DPS launches enhanced traffic enforcement for holidays

Exclusive to Mount Pleasant for Real

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging drivers to help make the holidays safer by driving sober and using extra caution.

In an effort to protect travelers on roadways, DPS Troopers will conduct traffic patrols throughout the holiday weekends of Dec. 23 – 26 and Dec. 31 – Jan. 1, looking for drunk drivers, speeders, seat belt violators and other dangerous drivers.

“Impaired driving or reckless behavior on the road can turn holiday celebrations into tragedies, and these DPS patrols are designed to help save lives by identifying drivers who disregard the law and endanger others,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “By always driving sober, obeying traffic laws, and slowing down or moving over a lane when vehicles are stopped on the side of the road, Texans can help make our roads safer for everyone.”

 During the eight-day Christmas/New Year holiday enforcement effort last year, DPS troopers made 466 DWI arrests. DPS enforcement efforts also resulted in 9,174 speeding citations, 893 seat belt/child safety seat citations, 320 fugitive arrests and 286 felony arrests during the enforcement period.

When asked by Mount Pleasant for Real about holiday-related traffic enforcement, Chief Wayne Isbell said “We are not solely focused on the season. We evaluate calls for service and compare trends. Enhanced patrols or other measures are then implemented. Driving while impaired, distracted  driving, excessive speed, and crash reductions are concerns we work on daily with our traffic program.”

 The DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the holidays:

• Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab.

• Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.

• Eliminate distractions, including the use of mobile devices.

• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.

• Slow down or move over for police, fire, EMS and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law. Also, show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the road.

• Don’t drive fatigued.

• Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.

• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and check the weather forecast before your trip begins.

When asked his reaction because this will be the first Christmas and New Year’s since the implementation of retail beer and wine sales in Mount Pleasant, Isbell said “The Mount Pleasant Police Department enhanced our traffic program several months ago… it is not due to the new alcohol sales ordinance.”