The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing DWI patrols through September 2, which includes the Labor Day holiday weekend. DPS troopers will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. The enhanced patrols that target impaired drivers are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).
“DPS is committed to helping keep Texas roadways are safe for all travelers, and these enhanced patrols are aimed at saving lives by getting impaired drivers off the road,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The Department urges all drivers to do their part this Labor Day holiday – and every day – by obeying traffic laws and not drinking and driving.”
During the Labor Day enforcement effort last year, DPS troopers made 1,682 DWI arrests, and approximately 218 of those were the direct result of the increased patrols.
Last year during this same time period, DPS enforcement also resulted in 24,443 speeding citations, 3,541 seat belt/child safety seat citations. In addition, troopers made 1,223 fugitive arrests and 977 felony arrests during routine patrol operations.
DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the Labor Day holiday:
- Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab.
- Eliminate distractions, including the usage of mobile devices.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
- Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
- Slow down or move over for police, fire and EMS vehicles as well as tow trucks and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law.
- Don’t drive fatigued.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.
