Unspoken Rules For Driving in West Texas

West Texas is unique in many ways. If you have been in the area long enough to experience a West Texas sunset, then you know the beauty is unmatched. The land is flat here so you can see a stretch of road as far as the eye can see. Another unique experience is driving in the Permian Basin and surrounding areas.

West Texas driving is as if, Jigsaw just came out and asked if you wanted to play a game. So whether you are new to the area or are from here and can relate, here are some unspoken rules to driving in West Texas.

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1. Brakes 'R' 4 All Of Us

Make sure that your vehicle brakes are always up to code because you are going to need your brakes more than anything on your commute. You will understand this when someone is cutting across 3 lanes so they can make a sharp turn all while there is no signal in sight.

2. RIP Windshield

If you are used to seeing your front windshield untouched and clear of blemishes, don't get used to it! We all know that West Texas is oil-field country and with that comes the traffic. There will come one day when you get stuck behind the wrong semi and a rock chips your windshield. The windshield still doesn't seem that bad? Give it a couple of days and you will love the decoration from the cracks that split from the chip.

3. Shocks are a Thing of the Past

Be ready to fork out the big bucks for repairs out here, especially regarding your shocks and alignment. So many people are coming in and out of the Permian Basin, which leaves the roads horrendous. But wait there is more! Sprinkle a little razzle-dazzle with some rain and you are going to cringe when you go over the water-filled pothole that went unseen.

4. The Bigger (vehicle) the Better

Don't get me wrong I love the fast sports performance car that looks like they are from Fast and the Furious but those won't last long out here. From lease roads to construction, going through those with a truck is much better than a small car with low-profile rims. Ouch!

5. We Swang More Than Just Slabs

There is no use in crying over spilled milk but there is with spilled items on the streets! Living in West Texas I have seen my fair share of unusual items in the middle of the road. I have had to swerve a ladder falling off a company truck and I have also had to dodge a mattress in the middle of the street. Whether you are swerving to miss the fifth stray you have seen today, be ready to SWANG.