Texas DPS increasing patrols during holiday season

There will be more Texas Dept. of Public Safety troopers out on the roadways during the next week because of the holiday season.

Texas DPS Director Steven McCraw said the increased patrols began Dec. 23, and they want to remind people to “celebrate the holiday season responsibly by practicing safe driving habits and obeying all traffic laws.”

The goal of the increased patrols, DPS says, is to make the roads in Texas safer. During last year’s holiday enforcement, DPS issued more than 169,000 warnings or citations.

Two periods, now through Dec. 26 and Dec. 31-Jan. 1, will have increased patrols looking for everything from distracted driving to DWI to seat belt violations and more.

Texas DPS says if you happen to get in a non-injury wreck and your vehicle is still drivable, you need to “Steer It and Clear It,” meaning get to the shoulder of the roadway so it is no longer impacting traffic.

The chances are a secondary wreck are much lower if you are able to clear it yourself, and on some highways, not doing so is against the law.

Also, eliminate distractions while driving, DPS says. It is against the law to “use a portable wireless device to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.”

Be safe! Happy Holidays!