DPS UPPING TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT EFFORTS FOR THANKSGIVING

  

The Texas Department of Public Safety says it is stepping up its efforts to ensure drivers stay safe during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Texas Highway Patrol troopers will increase traffic enforcement on the roads from Wednesday to Sunday, as part of the nationwide Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative. 

Troopers will be looking for people not wearing their seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding, and failing to follow the Move Over, Slow Down law, as well as any other traffic violations. 

DPS Director Steven McCraw reminds travelers to stay vigilant on the roads, saying, “There can be countless distractions this time of year, but your safety and the safety of others is what matters most.”

During last year’s Thanksgiving enforcement efforts, DPS issued a total of 41,093 warnings and citations, including 11,525 for speeding, 1,310 for driving without insurance, and 596 for seat belt and child seat violations.  DPS also made 54 felony arrests, 36 DWI arrests and 18 fugitive arrests.

DPS offers the following safety tips for the Thanksgiving holiday and beyond:

• Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
• 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.
• 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. So far in 2024, there have been more than 9,284 Move Over, Slow Down violations.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
• Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
• Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
• On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving 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.
• Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
• Check your vehicle to make sure it is 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.