Police urge extra caution on roadways during SXSW
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Austin police are warning drivers and pedestrians alike to be careful on the roadways during this year’s South by Southwest.
This week, AAA of Texas and Austin police are teaming up asking everyone to pay more attention on the roads.
A spokesperson for AAA said pedestrians and bicyclists should be extra aware of vehicle traffic. Never assume that just because you can see a car, the driver can see you.
And they say drivers should pay even more attention because just a few seconds of distraction could lead to something disastrous.
"Sending or reading a text takes on average about five seconds and traveling at 55 miles-per-hour,” Doug Shupe with AAA said. “That is like going the entire length of a football field blindfolded."
Police provided this list of safety tips:
• Always park in a well-lit parking lot/area• Do not park in areas that say “No parking”
• Towing will be enforced in the Guadalupe Neighborhood area. The boundaries are East 7th-11th Streets from the west frontage of IH-35 to Navasota Street.
• If your vehicle gets towed from a public street or alley you will need to call Southside Wrecker at (512) 441-7094
• If you get towed from a private parking lot, a sign will be posted at the entrance with the contact information for the towing company servicing that particular lot
• Only provide money to legit parking attendants.
APD is also warning drivers to beware of fake parking lot attendants. A spokesperson said they've had cases in the past where drivers would give money to a person in a parking lot—only to find out the person didn't really work there.