TEXAS – Packed roads are expected across the state of Texas this weekend as travelers hit the highways for an extra large Independence Day: celebrating America 250.
AAA Texas forecasts nearly 5 million Texans will travel by car more than 50 miles over the three-day weekend.
“Friday afternoon and evening will be one of the busiest times on the roadway,” said Doug Shupe, spokesman for AAA Texas. “We’re all trying to get to our friends and our family to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.”
Additionally, analysts at Gas Buddy report that gas prices have come down across the country from recent highs last month, which will help make those trips more affordable.
All those factors combined, though, has law enforcement across the state on high alert for problems and potential dangers on those roadways.
Leaders at the Texas Department of Public Safety say their troopers will conduct a special enforcement for the long weekend called Operation CARE, where they will be on elevated alert for drivers speeding, driving while intoxicated and not complying with the state’s Move Over Slow Down law for emergency vehicles on the side of the road.
During last year’s Fourth of July enforcement, the agency reported they issued 64,241 tickets and warnings, including 5,042 for speeding and 1,632 for no insurance. Additionally, they reported troopers arrested 277 people for DWIs and another 281 on other felony charges.
DPS leaders encourage drivers to slow down, buckle up, eliminate distractions, drive defensively and not drink and drive. Shupe echoed that warning.
“We want this holiday to be remembered for the fireworks, the fun, the cookouts,” he said. “Not remembered for an incident on the roadway.”