DPS offers safety tips ahead of Labor Day

As part of an effort to keep motorists safe this Labor Day weekend, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing its enforcement efforts, including statewide Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) from August 30 to September 2.

Operation CARE is a special campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol Troopers search for drivers who are speeding, drunk, not following Texas Move aside, drive slower law or violate other laws.

“All too often, problems occur on the roads during these long holiday weekends,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Instead, as summer comes to an end, we should make safety our top priority by obeying traffic laws and making sure everyone gets home sober. By planning and thinking ahead, we can ensure everyone can enjoy the long holiday weekend safely.”

During the Labor Day campaign last year, police issued more than 43,179 Quotes and warnings, including 4,332 for speeding; 990 for no insurance; 421 for persons without seat belts or child seats and over 207 for Move aside, drive slower violations. DPS also arrested 193 Persons charged with drunk driving, and 222 Persons charged with other crimes.

Here are some other safety tips to keep in mind:

• Do not drive under the influence of alcohol. Make alternative plans when consuming alcohol.
• Drive over or slow down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks that stop on the side of the road with their hazard lights on. Show the same courtesy to other drivers who stop on the side of the road. So far in 2024, there have been more than 4,510 Move aside, drive slower Violations.

• Fasten your seat belt everyone in the vehicle – that’s the law.
• Slowespecially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction sites.
• Eliminate distractions while driving, including using mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of handheld wireless devices to read, write, or send electronic messages unless the vehicle is stopped. If you use a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
• Drive defensivelyas holiday travel can bring additional challenges.
• On multi-lane roads Use the left lane only for overtaking.Not only is this a considerate way of driving and avoids traffic jams, but Texas law also requires slower traffic to stay to the right and use the left lane only for passing (if posted).
• Do not cut in front of large trucks and try not to brake abruptly in front of them. They cannot maneuver as easily as cars and pickup trucks.
• If you can Steering, clearing: If you are involved in a non-injury accident and your vehicle can be moved, clear the lanes to minimize traffic disruption. Leaving vehicles in one lane increases traffic congestion and puts those involved at greater risk of injury or a second accident. On some highways, it is against the law not to move your vehicle when it is safe to do so.
• Keep Texas Roadside Assistance Number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any kind of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas driver’s license.
• Check your vehicle to ensure it is properly maintained and that your load is always safe.
• report Report road hazards or other suspicious events to the nearest police department.
• Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For information on road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Driving Texas

DPS also wants to remind TexansiWatchTexas programan important resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community to prevent dangerous attacks. It is especially important to be vigilant when people gather for parades, festivals and other community events. Tips can be reported through the websitethe free iWatch app for iOS or Android or call 844-643-2251. All reports are confidentialInformation on use iWatchTexasyou can view this Instruction video.

Remember, iWatchTexas is not intended for emergency use. In an emergency, call 911 immediately.