As holiday revelers prepare to deck their halls, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) readies to ensure safe travels across the state. The annual enforcement blitz by the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) is set to commence on December 20, continuing through the end of the year, focusing on traffic safety during the festive period. In a statement released by the Texas DPS website, Colonel Freeman Martin emphasized the importance of road safety, particularly over the holiday season: "I again want to remind Texans to be alert, put your phones down and make driving your sole focus when you're behind the wheel."
This year, the THP intends to rigorously patrol the streets to spot speeding, seat belt violations, distracted driving, and impaired driving as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). Last year’s campaign yielded over 103,317 citations and warnings, a stern reminder of the hazards that can accompany holiday travel. Notably, during the 2023 efforts, there were over 28,578 speeding citations, highlighting how easy it is to neglect basic rules in the hustle of celebrations. DPS maintains that adherence to traffic laws could be a game-changer in ensuring a safe arrival home for families across Texas.
In light of the increased road activity, the Texas DPS issued a range of safety reminders, including the well-understood dictum against drinking and driving, and the law against using mobile devices for messaging while driving. The department further reminds drivers about the "Move Over or Slow Down" rule, which mandates action when encountering stopped emergency vehicles—a rule that has been violated more than 12,204 times in 2024 alone, according to a press release from the department.
The DPS advises drivers to strap in with seat belts, drive at prudent speeds, and practice defensive driving. It’s critical during the holidays, a time when travel conditions become unpredictable and congested. For those driving multi-lane roads, DPS underscores the state law requiring to use the left lane for passing only. Large trucks need extra consideration—they require more space to maneuver and longer distances to brake. Texas also encourages drivers to move vehicles off the road following minor collisions, to keep clear the way for others, a measure supported by the "Steer It, Clear It" law.
As part of their preemptive holiday safety measures, DPS does not overlook vehicle condition, urging travelers to check maintenance and cargo security. They also suggest storing the Texas Roadside Assistance number—1-800-525-5555—for help during trips. When it comes to monitoring road hazards and weather conditions, Texans are advised to visit Drive Texas for the latest information on road statuses. Additionally, DPS remarks on the resource iWatchTexas program for community members to report suspicious behavior, while emphasizing that it is not a substitute for 911 in emergencies. The department’s how-to video on iWatchTexas underscores its utility in protecting public gatherings and events throughout the holidays.
