Find cheap car insurance in Midland, a west Texas oil hub that was the childhood home of former President George W. Bush. The house, which dates back to 1939, has since been restored to how it looked in the 1950s when the 43rd president lived there. Founded as the “mid” point between Fort Worth and El Paso for the Texas and Pacific Railroad, Midland soon became an important cattle shipping center and incorporated in 1906. Ever since oil was discovered nearby in 1923, Midland’s economy has relied heavily on petroleum. Its population in 2016 was estimated at 134,610.

Driving Conditions in Midland

Newcomers to Texas should note that Texans measure distance between major cities in hours rather than miles. Midland lies on Interstate 20, more than four hours – or about 300 miles – from both Fort Worth to the east and El Paso to the west. Houston is more than seven hours away, and Lubbock is about two hours to the north. Within Midland, commuting is a breeze compared to similar-sized cities. The average commute time for Midland is just over 18 minutes, at least seven minutes faster than the national average. Current information on accidents, construction and weather-related delays is available at transguide.dot.state.tx.us or drivetexas.org.

Unique Laws in Midland

Beginning this year, applicants for a Texas driver’s license must take a course in distracted driving in addition to other requirements. A course specifically for drivers 35 and older is expected to be added in 2018. In Texas, adults can legally ride in the bed of a truck, according to Texas state laws. There are even exceptions when it comes to children riding in truck beds, one being if the truck is the family’s only vehicle. After an auto accident, there is a two-year statute of limitations on filing a lawsuit for personal injury or property damage.

Midland Crime Statistics

FBI statistics compiled for 2016 show 412 violent crimes in Midland, three of which were murder or non-negligent manslaughter. The local violent crime rate of 299 offenses per 100,000 residents is below the average U.S. violent crime rate of 386 per 100,000. The 2016 property crime rate in Midland was 2,432 offenses per 100,000 residents, slightly below the national average of 2,451 per 100,000 residents.

Within the city, 185 vehicles were stolen in 2016, FBI data shows, a rate of 134 per 100,000 residents. The national average for 2016 was 236.9 incidents per 100,000 people.

Midland safety requirements

Texas law requires children younger than 8 to ride in car seats unless he or she is taller than 4 feet, 9 inches, the Texas Department of Transportation states. A safety seat is also required to be used according to manufacturer’s directions. Not complying with those directions, according to TxDOT, could result in a $250 fine. Texas officials have stepped up enforcement in light of a 2017study of nearly 14,000 children in 14 Texas cities that shows 33.5 percent of children from birth to age 4 were buckled incorrectly or not at all.

A statewide ban on driving while texting went into effect in September 2017. Seat belts are mandatory for all drivers and front-seat passengers and for minors whether in the front or rear seats, Texas law states. Fines and court costs of up to $200 can result for not buckling up.

Midland Impaired Driving Laws

In the Lone Star State, a driver is considered legally intoxicated and can be charged with Driving While Intoxicated with a BAC (blood or breath alcohol content) of .08 or higher. A driver can also be deemed intoxicated if impaired due to alcohol or other drugs regardless of BAC. Minors under 21 can be charged with any BAC, and both drivers and passengers also can be fined $500 for having an open alcohol container in a car. Penalties are more severe if one’s BAC is above .15.

First DWI offenders face a fine of up to $2,000, three to 180 days in jail, loss of driver’s license for up to 2 years or an annual fee of up to $2,000 for three years to retain a driver’s license. Charges are enhanced if there is a passenger younger than 15 in the car. Regardless of your background or circumstances, it’s not impossible to find cheap car insurance in Midland; contact us for rate comparisons.