Texas DPS Increases Patrols Ahead of 4th of July Holiday Weekend

This is a warning to all Texas drivers. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced they are stepping up their efforts and increasing their presence during the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

As fun as it is to spend time with family and friends while celebrating Uncle Sam, it's also crucial that you remain safe on roads and highways.

Texas DPS Safety Campaign

One way that DPS is pushing road safety is through Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). This is code for increased police presence, so always keep an eye out and play it safe by obeying the speed limit.

Other driver safety tips from DPS include the following:

• Make plans to have a designated driver if you plan on drinking
• Always move over or slow down when emergency vehicles are flashing lights on the road
• Wear a seat belt and stay within the speed limit, especially in heavy traffic or severe weather
• Stay off your phone and refrain from cutting in front of larger trucks without warning
• Check both your vehicle and the local weather before heading out to make sure you are prepared

Fourth of July Arrests and Stats

DPS also provided the stats from July 4, 2024. Troopers issued more than 59,521 citations and warnings. Over 5,000 were for speeding. Also, DPS troopers arrested 212 people for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and 250 others for felony charges.

Lastly, we all want to have fun, but when you mix alcohol, children, and fireworks, it doesn't always end well. That's why DPS also offered some helpful tips to stay safe this holiday weekend.

They include never lighting fireworks indoors, always keeping a water bucket or a hose nearby, never letting young children handle fireworks, and disposing used fireworks by dousing in water before tossing them.

Holidays are always a great time for family, friends, and loved ones to come together and share what truly matters. Nobody wants to spend holidays in the hospital, unless you do, which is kinda weird. But hey, it's the holidays, not judgment here.