Survive - Texas - page 765

Rural Roads Posted speed limits are often still high (as much as 70mph) on rural roads. Some locals like this, and will
pass you going a million miles an hour, whizzing past trailer homes. Others will take their sweet time no matter what the
speed limit; be prepared to slow down if you get stuck behind a slow driver.
Rush Hour From 7am to 9am and 4:30pm to 6:30pm; major city driving is to be avoided at these hours. Also expect a
mini lunch rush between noon and 1:30pm.
Petty Theft In metro areas do not leave valuables in sight on the car seat; petty theft does happen.
Size Matters Pickup trucks and SUVs dominate in Texas; if driving a compact, get used to being the smallest thing on
the road.
Automobile Associations
American Automobile Association (AAA; 800-765-0766; www.aaa-texas.com ; annual fee $54) membership
provides emergency roadside service in the event of an accident, breakdown, running out of fuel or locking your keys in
the car.
» Consider joining if you plan on doing a lot of driving in the USA.
» Membership also helps with hotel discounts.
» Car rental programs may offer alternative road-side assistance plans.
» AAA has reciprocal agreements; members of some foreign auto clubs are entitled to local services. Check in advance
and bring your membership card.
Driver's License
Texas has reciprocity agreements with 83 countries, meaning your driver's license is likely good in Texas if you plan to
stay less than a year.
» Some of the countries included are: Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, most of Europe, Australia, New Zealand,
Japan and South Korea.
» To make sure your country is on the reciprocal list, do a general online search for 'Texas driver's license, international
reciprocity' to reach the Texas Secretary of State's Administrative Code page, or contact their office at re-
[e-mail] .
» It never hurts to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your domestic license; for foreign nationals
not on the list, this is a must. IDPs are available from your local automobile association and are usually valid one year.
Fuel & Fix-it
Car Rental Problems In the event of a mechanical problem or break-down in a rental car, contact the rental agency im-
mediately (the number is likely on the key chain); they will make provision to help.
Gas Stations They're everywhere, usually open 24 hours. Pay at the pump with a credit card or pay in advance with
cash.
Roadside Assistance Having an automobile association membership or other roadside assistance can be a big help with
minor problems.