Texas Wants You To Stop Driving. Here’s Why!

If you’re a Texan and you have a car….STOP DRIVING IT OR ELSE! Ok, I’m being a bit dramatic but really, if you could stop driving it our ozone would really appreciate it!

Texas officials are advising residents in certain parts of Texas to use other transportation methods besides using their own vehicles and it’s all because of alarming levels of ozone pollution.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) declared an Ozone Action Day for the Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria regions a few days ago because of the extreme weather Texas has been dealing with and will continue to deal with this Summer. 

Residents are encouraged to minimize car usage to help reduce pollution.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), atmospheric conditions are favorable for high ozone production in these areas on Friday. "You can help prevent ozone pollution by sharing a ride, walking, riding a bicycle, taking your lunch to work, avoiding drive-through lanes, conserving energy, and keeping your vehicle properly tuned," stated the NWS alert.

This warning follows a similar alert in California, where residents were advised to delay using gas stations and chemicals until ozone levels improved.

What Contributes To High Ozone Levels?

Factors contributing to high ozone levels include increased chemical emissions, faster ozone formation due to heat, low winds, and stagnant weather. 

Elevated ozone levels can cause respiratory issues, particularly for children, older adults, and those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Residents can also conserve energy by setting air conditioners to a higher temperature and limiting the use of gasoline-powered equipment.