SAN ANGELO, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety is encouraging driver to practice safe driving habits and exercise caution during the holiday weekend.
According to a DPS press release, the Texas Highway Patrol will increase patrols and traffic enforcement from Friday, Sept. 4 through Monday, Sept. 7.
Troopers will be monitoring roadways for individuals who do not follow the Move Over, Slow Down law as well as for anyone who violates traffic laws such as driving while intoxicated, speeding or failure to wear a seat belt.
Drivers on the roadways throughout the Labor Day weekend are encouraged to follow the safety tips:
- Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if consuming alcohol.
- Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, TXDoT vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Drivers are asked to show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
- Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
- Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges
- Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
- On multi-lane roadways, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
- If you can Steer It, Clear It: If involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if the vehicle is not moved when it’s safe to do so, it is violating the law.
- Check the vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure cargo is secure.
- Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
- Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.
Texas Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies will be increasing enforcement efforts as part of the Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE).
