As the holiday cheer spreads and the streets of El Paso fill with festive spirit, the El Paso Police Department is taking measures to ensure safety is at the forefront of this season's celebrations. In a recent announcement provided by the El Paso Police Department urges residents to enjoy the holidays responsibly, with a notable increase in traffic enforcement poised to take effect as part of the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP).
Funded by the Texas Department of Transportation, this initiative directly targets the reduction of traffic collisions through rigorous DWI enforcement efforts and, while officers will be vigilant against all traffic violations, the spotlight will shine intensely on offenses involving Driving While Intoxicated, the increased presence of law enforcement is expected to serve as a deterrent to would-be impaired drivers and to keep the festive times untainted by tragedy the department calls upon everyone to partake in festive libations with prudent self-restraint.
According to the El Paso Police Department, the department's strategy is "to reduce collisions by focusing enforcement efforts on DWI’s." This approach is part of a broader, data-driven effort to ensure that as we commemorate the end-of-year holidays, the joy is not marred by preventable incidents that could have lasting impacts on our community's families.
In the spirit of communal responsibility, the El Paso Police Department appeals to the public, reinforcing the message that festive celebrations and alcohol can coexist with safety measures, "If you drink please do so responsibly, let’s keep each other safe during this holiday season and make sure everyone gets home safely." With this enforcement, the city's stance is clear, the holidays may be a time for merrymaking, but not at the expense of safety which calls for reflection in each personal celebration choice that could ripple through the lives of others in our shared space.
