Dallas Warnings Or Dangers Tips by keeweechic Top 5 Page for this destination

Fire Ants

Be careful if you are walking around any grassy areas in bare feet or open toed shoes.. or really any shoes. Fire Ants are a big problem in Texas (well not just Texas). Their mounds look like just a clump of earth and not necessarily big. The ants are tiny but with one hell of a bit that can itch for up to 2 weeks. You sure don't want to disturb them. If you do get bitten, a cortizone cream will help, but really what I found really helpful (found it on a website), is running hot water (as hot as you can take it) over the bite for a few minutes. The histamine from the ant bite will apparently rise to the surface of the bite and get washed away. It sure helps with the itch and when it starts to itch again, just repeat. The itch will eventually disappear.\

N.B. I had a bad allergic reaction to several bites, I began itching all over, turned red, had some swelling and light headedness. Had I not had someone on hand to react and treat me, I could have ended up in a very bad way. Not to be taken lightly.

Unsafe Areas and The Homeless

Like most major cities, Dallas is not without its homeless and areas which care needs to be taken, not insomuch the homeless but the gang areas. The homeless tend to congregate in the downtown area using any free facilities where they can. There are some 6,000 unfortunate people without homes in the Dallas County area. While I am sure most will not bother you, I must admit when I see large congregations of them while driving in downtown, I tend to lock my doors as a precaution.

Right now the Oak Cliff, Deep Ellum area (just to name a couple) are causing concerns for violence in these areas especially at night time. However there are always pockets within the downtown area and inner suburbs where caution should be taken especially if you are alone.

Double Named Highways Driving / Traffic Review

One of the hardest things I found when getting around on the freeways in the Dallas metro area is the double names of the highways. You just get used to them using numbers, then all of a sudden you find a sign to an actual named freeway. It would be nice if they at least put both ways. Here are some examples.

Interstate 635 – aka - LBJ Freeway

U.S. Highway 75 – aka - Central Expressway

Loop 12 – aka - Northwest Highway

Interstate 30 – aka - R.L. Thornton Freeway

Highway 183 – aka - Airport Freeway.

Highway 114 – aka - John Carpenter Freeway

Interstate 45 – aka - Julius Schepps Freeway

Interstate 35 – aka - Stemmons Freeway

Website: http://dfwtraffic.dot.state.tx.us/

HOV Lane Driving / Traffic Review

On some major freeways around Dallas you will find a sign for a HOV Lane which stands for High Occupancy Vehicle which operates only during peak times. The rest of the time, the block barriers are moved for normal travel. Those allowed to use this lane must have 2 or more people in a vehicle otherwise you will get ticketed. Camera’s operate on these lanes.

Website: http://dfwtraffic.dot.state.tx.us/

Mosquitos

Really this warning doesn't only apply to Texas but since this is a Texas page, then be aware. Mosquito's are a nuisance as anywhere. However, more importantly, because of West Nile Disease. Every Summer, this is a problem and people do die from the disease. West Nile is transmitted by mosquitoes. It has been found in humans, birds, and other animals. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. It can be fatal in some cases.

To avoid being bitten :
. Stay indoors at dawn or early in the evening.
. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outdoors.
. Apply insect repellent sparingly to exposed skin and following all package instructions. An effective repellent should contain 30% DEET.

Dallas Construction Driving / Traffic Review

There is always some kind of road construction going on around the Dallas area. During peak hour the traffic can be horrendous in these areas (more horrendous than usual) and sometimes even at peak time, some sections of the freeways can be closed. Be sure to check the traffic reports if you are going somewhere other than you know to make sure you won't have any delays.

Crime Areas to Avoid / Crime Review

Dallas is generally a very safe city for visitors, however you should always take care at night, there are some very seedy areas to be avoided at night.

Texas has a concealed weapons policy, meaning that it is legal for individuals who have purchased permits, to carry concealed weapons.

Deep Ellum Driving / Traffic Review

Deep Ellum is predominantly a pedestrian area on Elm, Main and Commerce Streets. Commerce St is one way going east and Elm St is one way going West.

There is metered street parking which is free after 10.00pm. but numerous off street parking lots. The meters charge 25c for 50 mins.

Traffic and Driving Driving / Traffic Review

If you're thinking of driving in Dallas - DON'T... the freeways are horrendous especially at peak times. Large Semi's and kamikaze drivers are let loose in this fast flowing (or NOT, at times) playground. Forget indicators, even if they are signalling, it maybe showing the wrong way to which they want to go and quite often the indicators are red lights, making it difficult to see against the brake lights. Unfortunately you pretty much have to have a car in Dallas to get around - so good luck.

Dallas was named in the top five in a 2003 study of the rudest and most dangerous drivers in the country. They ranked 4th behind New York (1st), Miami (2nd) and Boston (3rd). Citing the problems, rude gestures, speeding, not indicating and not knowing the road rules. They are aggressive drivers.
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High Five Driving / Traffic Review

On Interstate 635 (LBJ Freeway) where it connects with US Hwy 75 (Central Expressway) the development of the High Five Project is underway. This is an amazing five level interchange right in the heart of Dallas. The $261 million project began in January 2002 and is expected to be completed in January 2007. It will be one of the biggest and most impressive interchanges in the United States when it is complete.

During the constructions there are often major slow-downs and bottleneck situations during peak time.