DPS STEPPING UP TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT FOR THANKSGIVING
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing its enforcement efforts during the Thanksgiving holiday.
DPS says it will increase patrols today (Wednesday) through Sunday as part of the nationwide Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative. Troopers will be keeping an eye out for various traffic violations, including speeding, driving while intoxicated, not wearing a seat belt, and not following the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law.
Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee says Texas roadways see a large increase in traffic on the days leading up to and following Thanksgiving. He asks all drivers to be mindful, stay alert, be patient and focus on getting to their destinations safely.
AAA Texas is expecting a record 5.8 million Texans will travel 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which began on Tuesday and continues through Monday, December 1st.
During last year’s Thanksgiving enforcement period, DPS issued 45,770 warnings and citations, including 4,082 for speeding, 1,284 for driving without insurance, and 214 for seat belt and child seat violations. DPS also made 206 felony arrests, 162 DWI arrests and 67 fugitive arrests.