In an effort to help the public have a happy Thanksgiving and a good holiday shopping experience, law enforcement agencies are offering some simple tips and thoughts to make it safer and more enjoyable.

Early Police Chief David Mercer stated that his department wants travelers and shoppers to enjoy a safe and happy holiday.   

“We especially don’t want you to be a crime victim,” stated Mercer.

Texas Department of Safety officials remind Thanksgiving travelers to be safe on the roads during the long holiday weekend.

“Between distractions and the rush to get to holiday destinations, it’s easy for drivers to lose focus on the road,” said Assistant Director Luis Gonzalez, Chief of the Texas Highway Patrol Division. “Practicing safe driving habits will help ensure everyone arrives at their Thanksgiving destination without incident.”

Mercer reminded travelers to allow themselves plenty of time to get to their destination.

“When you’re traveling, leave early enough so that you are not rushed and allow yourself time for the un-expected, flats, traffic problems, and bathroom breaks etc. The biggest mistake drivers make is not stopping when they feel fatigued,” said Mercer.  “Take a break at least every 2 hours and alternate drivers whenever possible.  Be patient while driving and report any road rage incidents or possible intoxicated drivers that you may observe.”

Texas DPS reminds holiday drivers to slow down to 20 miles per hour below the speed limit for stopped emergency vehicles with emergency lights activated, or to vacate the lane closest to the vehicle if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction. Effective September 1, 2011, this law applies to tow trucks in addition to law enforcement, fire and emergency medical vehicles.

DPS troopers, along with many law enforcement agencies, will be patrolling throughout the holiday weekend to promote safety. During the Thanksgiving weekend in 2010, DPS troopers arrested 376 individuals for driving while intoxicated, issued 9,025 speeding citations and issued more than 1,000 safety restraint citations.

Early Police Department offers a house watch program that will help local travelers from worries of leaving their home unoccupied for the holiday weekend.

“Contact the Early Police Department and let us register your home on our house watch list.  We will make periodic checks on your home while you and gone,” offered Mercer.  “Lock your doors and windows.”

Mercer warned that some criminals will go up to homes and simply knock on the door. If someone answers they will make an excuse thy have the wrong house or something; however, if there is no answer they will try your doors and walk right in if it is unlocked.

Posing as a courier delivering gifts is also something criminals do.   It’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved Mercer said.

“Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren’t satisfied, don’t give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead,” encouraged Mercer.

Notify your neighbors to keep a watch out on your home.  Neighbors should watch out for each other daily.   Mercer urged citizens to report anything that doesn’t look right to the Police Department, have someone pick up your news papers and mail or have the deliveries suspended when you are traveling. Leaving some lights on is also a good preventative technique as criminals do not like well lighted areas. Mercer stated that this is good advice for both residential and business properties.   

When shopping Mercer offered the following tips: 

  • Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
  • Park in a well-lighted space
  • Be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
  • Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers, don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to everyone on the road.

“Anyone with a blood alcohol count of .08 or higher is in violation of Texas law and will go to jail. Remember that the risk isn’t worth it–if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don’t drive,” said Mercer.  “The Officers and staff at the Early Police Department want everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season. Let’s all be safe and watch out for each other.”

DPS offers the following tips to ensure safe travels:

• Minimize distractions as much as possible. Don’t text and drive and keep cell phone chatter to a minimum. Just drive.

• Don’t travel fatigued. Switch drivers or find a safe location and take a break.

• Adjust speed for weather, traffic conditions and emergency vehicles.

• Don’t drink and drive; designate a driver.

• Make sure everyone in the car is buckled up.

• Drive courteously.