AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – Texas Highway Patrol will be increasing traffic enforcement for the next two days. Trooper Lonny Haschel said over 500 DWI arrests were made last year alone. Because of this he urges people to have a designated driver or use ride sharing apps like Uber and Lyft.
“There is going to be a lot of folks traveling to and from the various community celebrations that are going on and family gatherings and lakes and such. So we want everybody to make sure they get there safety and make sure it doesn’t end in a tragedy,” said Haschel.
He also stated that more than 98,000 tickets and warnings were given out by state troopers last Independence Day.
“There will be increased law enforcement across the state. Officers are going to be looking for folks that have been drinking and driving, erratic driving, speeding, folks that are not buckled up and aggressive drivers,” said Haschel.
The increased number of troops and patrols will last from July 3rd to July 4th and the amount will return to normal after the Independence day holiday. Haschel said folks should drive defensively and that holiday travel may present additional challenges. The DPS also advises people to eliminate distractions while driving and to allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
For more tips go to www.dps.texas.gov and for road conditions/closings in Texas visit drivetexas.org.
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