road closed - take detour

Avenue U Detour Alert! Close of South of Loop 88 (FM 1585/130th Street) to All Traffic

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Beginning Monday, June 13, Loop 88 project contractor Sacyr Construction, USA, LLC, will close Avenue U, south of Loop 88 (FM 1585/130th Street), to all traffic. The closure will allow crews to safety continue installing the permanent draining system for the new freeway facility.

Local traffic needing access to Avenue U are encouraged to follow the posted detour signs. The closure is expected to remain in place through Friday, June 17.

The drainage work is part of a $154.8 million TxDOT project to convert FM 1585 from a rural, two-lane roadway into Loop 88, a six-lane freeway with frontage roads, bridges, and ramps.

traffic signals

Two Traffic Signals in Greenwood & Odessa are Scheduled to Operate from this Monday

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As per Texas Department of Transportation, Two sets of recently installed traffic signals are scheduled to be put into operation Monday, June 13, 2022.

In Greenwood, traffic signals on FM 307 at the intersection of County Road 1090 should be put in operation Monday morning. Traffic signals at Billy Hext Road and the service roads of Highway 191 in Odessa should be put in operation Monday afternoon.

Motorists are reminded that running red lights can have catastrophic results. Traffic control devices should always be respected and obeyed to protect you and your passengers.

Several locations also had improvements made with overhead lighting. These locations are scheduled to be finished this summer:

Midland County: (three locations) Business Interstate 20 at County Road 1310; FM 307 at County Road 1050; and FM 1379 at County Road 120.
Ector County: (three locations) Highway 385 at Mescalero Drive; Highway 385 at Calcutta Street; and FM 2020 (University Boulevard) at Knox Avenue.
Andrews County: (two locations) Highway 385 at County Road 8000; and Highway 115 at Loop 1910 on the west side of Andrews.
Crane County: FM 1233 at FM 1601.
Ward County: FM 1776 at County Road 371.
Willis Electric Co. of Abilene won the project with a low bid of $1.74 million.

News source: Texas Department of Transportation

Texas Motorcycle Safety Tips for all Riders

Texas Motorcycle Safety Tips for All Riders

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While riding a Motorcycle in Texas its important to be more careful to avoid any accidents. Texas department of Transportation safety tips help you ride your motorcycle more safer than ever.

Texas helmet requirements and exemptions 

  • You must wear a helmet if you are under 21.
  • You should always wear a helmet for safety, but you may ride without one if you are over 21 and meet an eligible helmet exemption.

How to ride more safely

  • Wear a helmet and other protective gear.
  • Turn on your headlights and ride defensively.
  • Avoid the center of the lane where debris and oil build up.
  • Follow speed limits and ride at a safe speed.
  • Take a motorcycle safety course.

Original source of the article>> Motorcycle Safety

Safety Tips for Driving on Texas Highway

5 Important Safety Tips for Driving on Texas Highway

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Highway driving could be tiring sometimes. It’s important to stay focused and alert while driving. Texas Department of Transportation highway driving safety tips help you to drive safe on Texas Highways.
 
Observe speed limits 
  • Follow the posted speed. 
  • Drive to conditions for bad weather, congestion and construction.
Keep right
  • Signs that say, “Left lane for passing only” identifies a pass-only lane.
  • After you pass someone, move into the right lane once you’ve safely cleared the vehicle.
  • Impeding the flow of traffic in the left lane is punishable by a fine of up to $200.
Move over or slow down
  • Look out for stopped emergency vehicles with flashing lights.
  • Move a lane away from the emergency vehicle.
  • Slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit if you are unable to safely move over.
  • Failure to comply could result in a fine of up to $200.
Give yourself a break
  • Don’t drive drowsy.
  • Get plenty of rest before your trip.
  • Recognize fatigue warning signs such as yawning, tired eyes, and lane drifting.
  • Get out of your vehicle and stretch your legs every two hours.
  • Rest for 15-20 minutes during each stop.
  • Avoid driving between midnight and 6 a.m.
  • Take a break at a safety rest area or travel information center.
Share the road with large trucks
  • Never cut in front of a truck.
  • Don’t follow too closely.
  • Trucks require more time to stop because they can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds.
  • Leave at least four car lengths between the back of your car and the front of a truck as you pass.
  • Avoid the four large blind spots.
  • If you can’t see the driver in the truck’s side mirror, the driver can’t see you.
Original source of the article>> Highway Driving
Texas Driving Under the Influence Laws

What are Texas Driving Under the Influence Laws & Penalties?

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Know about the Driving Under the Influence (DUI & DWI) laws and Penalties in Texas. In texas, is driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal? Answer is YES. Drunk driving in texas is not only illegal but also can cause serious accidents risking driver’s life and others lives as well. Hereby, strictly prevent drunk driving.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs can risk your life and the lives of others, and it can send you to jail.

When am I legally intoxicated?

You are legally intoxicated in Texas when your blood alcohol concentration reaches 0.08%, but you are breaking the law as soon as drugs or alcohol affect your driving — or flying or boating — ability.

What are the Penalties for a DWI?

First offense

  • Up to a $2,000 fine.
  • Up to 180 days in jail upon conviction with three mandatory days.
  • Loss of driver license up to a year.

Second offense

  • Up to a $4,000 fine.
  • One month to a year in jail upon conviction.
  • Loss of driver license up to two years.

Third offense

  • A $10,000 fine.
  • Two to 10 years in prison.
  • Loss of driver license up to two years.

These fines do not include a state fine of $3,000, $4,500, or $6,000 assessed upon sentencing.

Drunk driving with a child passenger

  • You will be charged with child endangerment if you’re driving drunk with children under 15.
  • You will be additionally fined up to $10,000.
  • You could be put in jail for up to two years.
  • You will lose driver’s license for another 180 days.

Driving with an open container

Carrying an open container of alcohol in your vehicle, even if you’re not drunk, is illegal. Learn more about Texas open container laws.

Original source of the article>> Driving Under the Influence

texas distracted driving texing while driving

How to Avoid Distracted Driving in Texas

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Using cellphone while driving is not only dangerous but also illegal in Texas. Know the Cellphone laws and prevent cellphone usage to drive safe to your destination.

Texting while driving is illegal everywhere in Texas, and some cities ban all cellphone use while driving. But using your cellphone while driving is always dangerous because it’s distracted driving.

Cellphone Laws to Remember

  • You cannot send or receive electronic messages while driving in Texas.
  • Drivers with learner’s permits are prohibited from using cellphones in the first six months of driving.
  • Using any handheld device in your vehicle in a school zone is illegal.
  • Drivers under the age of 18 are prohibited from using handheld devices.
  • School bus drivers may not use cellphones at all while driving if children are present.
  • Cellphone laws can change from city to city.
  • Learn more about Texas texting while driving laws.

Drive Safe and Informed

  • Never use your cellphone while driving.
  • Pull off the road entirely and come to a complete stop before you talk or text
  • Familiarize yourself with local laws.

Original source of the article>> Distracted Driving

avoid aggressive driving

10 Tips to Avoid Aggressive Driving in Texas

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Aggressive driving is dangerous. DAL brings you the Texas department of transportation tips to avoid aggressive driving and how to drive safely. Stay calm. Keep your emotions in check.

Operating a vehicle in a way that endangers people or property is aggressive driving. Road rage occurs when behavior becomes violent. If you get caught you can be fined up to $200 for each violation.

Tips to avoid aggressive driving:

  • Stay calm. Keep your emotions in check.
  • Plan ahead and anticipate delays.
  • Focus on your own driving. Be cautious and considerate.
  • Avoid creating a situation that may cause provocation.
  • Give angry drivers plenty of room.
  • Avoid eye contact.
  • Use the left lane only when passing.
  • Use your horn sparingly.
  • Don’t tailgate or flash your lights behind someone.
  • Don’t yell obscenities or make inappropriate hand gestures, and don’t respond to drivers who do.

If you’re concerned for your safety, call 911.

Original source of the article: Aggressive Driving

accident insurance tips

Texas Department of Insurance tips for filing accident claim with your insurance company

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Be claim smart
Most of the complaints TDI deal with involve disputes about claim settlements. Follow these tips to help avoid problems:

  • Read your policy carefully. A policy is a contract between you and the insurance company or HMO. Don’t rely on your agent to tell you what your policy covers.
  • Read the Consumer Bill of Rights. The Consumer Bill of Rights explains your rights and responsibilities. Most insurance companies are required to include a copy of the Bill of Rights with your policy. You also can call your company to get a copy or visit our Consumer Bill of Rights web page.
  • Keep copies of all documents and take notes about all calls you have with the insurance company or HMO. Include the date and what you talked about. Be sure to include the name and title of the person you spoke with.
    Follow up your phone calls to the company with an email or letter.
  • Ask the company to show you what language in the policy it’s using to settle your claim. The disagreement might be because you and the insurance company or HMO read your policy differently.

Accident and health claim tips

  • Ask your doctor to provide your insurance company or HMO with details about your treatment, medical condition, and prognosis (expected outcome).
  • Have an independent review organization (IRO) review treatment denials. If your insurance company or HMO denies a treatment because it said the treatment wasn’t medically necessary or appropriate, you may be able to have an IRO review. Independent reviews are available if Texas law requires your plan to participate, or if the plan voluntarily participates, in the IRO process. You must appeal the denial with your health plan before asking for an IRO review. For more information, call TDI’s IRO Information Line at 866-554-4926. You may also email URAGrp@tdi.texas.gov.
  • Consider mediation. If you have health coverage through a preferred provider plan and have a dispute about an outstanding bill from an out-of-network hospital-based doctor, you might be able to resolve your dispute through mediation. If you choose mediation, the doctor and your plan will meet to discuss the bill. If the mediation is unsuccessful, you might have to resolve the dispute in court. Visit TDI mediation website to learn more about mediation and whether you qualify.

Original Source of the Article>> Tips for filing a claim with your insurance company

personal inury DAL

Accident Involving Personal Injury or Death

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DAL Reports the document issued (previously) by the Texas government on Accident Involving Personal Injury or Death.

SUBCHAPTER B. DUTIES FOLLOWING ACCIDENT

Sec. 550.021.  ACCIDENT INVOLVING PERSONAL INJURY OR DEATH.  (a)  The operator of a vehicle involved in an accident that results or is reasonably likely to result in injury to or death of a person shall:

(1) Immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the accident or as close to the scene as possible;

(2)  Immediately return to the scene of the accident if the vehicle is not stopped at the scene of the accident;

(3)  Immediately determine whether a person is involved in the accident, and if a person is involved in the accident, whether that person requires aid; and

(4)  Remain at the scene of the accident until the operator complies with the requirements of Section 550.023.

         (a) shall do so without obstructing traffic more than is necessary.

         (b)  An operator of a vehicle required to stop the vehicle by Subsection 

         (c)  A person commits an offense if the person does not stop or does not comply with the requirements of this section.  An offense under this section:

               (1)  Involving an accident resulting in:

                     (A)  Death of a person is a felony of the second degree; or

                     (B)  Serious bodily injury, as defined by Section 1.07, Penal Code, to a person is a felony of the third degree; and

               (2)  Involving an accident resulting in injury to which Subdivision (1) does not apply is punishable by:

                   (A)  Imprisonment in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for not more than five years or confinement in the county jail for not more than one year;

                   (B)  A fine not to exceed $5,000; or

                   (C)  Both the fine and the imprisonment or confinement.

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.

Amended by:

Acts 2007, 80th Leg., R.S., Ch. 97 (H.B. 1840), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2007.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 70 (S.B. 275), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.

Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1099 (H.B. 3668), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2013.

Read full document/ Reference  https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/TN/htm/TN.550.htm