DPS Enhances Patrols for Labor Day Enforcement Period
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing DWI patrols Aug. 21 – Sept. 7, which includes the Labor Day holiday weekend. During this period, DPS troopers will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent.
“Impaired drivers who take to the roadways put other travelers in harm’s way, and these increased patrols during the Labor Day holiday are designed to save lives by getting these dangerous drivers off the road,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The department urges all drivers to do their part to keep our road and highways safe by obeying traffic laws and not drinking and driving.”
The increased patrols that target impaired driving are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the Labor Day holiday:
- Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab.
- Eliminate distractions, including the usage of mobile devices.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
- Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
- Slow down or move over for police, fire and EMS vehicles as well as tow trucks and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law.
- Don’t drive fatigued.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.
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