Austin Warnings and Dangers

Austin traffic is the WORST! And I've lived my whole life in Dallas and Houston which has horrible traffic. Austin's worst traffic is on I-35 and 183. I-35 is the worst where 290 meets it and near downtown. Plan to be in slow traffic at ANY TIME...ANY DAY!

So if you're staying downtown, going to see the bats on Congress Ave, or going to 6th street plan some extra time so you don't miss a thing.

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Thousands of bands are playing here. You have to do your homework to find the bands you want to hear. The bands are listed late February (if I remember correctly) on the website www.sxsw.com Do not print them out!! I accidentally hit print and walked away and it printed more than 80 pages! While working from home I would find their music at myspace.com and see if I liked their sound or not. Just a suggestion if you are a music lover like me and don't like wasting time on mediocre bands!

Austin is quickly turning into the land of Yuppie-condos, they're building them everywhere, it's very possible that soon Austin might lose it's one great advantage - live music keeps rich people awake.

Coming from California, I found it odd that on Texas Highways designated "Rest Areas" are different then "Picnic Areas." No doubt both have inviting benches and paths for weary travelers to rest thier tired bodies, and are frequently seen at 40 to 80m intervals. But don't be fooled, those people walking in form the toolies in the Picnic Areas are on a different kind of nature hike. That's right, there are NO restrooms, much less a place to wash ones hands before eating at Picnic Areas. Such refinement as a toilet are left to Rest Areas only. Rest Areas where everything is left to air dry, if you know what I mean.......

Texas drivers are absolutely horrible. I've lived in three states and have been in many states, but Texas drivers rank pretty high on the list of worst drivers. People rarely use their turn signals. They often cut across four lanes of traffic at the very last minute to get to their exits. They love cutting you off. They also love driving in your blind spot. Many people never really seem to know where they're going. And above all that, they all love to drive fast. If you're not driving at least 15 mph above the speed limit, many people will get impatient. I also have several friends who were the victims of hit-and-run accidents in the city. One more thing: if there is any sort of precipitation, beware of traffic. It appears that Austin drivers are terrified of driving in the rain.

However, Austin roads can be confusing. Many roads seem to have multiple names (Mopac IS Loop 1; Capital of Texas Hwy IS 360; and U.S.183 IS Research Blvd., Anderson Lane, Ed Bluestein Blvd. and Old Bastrop Hwy; 2222 IS Northland Dr. or Allendale Rd. or Koenig Lane). You'll see exit signs right before the exit, so there isn't much time to get into the exit lane. Also, when you enter a major road from a ramp, you're often yards away from the next exit, so you better get into another lane, fast. Many streets are one way streets, especially in the downtown and university areas, and this can get confusing. Basically, Austin roads can be confusing and you can rarely go back the same way you came. Maybe the confusion causes so many people to be horrible drivers.

Also, beware of traffic on I-35. It can be absolutely horrendous.

These people provide a noisy, unwelcome presence in downtown San Antonio, especially at the Alamo Plaza. People come here to pay their respects to the heroes of Texan independence, NOT to be evangelized. Keep a safe distance from them.

I like Texas a lot, but the service roads that parallel the interstates are designed to be as dangerous as possible, or so it seems. The frontage road traffic can quickly slip into interstate traffic, and interstate traffic can quickly slip onto the service road. Maybe a little too quickly. You really need to be on your toes. Drive friendly!

One of the key features of Austin is all of its beautiful greenbelts and hike/bike trails.

I will warn you however that there is alot of construction going on in Waller Creek at this time. Right by the convention center is actually closed off right now for rennovation, so make sure you check in with the City of Austin website prior to going on a walk throughout Austin!

Enjoy your trip!