DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- The Texas Department of Public Safety is coordinating with several North Texas law enforcement agencies to increase patrols during holiday travel. Lonny Haschel with DPS says the increase will start December 23rd and end January 1st to help reduce traffic fatalities this holiday. “There are a lot more people on the roadways, estimates say it’s going to be a record-breaking holiday season so we want to make sure everyone is getting where they need to spend time with family and friends but to do safely,” Haschel said.
He reminds drivers to check their cars before traveling, don’t drink and drive or drive tired, don’t speed and always wear a seatbelt. “That increase enforcement and increased visibility, the goal is to reduce those injuries and fatalities that we do traditional see over the holidays,” Haschel said.
The increase will also help to assist travelers whose cars may break down or have any other emergency.
DPS offers the following tips to help Texans arrive at their destinations safely for the holiday period:
- Do not drink and drive. Make alternate travel plans if you are consuming alcohol.
- 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 the impact on traffic. On some highways, it is actually a violation of the law to not move your vehicle over when it is safe to do so.
- Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Also, show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the road.
- Slow down — especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic and unfamiliar areas.
- Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits using a portable wireless device to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
- Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- If you see a road hazard or if you observe anything suspicious, report it to the nearest law enforcement agency.
- On multi-lane roadways, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to only use the left lane for passing (when posted).
- Before your trip begins, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and always double check to make sure all cargo is secure.
- Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions/closings in Texas, visit Drive Texas.
