DPS Troopers Urge Safer Holiday Driving

AUSTIN, December 21, 2006 - DPS will have all available troopers on Texas roadways during the Christmas and New Year’s  holidays. They’ll be looking for drivers who are drunk, for speeders and for those who are not wearing safety belts.

“Slow down and live,” said Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr., director of the Texas Dept. of Public Safety.  “Speeding is the number one killer on Texas roadways. Making sure you’re driving the speed  limit—or drastically reducing your speed in bad weather or in crowded road conditions—can mean  the difference between life and death. We want to make sure you get to your destination safely.”

The Christmas enforcement period will run from Friday, Dec. 22 through midnight on Monday,  Dec. 25. (Last year during the Christmas holiday period, Highway Patrol troopers made 581 DWI  arrests. They also issued 13,951 speeding tickets and 2,886 tickets for seatbelt violations—  including 365 citations for child safety seat violations.)

The New Year’s enforcement period will run from Friday, Dec. 29 through midnight on Monday,  Jan. 1. (Last year during the New Year’s holiday period, Highway Patrol troopers made 461 DWI  arrests. They also issued 6,671 speeding tickets and 1,432 tickets for seatbelt violations—including  188 citations for child safety seat violations.)

“Be sure to designate a driver if you’re planning on consuming alcohol. Drinking and then driving  is a bad way to celebrate the holidays. And, as always, you should buckle up,” Col. Davis said. 

Since both holidays fall on weekends, it’s likely there will be more people on Texas roadways.  Texas troopers offer the following helpful hints for a happier driving experience during the holidays  and throughout the year:

Slow down—speed is the number one killer on Texas roads. Bad weather can create conditions  where slowing down can save your life, or the lives of others around you.

Drive sober—designate a driver who hasn’t consumed alcohol. Calling a cab is much cheaper  than paying for the consequences of a DWI charge.

Wear your seatbelt—being properly secured can increase the odds of surviving a serious crash.

Make sure everyone in your vehicle is buckled up. Children should be secured in the appropriate car  seat or booster seat.

Drive courteously—it’s contagious! Turn signals can be your gift to other drivers.

Don’t tailgate.

Plan ahead—there may be construction or other delays on your planned route. Be patient, and  give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely.

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