Travel Tips

Travel Information
Travelers may call 1-800-452-9292 daily for travel information, professional trip planning assistance and emergency road condition information.

Highway Conditions
See what's happening on the roadways around the state. Highway Conditions information is provided by TxDOT districts to alert travelers about current roadway conditions.

Motorists Helpline
The Motorists Helpline was designed to assist motorists in various times of need.
Call toll free 1-800-525-5555 if:

• Your vehicle is disabled or you are stranded on the side of the road.
• You want to report a drunk driver.

Rest Areas
Texas has an abundance of rest stops for motorists to take advantage of, while traveling through our great state. Many of these facilities have amenities like restrooms, vending machines, phones, playscapes, and much more. Take advantage of these resources, the next time you plan your road trip.

• Rest Area Locations
• Map out a route, before you hit the road.

Travel Tips
These travel tips were designed by the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist the motorists who travel the highways. when traveling, motorists should take steps to protect themselves and their vehicles. To reduce the risk of personal injury and theft, the DPS offers the following tips:

• Preventative Maintenance
• Tips for Getting to and from your vehicle safely
• What to do if your vehicle breaks down
• Carjacking

Preventative Maintenance

The best way to avoid problems is to try to prevent them from happening. Make sure you check:

• All Fluids, Proper air pressure of tires,
• Windshield wipers,
• Gas - keep it at least half full,
• Condition and air pressure of spare tire.
• Tell a friend or family member what route you are taking and when you expect to arrive.
• Have periodic mechanical check-ups at your local service station or automobile dealer.

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Tips for Getting To and From your Vehicle Safely

• Have your keys in your hands as you approach your vehicle. you're most vulnerable when you are getting into the vehicle. even if you left the vehicle unlocked.
• Check the passenger compartment before getting into the vehicle, even if you left the vehicle locked.
• Lock all doors and roll up windows when driving.
• Never pick up hitchhikers.
• Always park in a central, well-lit place where there are attendants on duty.
• If you notice someone loitering near your vehicle, do not go near it but seek help or wait until they leave.

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What to do if your vehicle breaks down.

• Stay calm.
• Park as far off the traveled portion of the highway as possible.
• Make your vehicle visible - turn on your flashers.
• Exit the vehicle from the passenger's side, away from traffic.
• Open the vehicle's hood and leave it open.
• Tie a light colored cloth to the antennae or door handle.
• If possible, stay with the vehicle until uniformed law enforcement arrives, especially at night or during bad weather.
• Place a "Send Help" sign in a window so it is visible to other motorists.
• If someone stops to help, keep your doors locked, crack a window, and ask them to call law enforcement for help.

• If you decide you must walk, write down:
  • Your name
  • the date
  • The time you left.
  • The direction you are going.
  • The plate number of the vehicle you are riding in.
  • Description of the vehicle.
  • name and description of the person you are riding with.
• Notify law enforcement of the location and circumstances in which you left your vehicle.

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What is Carjacking?

Carjacking is the taking by force of someone's vehicle. It may be done at gunpoint and may involve a physical assault.

• Always be familiar with your surroundings. (Know what is going on around you)
• Before getting to your vehicle, have your keys out and get into your vehicle quickly.
• Lock all doors and keep your windows rolled up.
• Conceal all valuables. Keep them under the seat or locked in the trunk.
• When you are stopped at a red light or stop sign, leave room to maneuver around the vehicle in front of you.
• If someone tries to enter your vehicle at a red light or stop sign, drive through the intersection (safely).
• Use interstates or toll ways when traveling through cities. Stay out of high crime areas.
• If you need to stop for gas or use a phone, choose a well-lit, busy facility.
• If you are followed into your driveway, stay in your vehicle until you can identify the other driver. If you need to, sound the horn in short steady blasts to ge the attention of others.
• If someone bumps into the rear of your car at an intersection or when traveling at slow speeds, do not get out, but motion for the driver to follow you to the nearest police station, fire station, or other busy, well-lit facility.
• Most important, if there is no escape, your life is more valuable than your money or your car.

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