Memorial Day travel is in full swing across Texas as AAA warns of heavier-than-usual traffic, TxDOT rolls out HERO patrols, and the Texas Department of Public Safety reminds drivers to buckle up and drive sober. Cities mentioned include Houston, Austin, San Antonio, Dallas, Corpus Christi and El Paso, and officials such as Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee are urging simple safety steps before motorists head out on I-10 West and State Highway 71 West between Houston and Austin.
AAA estimates more than 3.7 million Texans will take to the roads this holiday weekend, pushing car travel numbers above last year’s total. That means more cars, more congestion and more chances for delays on familiar corridors. If you’re driving, expect a busier experience than a typical weekend and pack extra patience.
Traffic peaks are predictable this time of year, with AAA flagging Friday, May 22, and Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, as the heaviest travel days. The worst window to be on the freeway is early to mid-afternoon, roughly 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., when commuters and holiday drivers converge. By contrast, AAA anticipates Sunday will be the lightest day for drivers across the state.
The corridor to watch is the stretch between Houston and Austin, where I-10 West connects with State Highway 71 West toward the capital. That route routinely clogs with both local and long-distance traffic on holiday weekends, so plan alternate times or routes if possible. If you must use it, expect slow spots and be ready for stop-and-go sections.
State troopers will be out in force through May 25 with a clear focus on three priorities: seat belt use, speeding and intoxicated driving. “Seat belts save lives— it’s that simple,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said in a news release. “Buckling up is one of the easiest decisions you can make to protect yourself and your loved ones every time you get on the road.”
TxDOT’s HERO program is a free roadside service meant to keep traffic moving and help stranded motorists quickly. HERO crews work to clear minor crashes and remove hazards so lanes open faster and responders can get to scenes safely. Their presence is designed to cut down delays and reduce the risk of secondary crashes on busy highways.
- Moving disabled vehicles to a safer location
- Clearing minor crashes from travel lanes
- Providing traffic and lane control at crash scenes
- Removing debris from the road
- Assisting first responders
HERO teams also lend a hand to drivers who run into trouble away from the crash scene, from flat tires to dead batteries. They can add a small amount of fuel, make minor fixes, or give a jump-start so you can continue your trip without a long delay. If you need roadside aid in the San Antonio area, TxDOT lists the HERO number as 210-732-HERO for immediate assistance.
- Changing flat tires and adding air to low tires
- Providing small amounts of gas or water
- Performing minor repairs
- Jump-starting batteries
- Offering drinking water and limited cell phone assistance
Pumped-up travel demand means fuel prices matter, and AAA’s recent snapshot shows variation across Texas metro areas. Here are the average prices per gallon for regular gasoline in major cities right now:
- San Antonio: $4.112
- Houston: $4.000
- Austin-San Marcos: $4.123
- Dallas: $4.157
- Corpus Christi: $4.139
Some places in West and Central Texas are seeing the highest averages, with El Paso, San Angelo and Abilene topping the list for pricier pumps. Lower averages are showing up in spots like Houston, Lubbock and the Beaumont–Port Arthur area. If you’re planning a long drive, it pays to fill up where prices are friendliest.
Before you pull out of the driveway, AAA has a short checklist of mechanical items that can prevent a roadside headache: check tire pressure, top off oil and coolant, test brakes and make sure the battery is in good shape. A quick walk-around and a minute under the hood can spare you from a long wait or tow. Take those few minutes to handle small fixes now rather than getting stuck later.
Weather is an unpredictable factor this weekend as an upper low swings through on Saturday and raises the odds for scattered storms. In this setup, heavy downpours could pop up almost anywhere, so localized flash flooding and sudden visibility drops are possible. Keep an eye on forecasts from local authorities and stay weather-aware while you travel.
