DALLAS, Texas – With Thanksgiving travel quickly approaching, transportation officials across North Texas are reminding drivers to prepare vehicles now for winter weather and the busy holiday rush. From Dallas to Amarillo, motorists are being urged to complete safety checks and pack essential supplies before colder air and potential ice return later this month.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, early November is the best time to check tire tread, test batteries, replace wiper blades, and top off antifreeze. Drivers should also keep a winter emergency kit in each vehicle — including a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, and traction materials such as sand or kitty litter.
Motorists traveling I-35, I-20, and U.S. 287 during Thanksgiving week should prepare for heavier traffic, high winds, and sudden drops in temperature across open plains. “A cold front can sweep in quickly across North Texas,” a TxDOT spokesperson said. “Making sure your vehicle is ready now will keep you safe when weather or traffic slows things down.” Officials recommend keeping at least a half tank of gas, dressing in layers, and checking DriveTexas.org for live traffic, road closures, and winter weather updates.
With Thanksgiving marking one of the busiest travel weeks of the year, TxDOT stresses that early maintenance and caution behind the wheel will help ensure safe, smooth travel across North Texas as the winter driving season begins.
