The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is intensifying its traffic enforcement efforts as Texans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday. In a statement released by Texas Department of Public Safety, DPS Director Steven McCraw emphasized the need for vigilance on the road: "With Thanksgiving around the corner, we remind everyone to stay vigilant on the roads. There can be countless distractions this time of year, but your safety and the safety of others is what matters most. Take your time, avoid distractions and let’s ensure everyone arrives to their destination this holiday season." The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers will be increasing their presence from Wednesday, Nov. 27, to Sunday, Dec. 1, in hopes of mitigating the potential for increased holiday traffic accidents.
This enforcement surge is part of the nationwide Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative. During the last Thanksgiving holiday, DPS was diligent in their duty, issuing a total of 41,093 warnings and citations, these included 11,525 for speeding; 1,310 for driving without insurance, and 596 for seat belt and child seat violations. Arrests made during that time similarly underscore the importance of such traffic enforcement, with 54 felony arrests, 36 DWI arrests, and 18 fugitive arrests reported by DPS.
DPS has suggested several safety tips for drivers: refrain from drinking and driving, eliminating distractions such as mobile device usage, obeying the Move Over or Slow Down law for stopped emergency vehicles, buckling up, slowing down in less-than-ideal conditions, driving defensively, and adhering to lane rules for passing. Notably, there have been more than 9,284 Move Over, Slow Down violations so far in 2024, according to DPS.
Additional recommendations from DPS include not cutting off large trucks which are less maneuverable, moving vehicles after a non-injury crash to avoid further incidents, and knowing the Texas Roadside Assistance number, 1-800-525-5555. Drivers are also urged to monitor the weather and road conditions, using resources like Drive Texas for the latest updates on road closures. Texans are encouraged, too, to be mindful of their community's security through the iWatchTexas program, designed to report any suspicious activities. DPS underscores this is not a substitute for emergencies, which should be directed to 911 immediately.
