Once again, troopers from the Texas Department of Public safety will be out in force this July 4th weekend looking for drunk drivers, speeders and seat belt violators.
The DPS will be conducting two special emphasis programs to ensure public safety. The programs are Operation Holiday and Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort, or CARE for short.
Operation Holiday involves the assignment of other uniformed personnel from such areas as the driver’s license division to supplement highway patrol traffic enforcement. Operation Holiday begins today and runs through Sunday, July 5.
Operation CARE is a nationwide campaign by state police agencies to reduce fatalities during holiday periods. Operation CARE also begins today and runs through Sunday.
Senior Trooper Gary Pflughaupt said highway safety begins with not drinking and driving and using good judgment.
“The summer months are generally when we see the most alcohol-related fatalities in Texas,” Pflughaupt said. “A number of crashes can be avoided by using common sense and practicing safe driving.”
The DPS is recommending the following tips to help motorists avoid becoming a holiday statistic:
- Do not drink and drive. Instead, use a designated driver.
- Have everyone in the vehicle properly secured, either with a safety belt or in an appropriate car seat or booster. Remember, “Click it or ticket.”
- For long trips, have the vehicle checked to make sure it is roadworthy.
- Slow down, especially if weather and road conditions do not allow for the designated speed limit.
- Save phone calls for home or find a safe place to pull over to place or answer cell phone calls.
- Be polite and courteous while driving.
By: FortBendNow Staff on Fri, Jul 3, 2009
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