Texas drivers take note: the roads are about to get a lot more scrutinized. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) alongside the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) is ramping up enforcement efforts as part of the Distracted Reckless Impaired Visibility Enforcement, whose acronym is SafeDRIVE as reported on August 2nd. This initiative, kicking into gear from August 6-8, will be in full swing on major interstate corridors such as I-10, I-20, I-35, I-40, and I-45—routes known for a disturbing amount of fatal commercial motor vehicle (CMV) collisions.

With an eye for reducing these deadly incidents, the SafeDRIVE campaign is looking to target a gamut of risky driving behaviors including aggressive driving, speeding, and the failure to use safety belts, it targets distracted drivers, it won't go easy on motorists driving under the influence — In a nutshell, this is a multifaceted crackdown on both passenger and commercial vehicles not adhering to safety norms. In addition, these operations will patrol to confirm that CMV drivers comply with regulations key to their line of work.

In light of the new enforcement, DPS has issued several guidelines for Texans hitting the road. Motorists should be cautious of blind spots around large trucks and buses, ensuring that they pass these behemoths safely without lingering in these no-visibility zones. When overtaking, the CMV driver should be in view via the side mirror, and once the pass is completed, make sure these vehicles are visible in the rearview before pulling in front. Remember, it takes the length of two football fields for a large vehicle to come to a stop—a fact that makes cutting them off a potentially fatal move.

To add, tailgating is not just bad manners but also a serious hazard since it places your vehicle in a blind spot similarly, buckling up goes without saying as seat belts are the unsung heroes that save lives every day, meanwhile, Texas law demands a hands-free approach to mobile devices while driving, so putting the phone away is both a legal and a safety imperative. DPS implores everyone to exercise a heightened sense of awareness, as these measures help ensure the collective security of everyone on Texas roads.