Tips for Driving in Houston Traffic

If you’re like most drivers, the last thing you want is to spend your evening sitting in traffic, or crawling along a freeway when all you want to do is get home. During rush hours or in the wake of construction, Houston traffic can be rough. When you follow Aston Martin Houston’s Houston driving tips below, however, chances are you’ll have a less stressful commute. Read on to learn more about Houston rush hours, alternative routes, and apps you can use to make your morning and evening trips less arduous.

How Bad is Houston, Texas Traffic?

Generally, Houston is easy to navigate, but it’s a city with over two million people making it the fourth largest in the U.S. With limited public transportation, there’s always a chance you’ll run into traffic jams, construction, and other delays. Keep these tips in mind as you travel through Houston, and reach your destination in a timely manner with your sanity intact:

• Leave a Few Minutes Earlier: If you can afford to leave an extra 10 to 15 minutes earlier, we highly recommend it. This can help you skate through rush hour before it really clogs up. Traffic jams might not be such an issue if everyone didn’t hit the road at the same time.
• Avoid Rush Hour: In Houston, rush hours are usually 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. The worst congestion tends to be near the Galleria Mall between US-59 and IH-10, so you’ll want to avoid this area during rush hour if possible. Evening traffic usually starts to disperse around 7:30 p.m. on weekdays, and weekends aren’t especially painful provided there’s no construction.
• Adhere to the Rules of the Road: With a smaller public transit system than most major U.S. cities, a lot of Houston residents like to walk and bike, so it’s important to share the road when you’re driving in the city. Don’t block crosswalks and keep an eye out for cyclists on the road. Also, in some areas, the middle lane is used for making turns, so always look for any oncoming traffic.
• Know Your Alternative Routes: Have a backup plan. When you’re notified of an accident or construction, consider other options. Sometimes, it’s easier and faster to jump onto a surface street rather than a freeway.
• Use Traffic Apps: Before you leave, check up on current Houston traffic to be alerted of any accidents or lane closures, so you know what to expect when you hit the road. Here are a few of the best apps to help you avoid Houston traffic: Waze, INRIX Traffic, Beat the Traffic, and Google Maps.
• Keep Tabs on Local Construction: If you have a Twitter account, do yourself a favor and follow @houstonpolice and @TxDOT (Texas Department of Transportation) for any updates on current Houston traffic delays, accidents, etc.

Get More Useful Tips from Aston Martin Houston!

Houston, Texas traffic can be stressful, but when you utilize the above-mentioned tips, you’ll improve your chances of enjoying a quick and hassle-free commute from The Woodlands. Whether you’re looking for tips for navigating Houston traffic, the best Houston breweries or Houston takeout options, or other advice to guide you around the city, Aston Martin Houston is here to help. Contact our locally-based team to learn more about our dealership and our new and used luxury inventories, or visit us near San Antonio and Sugarland.