Thanksgiving Travel Safety

AAA expects approximately 4.1 million Texans to travel more than 50 miles for Thanksgiving this year, with the overwhelming majority traveling by car on Texas roadways. 

The southern section of SH 130 is the safest high-speed option between Austin and San Antonio with a lower accident rate per vehicle miles traveled than all other Texas state highway systems in 2017.

We’re committed to providing drivers with safe driving conditions along our roadway, but road conditions are just one factor in preventing car accidents.

We need your help keeping everyone safe.

There are a number of things you can do to reduce the chances of accidents and injuries on the road during this busy holiday travel season and beyond:

Maintain your vehicle — Vehicle breakdowns can happen to anyone, but the chances of a breakdown increase significantly if your vehicle isn’t properly maintained. Check oil and fluids before you hit the road.

Check tires — Flat tires are always inconvenient, but tire blowouts can be deadly, especially at high speeds. Make sure your tire treads are in good condition and that tires are inflated to the pressure level recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

Keep roadside assistance numbers on hand — SH 130 provides a free maintenance service vehicle to assist with minor emergencies along the facility 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The white Courtesy Patrol truck with the SH 130 logo patrols the facility from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and can be summoned overnight and on weekends by calling 1-877-741-3089. Please call 9-1-1 to report accidents or medical emergencies.

Buckle up — Seat belts are the single most effective protection against injury and death in an accident. Always wear your seat belt anytime the car is moving.

Double check child car and booster seats — AAA estimates that three out of every four car seats on the road are installed incorrectly. Check here for tips on selecting the right car or booster seat for your child and installing seats correctly.

Keep your eyes and mind on the road — Accidents caused by distracted driving kill about nine people and injure more than 1,000 each day in the U.S. Avoid talking on the phone, texting, eating and playing with the car’s entertainment or navigation system while driving.

Don’t drink and drive — Accidents caused by alcohol-related impaired driving kill more than 10,000 people a year in the U.S.  If you plan to drive, don’t drink. If plan to drink, don’t drive.

Happy Thanksgiving and best wishes for safe travels!