AUSTIN – The Texas Division of Public Security (DPS)
encourages everybody to drive safely as they rejoice the unofficial finish of
summer time in the course of the lengthy Labor Day weekend. The Texas Freeway Patrol can be
growing enforcement from Sept. 3 via Sept. 6, on the lookout for individuals not
carrying their seat belts, speeders, individuals driving whereas intoxicated and
drivers who fail to comply with the state’s Transfer Over, Sluggish Down legislation,
amongst different visitors violations.
“DPS is reminding all drivers that security all the time comes first,”
stated DPS Director Steven McCraw. “Whereas lengthy weekends are a time to get out and
get pleasure from, all of us have to do our half to maintain roads protected, and that’s the reason Troopers
can be out guaranteeing everyone seems to be following the visitors legal guidelines.”
Throughout the 2020 Labor Day vacation, Troopers issued 71,544
citations and warnings. This included 9,239 citations for dashing; 1,088 seat
belt and youngster security restraint citations; 1,419 citations for no insurance coverage;
and 534 warnings and citations for Transfer Over, Sluggish Down violations.
DPS enforcement efforts additionally resulted in 402 DWI arrests, 802 felony arrests
and 200 fugitive arrests.
Drivers are inspired to comply with the following tips in the course of the Labor
Day vacation:
Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans for those who’re
consuming alcohol.
Transfer Over or Sluggish Down for police, fireplace, EMS, TxDOT
autos and tow vehicles stopped on the facet of the highway with emergency lights
activated. Present the identical courtesy to fellow drivers who’re stopped on the facet
of the highway. To date in 2021, there have been 8,950 violations.
Buckle up everybody within the car — it’s the legislation.
Decelerate, particularly in dangerous climate, heavy visitors,
unfamiliar areas or building zones.
Remove distractions whereas driving, together with the use
of cell units. Texas legislation prohibits using transportable wi-fi units to
learn, write or ship an electronic mail until the car is stopped. If
you’re utilizing a navigation system or app, have a passenger function it so you’ll be able to
preserve your eyes on the highway.
Drive defensively, as vacation journey can current further
challenges. Know your route earlier than starting your journey and don’t drive fatigued. Permit loads of time to achieve your
vacation spot.
On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing
solely. Not solely is it courteous driving and avoids impeding visitors, Texas legislation
requires slower visitors to maintain to the appropriate and to make use of the left lane for
passing solely (when posted).
For those who can Steer It, Clear It: If you’re concerned in a
non-injury crash and your car will be moved, clear the visitors lanes to
reduce visitors affect. Leaving autos in a visitors lane will increase visitors
congestion and leaves these concerned with an elevated threat of hurt or a
secondary wreck. On some highways, for those who don’t transfer your car when it’s
protected to take action, you’re violating the legislation.
Don’t minimize in entrance of enormous vehicles, and check out to not brake
rapidly in entrance of them, if attainable. They will’t maneuver as simply as
passenger autos and pickup vehicles.
Examine your car to ensure it’s correctly
maintained and all the time guarantee your cargo is safe.
Report highway hazards or something suspicious to the
nearest legislation enforcement company.
Monitor climate and highway situations wherever you’re
touring. For highway situations and closures in Texas, go to Drive
Texas.
Operation CARE (Crash Consciousness and Discount Effort) will
run concurrently. Operation CARE is an initiative amongst police businesses
throughout the nation, together with the Texas Freeway Patrol. It will increase
enforcement efforts throughout designated intervals all year long, together with
holidays like Labor Day.
