Rural/side roads...dangerous? (San Antonio, Austin: vs, safe, moving to)

[ang08]

I've heard the horror stories about crazy drivers and I-35. We don't commute, though, so that's not really an issue. I'm more concerned about the backroads - how is driving on those? We are considering Dripping Springs and I'm wondering about those winding rural roads out there. What about other areas outside of town - any place better than others?

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by ang08

I've heard the horror stories about crazy drivers and I-35. We don't commute, though, so that's not really an issue. I'm more concerned about the backroads - how is driving on those? We are considering Dripping Springs and I'm wondering about those winding rural roads out there. What about other areas outside of town - any place better than others?

The outskirts of Austin has many rural 2 lane roads such as RR12 or Hamilton Pool Rd. into parts of Dripping Springs. I drive through DS going the "back way" to San Antonio all the time. I also drive other 2 lane roads like 165 into Blanco.

I think these roads are generally safe and easy to drive. Because they don't have shoulders they are not very bike friendly. They are generally not lit at night so you should be sensible. It is irritating when someone drives too slow and you can't pass sometimes.

But these roads have some character and I generally like 'em.

[iceshots]

The roads around Dripping are fine if you drive them properly. I will echo the comment that they can get frustrating if you are behind slow people, but then just sit back and enjoy the drive. The majority of the drivers on the back roads are not speeding and are courteous. I much prefer driving the back roads instead of the highways.

The roads are rarely straight. You have a lot of curves and up and down hills, so you have to pay attention. It is also easy to go into some of the curves too fast.

The roads get very dark at night. I mean pitch black if there is no moon. Another problem is the evenings will be deer jumping across the road. But just pay attention and you'll be fine.

I have seen 1 or 2 accidents on the back roads. Nothing out of the ordinary.

The only critical thing about driving the back roads will be if we ever get back to flood level rains. Many of the back roads have at least one flood crossing somewhere along it. The all have warnings and flood gauges. Know your back roads and the options available to you in case one is flooded out.

[jobert]

If you commute into Austin, be prepared for 60+ minute commute each way during rush hour on 2 lane roads. Everyone is trying to get the "rural experience" and ending up with the 50K other people who moved there within the last 5 years who are trying to do the same thing..

[ang08]

As I said in my original post, we do not commute (we work from home) so that is not an issue. BTW, we are not moving to DS for a "rural experience" - wouldn't have to move to get that - although I don't see why it would upset you if we were. Settle down.

[ang08]

Thanks to you others for the helpful responses!

[TexasHorseLady]

One thing to watch for, especially at night, is deer crossing the road. Other than that, the back roads are delightful drives.

[HappyTexan]

They are nice drives unless you get someone behind you that thinks he/she is on the autoban

[loves2read]

there are problems with flooding from time to time on some roads and also heavy fog that can make visibility problamatic since there are high/low spots along those rural roads...
people take their farm machinery out and drive 15 mph--

not only deer come out to play but sometimes cattle can get out and there are other critters that stumble into your path and make you flinch to avoid them--just hit that raccoon or armadillo vs swerving into oncoming traffic or into a bar ditch
there are local cops that patrol for the unwary speeder--
if you are using Internet for your work-from-home just make sure that you can get a fast enough speed to make it useable...
that would be more worrisome to me than the roads...

[Driftwood1]

Absolutely, dont count on high speed internet if it isnt already there..we've been waiting nearly 10 years for it, and it isnt gonna happen, probably for at least another 10 yrs. Best we can get its satellite internet. Adequate for surfing, but not anywhere near what the typical business high speed user is accustomed to. Choose wisely.
Cheers

Originally Posted by loves2read

if you are using Internet for your work-from-home just make sure that you can get a fast enough speed to make it useable...
that would be more worrisome to me than the roads...