The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement for the Thanksgiving holiday to ensure people are able to get to and from their celebrations safely. Texas Highway Patrol Troopers will increase enforcement on the roads from Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Sunday, Nov. 27. DPS Troopers will be looking for people not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding and failing to follow the Move Over, Slow Down law, among other traffic violations.
“As we head into a busy holiday season, we must remember to make safety the number one priority,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Obey all traffic laws, don’t drink and drive, put your phones down behind the wheel, and look out for each other. The message is the same every year, but it’s a message that can save lives.”
DPS participates annually in the nationwide Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative for the Thanksgiving holiday. During the 2021 Thanksgiving enforcement effort, a total of 36,523 warnings and citations were issued, including 3,306 for speeding; 789 for driving without insurance; 377 for seat belt and child seat violations; and 170 violations for Move Over, Slow Down. Last year’s enforcement efforts also resulted in 225 felony arrests, 138 DWI arrests and 84 fugitive arrests.
DPS offers the following safety tips for the Thanksgiving holiday:
1. Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
2. Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road.
3. Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
4. Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
5. Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
6. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it, so you can keep your eyes on the road.
7. Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
8. Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
9. Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
10. On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
11. Don’t cut in front of large trucks, and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
12. If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
13. Check your vehicle to make sure it’s properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
14. Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
15. Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.
