DPS WARNS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING THIS NEW YEAR’S
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging drivers to help make the New Year’s weekend safer by driving sober and using extra caution.
In an effort to protect travelers on roadways, DPS Troopers, as well as local law enforcement across the state, will conduct traffic patrols throughout the holiday weekend- looking for drunk drivers, speeders, seat belt violators, and other dangerous drivers.
According to TxDOT, because of the efforts of many state and local community partners, including law enforcement, Texas experienced a 9-percent decrease in alcohol-related traffic fatalities during last year’s holiday season (Dec. 1, 2015 - Jan. 1, 2016) compared to the previous holiday season. Still, during last year’s holiday season, there were 2,374 alcohol-related crashes in Texas, resulting in 102 fatalities and 205 serious injuries.
DPS offers the following additional tips for safe travel during the holidays:
- Don't drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab.
- Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
- Eliminate distractions, including the use of mobile devices.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it's the law.
- Slow down or move over for police, fire, EMS and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it's the law. Also, show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the road.
- Don't drive fatigued.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and check the weather forecast before your trip begins.