Memo to the Texas Department of Transportation:
Hey, TxDOT, you’ve got some work to do to make at least one entry into our state friendlier to motorists.
I now will explain.
My wife and I were returning to Texas this afternoon from a lengthy vacation out of state. In the back seat of our car sat our great-niece, who’s spending a few days with us before returning home. I thought, “Hey, wouldn’t it be great if we could take her picture at the ‘Welcome to Texas: Drive Friendly’ sign on U.S. 87 at Texline?” I mentioned it to my wife.
Sure thing, she said.
So we pulled off the highway to take the picture.
Then our little Toyota Prius bottomed out as the car left the highway and slammed belly-first onto the gravel shoulder.
“Holy s***!” I exclaimed.
Now the good news. The car suffered zero damage.
The bad news? Well, only this: We weren’t the only motorists pulling off the highway this afternoon to take their picture at the “Drive Friendly” sign. A young family also sought the memorialize its entry into the Lone Star State. I hope their vehicle didn’t belly-flop onto the gravel, too.
TxDOT asks motorists to “drive friendly.” My advice to the good folks at the state’s highway department would be for them to construct some friendlier access to these signs — in case someone wants to take their picture as they enter our great state.