The Texas Department of Public Safety announced they would once again have increased patrols over this year's Memorial Day weekend beginning on Friday, May 24, through Monday, May 27, 2013. The increased patrols will focus on drunk drivers, speeders, seat belt violators, and other traffic violators.
“Memorial Day is a time of reverence and remembrance for all those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS encourages Texans to mark the holiday responsibly by adhering to safe driving practices and by not drinking and driving. Troopers will be out in force, and are prepared to issue tickets to drivers disobeying traffic laws in an effort to keep our roadways safe.”
According to a news release, during last year's Memorial Day weekend patrols, “DPS troopers arrested 609 drunk drivers and issued more than 6,000 speeding citations, nearly 1,400 seat belt and child safety restraint tickets, and cited 825 drivers for driving without insurance. Additionally, troopers arrested 264 wanted fugitives and 219 suspects with felony warrants. The increased traffic enforcement also resulted in 10 drug cases and 16 stolen vehicles recovered.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety issued these tips to ensure safe travel:
- Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic and unfamiliar areas.
- Eliminate distractions while driving, including the usage of mobile devices.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it's the law.
- Don't drive fatigued, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.
- Slow down or move over for tow trucks and police, fire and EMS vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it's the law.