DPS and Texas Game Wardens are reminding Texans to stay alert and prepared as Memorial Day weekend travel ramps up statewide.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — As Memorial Day weekend approaches, Texas officials are urging travelers to take extra precautions before heading out on the roads or onto the water.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding drivers to buckle up, avoid distractions and never drive impaired as holiday traffic is expected to increase statewide.

Officials said preparation begins before drivers even leave home.

“Last year during the Memorial Day enforcement there was 500 crashes, five were fatalities,” said Sgt. Rob Mallory with DPS. “The goal is to get everyone back safely Tuesday, back to work and for the Class of ’26, the next chapter of your life.”

Meanwhile, Texas Game Wardens say Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest boating weekends of the year.

Wardens are encouraging families to inspect life jackets, review boating safety equipment and closely supervise children around the water.

“Boating accidents can happen to anyone…the first-time boater or the licensed Coast Guard operator,” said Game Warden Kyle Hendley. “It can happen to anyone.”

Officials say a little preparation can go a long way in preventing tragedies over the holiday weekend. Travelers are also encouraged to monitor weather conditions before heading out.

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