As the holiday season ramps up, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping in with a sleigh-full of safety tips for Texans, aiming to keep spirits high and dangers low. In a report released earlier this morning, DPS laid out guidelines covering everything from sober driving to defending oneself against the scourge of human trafficking, according to the DPS release.
Among the notable takeaways, we're reminded that driving under the influence is not just illegal but dangerous, and DPS suggests making plans that don't involve alcohol consumption if you're planning to drive; distractions too, like mobile devices are a no-go per Texas law, which bars their use for reading, writing, or sending electronic messages unless the car is parked. The importance of buckling up is reiterated—it's not just smart, it's a statutory must, and those hefty holiday meals won't protect you in a crash. DPS also has the numbers to back up their call for safer behavior on the roads — they've clocked in over 12,375 Move Over or Slow Down violations throughout the year.
Fireworks, a staple of celebratory times, also come with a PSA; DPS stresses that the use of fireworks should be an outdoor activity and it should take place away from things that could catch fire, like buildings or, you know, tree-laden areas. Children should be kept at a fireworks-arm's length unless they're older and supervised. As with many things in life, a respectful distance makes the heart grow fonder and keeps the ambulance at bay. Moving on to human trafficking, a grim but necessary topic, DPS urges vigilance for signs that may indicate someone is a victim. They list indicators such as lack of control over personal documents and belongings, unawareness of surroundings, untreated injuries, and inappropriate attire for conditions.
The DPS's iWatchTexas initiative also gets a spotlight, marking a call-to-action for the public to report suspicious activities they suspect might teeter on the edge of criminal or threatening, it's about leveraging community watchfulness to nip potential crises in the bud — the iWatchTexas app, available for both iPhone and Android and in Spanish, acts as a conduit for such reports; the DPS emphasizes that while this platform isn't intended for emergencies, it stands vigilant for those whispers of trouble that could balloon into something far nastier without early intervention.
Last but not least, DPS has taken a leaf out of the book on engaging children by launching a new coloring and activity book featuring K-9 Disco, part of their 90th-anniversary celebration, which is also mentioned on their website. Disco, the furry face of the initiative, is teaching kids critical safety lessons one paw print at a time, a measure both cute and crucial. It seems that DPS is set on wrapping up the year with a ribbon of safety, ensuring that Texans can enjoy their holiday festivities without unwelcome surprises.
