Are you planning to take to the streets this weekend?
The Texas Department of Public Safety will be on the lookout for drunk drivers, drivers without seat belts and other traffic violations in greater numbers this long holiday weekend.
Enhanced enforcement began on Friday and continues through Monday.
“DPS reminds all travelers to be responsible and practice safe driving habits on Labor Day,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “It is imperative that everyone does their part to keep our roads safe and DPS will also do our part to increase patrols and enforce traffic laws this holiday weekend.”
During the 2019 Labor Day Holidays, the DPS Troopers issued 102,274 quotes and warnings, including 10,506 speeding quotes. 1,461 citations on seat belts and child safety restrictions; and 938 warnings and quotes for transitions slowing down violations. DPS enforcement efforts also resulted in 489 DWI arrests, 358 refugee arrests, and 354 crime arrests.
According to the Texas law to run over or slow down, drivers have to give way to the police, fire brigade, ambulance service, vehicles of the Texas Ministry of Transport and tow trucks, which stop at the side of the road with activated emergency lights.
Driving tips
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
- Slower.
- Put the cell phone away. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write, or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
- Drive defensively.
- Do not drive tired.
- Use the left lane to drive only on multi-lane roads. Under Texas law, traffic must be slower to stay on the right and use the left lane only to overtake.
- Control it and clear it. If you are in an uninjured accident and your vehicle can be moved, clear the lanes to minimize the impact on traffic.
- Check your vehicle for maintenance issues.
- Secure the load.
- Report road hazards or suspicious items to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Monitor the weather and road conditions. For information on Texas road conditions and closings, see Drive Texas.
