Texas DPS kicks off two operations to keep roads safe this holiday | KAMR

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Posted: 06/30/2021 / 5:13 PM CDT
Updated: 6/30/2021 / 5:14 PM CDT

(Image: Texas DPS / MGN)

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction and Effort) will be raising the number of Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from Friday, July 2 through Monday, July 5 the streets will increase. and company holidays.

Texas DPS said soldiers will be on the streets looking for drivers who are driving too fast, driving drunk, or not wearing seat belts.

“Celebrating July 4th and our nation’s freedom is a joyful time, but we have to take our responsibilities on the road seriously,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Please remember to drive carefully and obey all traffic regulations so that everyone can enjoy their vacation.”

According to DPS, Operation Holiday runs on Saturday and Sunday and is aimed at drivers who violate traffic rules. There were 39,913 quotes and warnings during the 2020 campaign. This includes 15,821 warnings and notices due to excessive speed and more than 1,100 warnings and notices due to violations of seat belts and child restraint systems. DPS enforcement efforts also included 308 DWI citations, 453 criminal arrests and 101 refugee arrests.

Operation CARE runs July 2-5 and focuses on reducing accidents and violations of state law “Move Over, Slow Down”. From January 1 to June 18, 2021 there were 7,036 violations of “Move Over, Slow Down”. The law requires drivers to slow down when vehicles – including police, fire departments, ambulances, TxDOT vehicles, and tow trucks – are stopped by the roadside with emergency lights turned on, DPS said

DPS offers the following safety tips for drivers during the July 4th vacation:

  • Don’t drink and drive. Make alternative plans if you consume alcohol.
  • Move or slow down For police, fire brigade, rescue services, TxDOT vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped at the roadside with activated emergency lighting. Show the same courtesy to other drivers stopped by the roadside.
  • Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
  • Slowerespecially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction sites.
  • Eliminate distractions while driving, including using mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write, or send electronic messages unless the vehicle is stopped. If you are using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep an eye on the road.
  • Drive defensively, as vacation travel can bring additional challenges.
  • On multi-lane roads only use the left lane to overtake. Not only is it polite driving and avoiding traffic delays, Texas law also requires slower traffic to stay on the right and the left lane to be used only for overtaking (if specified).
  • If you can Control it, delete it: If you are involved in an accident without injury and your vehicle can be moved, clear the lanes to minimize the impact on traffic. Leaving vehicles in one lane increases traffic jams and puts those involved at increased risk of damage or secondary wreckage. On some highways, if you do not move your vehicle if it is safe to do so, you are breaking the law.
  • Check your vehicle to ensure it is properly maintained and your cargo is always safe.
  • report Traffic hazards or suspicious things to the nearest law enforcement agency.
  • Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you travel. For information on Texas road conditions and closings, visit Drive Texas.

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