BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) – The Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging residents to travel with caution this 4th of July weekend as it plans to have greater enforcement on the road.
Travel experts predict a record-breaking travel season, including nearly six million Texans, the majority of whom will be taking to the roads.
As a result, DPS partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDoT) on an initiative to remind drivers of the dangers of holiday travel.
“The Faces of Drunk Driving ” is the campaign, and so there will be a very heavy increase in law enforcement out there. They’ll be looking for drunk drivers, anything that is out of the ordinary,“ TXDoT spokesman Bob Colwell described.
Colwell anticipates stormy weather and heavy traffic over the weekend and cautions drivers passing through construction zones. It’s common-sense tips, he said, that save lives.
“One, buckle up. Two, pay attention to your surroundings, drive to your surroundings, and don’t drink and drive,” he added.
During the 2024 4th of July weekend, DPS troopers issued nearly 60,000 citations and arrested 212 people for driving under the influence.
College Station Police urged residents to avoid getting behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking.
“Uber or Lyft, or whatever ride share program, or just stay at the place that you’re at. Like, if you’re at somebody’s house, maybe just crash there. But just don’t even risk it. It’s not worth it,” Officer David Simmons explained.
Colwell stressed that safety is their top priority this holiday weekend.
“We want you to have fun, but use common sense,” he said.
DPS’s Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) initiative runs from July 3-6. Operation CARE specifically focuses on enforcement efforts dealing with speeding, traffic violations, drunk driving, and violating other roadway laws.
