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DPS increases enforcement over the upcoming holiday weekend

According to the Department of Public Safety in 2019, there were over 59,000 citations and warnings issued this weekend.

ABILENE, Texas — According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, they plan to increase enforcement during the holiday weekend.

"With Thanksgiving right around the corner, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is encouraging drivers to make safety a top priority this holiday, as increased travel can present additional challenges for drivers."

The increased enforcement is part of the nationwide C.A.R.E initiative, or Crash Awareness and Reduction effort.

According to Sgt. Frederick Biddle, "DPS Troopers will be increasing patrols beginning Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 29. DPS Troopers will be looking for drivers who violate the law, including those who are speeding, driving while intoxicated, failing to wear a seat belt, driving without insurance, and not complying with the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, among other traffic violations."

DPS reports that in 2019, there were 59,146 warnings and citations issued, 6,460 for speeding, 716 for seat belt and child seat violations, and 304 DWI arrests.

According to Sgt. Biddle, DPS will also participate in the annual Click it or Ticket campaign which runs through Nov. 29 which enforces the use of seatbelts for drivers and passengers.

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