AUSTIN, TX - As the holiday season approaches, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is emphatically advocating for safety to be the foremost concern for all individuals. With festivities and travel plans in full swing, the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) is set to initiate its annual Christmas and New Year’s holiday traffic enforcement campaign, commencing on December 22 and extending throughout the remainder of the year. Troopers will be actively monitoring roadways, targeting violations such as speeding, seat belt neglect, driving under the influence, and other traffic infractions.
Director of DPS, Steven McCraw, highlighted the potential dangers of the holiday season, stating, “The holidays can be a dangerous time with so many people traveling to and from celebrations. It’s absolutely critical that drivers pay attention, stay at safe speeds, put their phones down, and do not drink and drive. Let’s all do our part to close out the year on a happy and safe note.”
The heightened enforcement efforts fall under Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), a nationwide initiative running from December 22 to January 1. Reflecting on the 2022 Christmas and New Year’s enforcement endeavors, DPS reported over 108,400 citations and warnings issued. This included infractions such as more than 9,000 speeding citations, 950 seat belt and child seat violations, 2,303 citations for driving without insurance, 731 felony and fugitive arrests, and 452 citations/warnings for Move Over, Slow Down violations.
To ensure a safe holiday season, DPS offers a series of essential safety tips:
- Avoid drinking and driving, and have alternate plans if consuming alcohol.
- Adhere to Move Over or Slow Down laws for emergency vehicles and stopped drivers.
- Buckle up every occupant in the vehicle – it’s the law.
- Exercise caution and reduce speed in adverse weather, heavy traffic, or unfamiliar areas.
- Minimize distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices.
- If using navigation, have a passenger operate it to keep your focus on the road.
- Drive defensively due to increased challenges during holiday travel.
- Avoid driving fatigued and allow ample time to reach your destination.
- Use left lanes for passing only on multi-lane roads and keep to the right if slower.
- Exercise caution around large trucks by refraining from abrupt maneuvers.
Moreover, DPS urges individuals to report road hazards, remain vigilant for possible human trafficking situations, and utilize the iWatchTexas program for non-emergency reporting. The iWatchTexas app, available for iOS and Android, facilitates the reporting of suspicious activities anonymously. Furthermore, travelers are encouraged to be observant of potential indicators of human trafficking and report any concerning behaviors to law enforcement.
As the year draws to a close, DPS urges all individuals to prioritize safety, exercise vigilance, and contribute to making the holiday season a joyous and secure time for all. Remember, ensuring safety on the roads is a responsibility shared by everyone.
For more information on the iWatchTexas program and how to use it, visit their website or view their how-to video.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 immediately.
For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.
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