DPS Provides Texans Spring Break Safety Tips

With 2016 Spring Break around the corner, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans to drive responsibly and to take precautions as they make travel plans.

“Each year, during the weeks of Spring break, with children out of school and families taking vacation, there’s a good chance that traffic will increase on our roadways,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS is encouraging drivers to help keep the roads safe for all travelers by adhering to safe driving practices and always driving sober.”

To help keep travelers safe, DPS offers the following tips to utilize during the Spring Break holiday:

1. Slow down, especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic and unfamiliar areas.
2. Eliminate distractions while driving, including the usage of mobile devices.
3. Buckle up everyone in the vehicle; it’s the law.
4. Don’t drive fatigued, and allow plenty of time to reach a destination.
5. Drive defensively because holiday travel may present additional challenges.
6. Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.
7. Slow down, or move over, for tow trucks, police, fire, EMS and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated; it’s the law.

DPS stated that troopers and local law enforcement in the coastal areas of Texas will also be keeping roads safe by enhancing enforcement efforts during Spring Break. They will be looking for speeders, drunk drivers and seat-beat violators.

Finally, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should always check with U.S. Department of State website for latest security information related to their travel destination. Those people traveling out of the county can also register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program by clicking here.