Expect More Police on Texas Roads as DPS Ramps Up Holiday Patrols

Attention all Texas Drivers! The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that it will be increasing its presence on roadways through the Labor Day weekend.

Increased Police Presence on Texas Roads

As a part of Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, or CARE, Texas DPS is ramping up surveillance on roads and highways to catch drivers who are speeding, impaired, or who are breaking other road laws within the Lone Star State.

This effort is tied to DPS' 90 Days of Safety campaign, marking the department's 90th anniversary, where their goal is to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities on Texas roads.

There will be an increased police presence on Texas roads and highways starting August 29 through September 1 (Labor Day).

Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee had this to say about the increased safety precautions:

Each year, too many lives are lost on Texas roads because of people's poor decisions. The decision to drink and drive, the decision not to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped and working along the side of the road . . . That's why efforts like this one are so important.

2024 Labor Day Accidents and Tickets

Texas DPS also included accident stats from Labor Day 2024. They included that more than 53,612 citations and warnings were issued during that three-day weekend. Of those citations, 4,599 were for speeding, 1,404 were for driving without insurance, and 248 were for driving without seat belts or child car seats.

199 people were also arrested last year on DWI charges, while 187 were arrested for other felony charges.

How to Report Bad Drivers

If you are driving this Labor Day weekend and see someone who is clearly impaired or not following the rules of the road, you can always report the individual through the free iWatchTexas app, or by calling 844-643-2251.