for weekend getaways and long road trips, the Texas Department of Public Safety will be stepping up patrols. Here’s what you should look out for.
Summer doesn’t officially begin until June 20, 2025, but try telling that to Texans already sweating it out in brutal heat. With temperatures spiking, folks across the Lone Star State are packing their bags and hitting the road in search of sunshine, swimming holes, and maybe a few ice-cold adult beverages.
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Whether you're heading for the beach, your favorite Texas river spot, or that cozy Airbnb Aunt Susie keeps raving about, the excitement of a summer road trip is real. But sometimes that excitement leads to forgetting the basics, like obeying traffic laws, and drinking and driving.
Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins
Driving while intoxicated remains one of the most dangerous and all-too-common offenses in Texas. But it doesn’t stop there. In cities like Abilene, it’s not unusual to see drivers texting, weaving through traffic, or speeding in no-passing zones like they’re chasing a trophy.
Here’s one law many drivers forget, and is a huge pet peeve of mine; the Texas “Slowpoke Law.” On multi-lane highways, the left lane is reserved for passing only. But you’ll still see folks cruising along in that lane like they’re on a Sunday drive. It’s super annoying, especially if they are going under the speed limit. Not only is that frustrating for other drivers, but it can also get you pulled over.
So be safe this summer, Texas, and remember, Johnny Law is watching!
Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins
Gallery Credit: National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
