Aside from the routine oil change and tire pressure check, the Texas Department of Public Safety said there are more factors in preparing a vehicle for holiday travel.

“The interior part of the vehicle for long distance traveling, like making sure cell phone chargers are in the vehicle,” DPS Sergeant John Gonzalez said. “Charge them completely before you leave and while you’re traveling.”

He also recommends preparing an emergency kit, including booster cables, tire wrenches, and a car jack for the interior of the car, as well as, nonperishable food items for the interior of the vehicle, like peanut butter or crackers.

DPS said the holiday season is the busiest time of year for them, with speed and road rage being the most common factors for accidents. 

“Road rage is very popular this time because people are trying to get where they’re going and so somebody driving the speed limit and doing everything right may get involved into the road rage,” Sergeant Gonzalez said.
 
Sergeant Gonzalez also recommended taking the main highway for travel because back roads cause several obstacles if there was an accident.
 
“We don’t encourage that because obviously a lot of people aren’t familiar with back roads,” Sergeant Gonzalez said. “The curves sneak up on you, the hills, even wildlife out there. Cell phones don’t work very good. Then there’s not a lot of vehicles traveling through there, you may be stranded over night.”
 
Texas driver licenses offer a Road Side Assistance phone number for anyone needing help, 1-800-525-5555.
 
“We would encourage you to use that any time. If you see a wreck or something else happening or see a trooper on the side of the road, that number can be utilized,” Sergeant Gonzalez said.