DPS INCREASING TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT FOR THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY

  

DPS reminds anyone driving for the Thanksgiving holiday to take great care on the road.

As part of the nationwide Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative, Texas Highway Patrol is increasing enforcement on roads through Sunday.  Troopers will be looking for drivers not wearing their seat belts, speeders, people driving while intoxicated and drivers who fail to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, among other traffic violations.

DPS Sergeant Justin Ruiz says the importance of defensive driving cannot be understated.

 

Sgt. Ruiz says travelers should expect more crowded roadways due to more people traveling this Thanksgiving.

 

DPS offers the following safety tips for the Thanksgiving holiday:

• Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
• Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. This year alone, between Jan. 1 and Nov. 12, DPS issued 11,165 warnings and citations for violations of this law.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
• Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
• Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
• If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
• Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
• Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
• Don’t cut in front of large trucks, and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
• If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
• Check your vehicle to make sure it’s properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
• Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
• Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.