It’s peak road trip season in Texas, and the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is on a mission to prevent wrecks.

The organization launched its “Be Safe. Drive Smart” campaign earlier this year. More people travel during the summer, so TxDOT is intensifying its efforts.

Officials urge drivers to be safe, take precautions to prevent drowsy driving and avoid aggression.

Important general tips include obeying speed limits, driving cautiously in construction zones, keeping a safe distance between cars and watching for motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. When a vehicle with flashing lights is stopped, move over a lane or slow to 20 miles per hour under the speed limit.

Never drink alcohol or take sedatives before driving. Get plenty of rest, stop every two hours and travel with a companion on long trips. TxDOT also recommends staying off the roads between midnight and 6 a.m.

Avoid tailgating and flashing your lights, and if another vehicle behaves aggressively, don’t engage. Use the left lane only for passing and plan ahead for traffic.

There are more than 3,700 traffic fatalities in Texas each year, according to TxDOT’s website. The department believes that practicing these safety tips could drastically reduce that number.

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From Staff Reports • [email protected]