Texas DPS Beginning Labor Day Patrols This Week

"Impaired drivers who take to the roadways put other travelers in harm's way, and these increased patrols during the Labor Day holiday are designed to save lives by getting these dangerous drivers off the road," DPS Director Steven McCraw said.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is increasing its DWI patrols starting Aug. 21 and continuing them until Sept. 7, a period that includes the Labor Day holiday weekend. During this period, DPS troopers will focus DWI patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent, according to the Austin-based agency's Aug. 19 announcement.

"Impaired drivers who take to the roadways put other travelers in harm's way, and these increased patrols during the Labor Day holiday are designed to save lives by getting these dangerous drivers off the road," DPS Director Steven McCraw said. "The department urges all drivers to do their part to keep our road and highways safe by obeying traffic laws and not drinking and driving."

The increased patrols are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation.

The department also offered tips for safe travel during the Labor Day holiday:

  • Don't drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab.
  • Eliminate distractions, including the use of mobile devices.
  • Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it's the law.
  • Slow down, especially in bad weather, construction areas, and heavy traffic.
  • Slow down or move over for police, fire, and EMS vehicles, as well as tow trucks and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it's the law.
  • Don't drive fatigued.
  • Drive defensively because holiday travel may present additional challenges.
  • Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.

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