Time for That Day Trip or Staycation? Plan Ahead with I-35 Safety Tips

Having a Staycation in Waco

Staying in Waco for summer vacation? Follow these tips to keep your loved ones (and yourself) safe.

If you’re out driving: Take caution when you’re driving, and watch for any students or other Waco residents who may ride a bicycle or go for a walk this summer for transportation, recreation and exercise. A few ways you can help are to reduce your speed, focus on driving and scan your surroundings.

If you’re bicycling or walking: Spend some time outdoors and enjoy cool summer evenings in your city. If you plan to walk or ride your bicycle at night or near dusk, make sure that:

• you’re visible by wearing bright clothing and using a flashlight,
• your bicycle has a front white light and a rear red light or reflector (required by state law), and
• you’re doing your part to “be seen” by drivers who may not be able to see you.

“However you get around, be kind and considerate of other road users by following right-of-way laws,” recommends Texas A&M Transportation Institute (TTI) Research Engineer Joan Hudson, part of TTI’s Planning and Engagement Program. “You might call it being friendly — the Texas way.”

Whether you’re bicycling, driving, or walking near I-35, stay aware of your surroundings at all times. Making sure you’re being safe can help keep those around you safe.

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Going on a Day Trip through Waco

Traveling through Waco on a day trip? Plan ahead to practice good safety in work zones along I-35. TxDOT recommends these tips for safety in work zones:

• “Slow down, follow the posted work zone speed limit, and adjust your driving to match conditions.
• “Pay attention. Avoid distractions, keep your mind on the road and put your phone away.
• “Don’t tailgate. Give yourself room to stop in a hurry. Rear-end collisions are the most common kind of work zone crashes.
• “Watch out for road crews. The only protective gear they wear is reflective clothing, a hard hat, and safety boots. Remember, they want to get home safely too.
• “Allow extra time. Road construction can slow things down. Count on it and plan for it.”

Pay attention to signs for work zone areas along I-35 this summer. Slow down, and watch for workers close by.

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“One thing that travelers could do this summer to help their overall planning and travel would be to look at the information resources available to them,” suggests Senior Research Scientist Bob Brydia, who manages TTI’s Advanced Transportation Operations Program. “For example, they could visit the My35 Waco Project 4B Traffic Map, the My35 traffic cameras and the I-35 Waco Travel Twitter page.”

Back to Volume 12, Number 2