Tips for Driving in Houston Traffic

If you’re like most drivers, the last thing you want to do is to spend your evening sitting in traffic, or crawling along a freeway when all you’re interested in doing is getting 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, you won’t have to worry about a stressful commute. Read on to learn more about Houston rush hours, alternative routes, and apps that help make your morning and evening trips less arduous.

How Bad is Houston, Texas Traffic?

Wondering if the drive to Houston is terrible? No, it’s not! Houston is easy to navigate, but it’s a city with more than 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 drive to Houston, and reach your destination promptly with your sanity intact:

• Leave a Few Minutes Earlier: Try and leave 10 to 15 minutes earlier if you can. This helps you avoid rush hour before it clogs up. Traffic jams might not be such an issue if everyone didn’t hit the road at the same time.
• Avoid Rush Hour: When is rush hour? What times does the morning rush hour end? 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 it’s best 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 your 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 before hitting 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 drive to Houston from the The Woodlands area. 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.