AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) – The Texas Department of Public Safety announced Thursday, March 11th that it is stepping up enforcement efforts as traffic picks up for the spring break.
Highway Patrol Troopers will step up traffic surveillance from March 13-21, including St. Patrick’s Day, as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort).
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“The spring break can be a time of fun, but we want the people of Texas and our state visitors to have a responsible fun time,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The public can help our soldiers by driving safely and following traffic rules. DPS, along with other law enforcement agencies, will patrol our highways to protect them from reckless drivers or those who break the law. “
The soldiers will look for drunk drivers, speeders, people who are not wearing seat belts, and other violations.
During the Spring 2020 enforcement effort, the DPS Troopers issued more than 59,000 quotes and warnings, including 5,580 speeding quotes and 824 seat belt and child seat violations.
The soldiers drove 398 times while drunk, 315 volatile arrests and 175 criminal offenses.
To encourage everyone to have a fun and safe vacation, DPS offers the following tips:
· Do not drink or drive. If you plan to drink alcohol outside of your home, designate a driver or take alternative transportation.
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Move over or slow down for police, fire departments, ambulance services, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles, and tow trucks that have stopped by the roadside with emergency lights turned on. Show the same courtesy to other stopped drivers.
· Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
· Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
· Avoid distractions while driving, including using 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 sat nav or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep an eye on the road.
· If you can control it, delete it. If you are involved in an uninjured accident and your vehicle can be moved, clear the lanes. Not moving your vehicle on some highways when it is safe to do so is against the law.
· Do not drive tired – allow enough time to reach your destination.
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· Monitor the weather and road conditions wherever you travel. For information on Texas road conditions and closings, see Drive Texas.
