ABILENE, Texas — With Labor Day weekend expected to bring heavier traffic to Texas roads, the Texas Department of Public Safety is increasing enforcement efforts and urging drivers to make safety a priority before the holiday travel rush begins.
“People are trying to get the last squeeze out of summer,” Texas DPS Sgt. Marc Couch said. “We just want to remind people about their driving. There is going to be a lot of traffic out there.”
Safe holiday travel ultimately begins with drivers making responsible decisions behind the wheel (SBG).
DPS will focus on several of the behaviors that routinely endanger motorists, Couch explained, including driving while intoxicated, speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to wear a seat belt, and road rage.
“Designate a driver or use a rideshare or taxi before any party plans are made. We’ll also be watching for unsafe lane changes,” he said. “Speeding is one of our biggest contributing factors to most crashes. A seatbelt doesn’t change your driving habits, but it certainly helps improve the aftermath if you get involved in a crash. It must be worn properly over the hips and shoulders. Make sure you’re not involved in road rage incidents. We just want to emphasize those things.”
The Texas Department of Public Safety will focus on several of the behaviors that routinely endanger motorists (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
The enforcement push also raises questions about what happens if the effort does not have the intended effect on dangerous driving. KTXS asked, “What will the Texas Department of Public Safety do differently if this Labor Day effort falls short?”
Couch maintained that the department’s response would be continued enforcement, coupled with public cooperation in identifying dangerous situations.
“We’re going to continue to do what we do each day and enforce the law by making sure that we’re trying to improve the driving behaviors of people,” he said. “We’re only one part of the equation. We can’t be everywhere at the same time, which is also why we rely on the public to help us report bad situations that are happening currently. If you see something that’s going on, like a really bad emergency situation, that’s when you’re going to call 911.”
Labor Day weekend is expected to bring heavier traffic to Texas roads (KTXS/Briannagh Dennehy).
Abilene resident Martel Beaver emphasized that safe holiday travel ultimately begins with drivers making responsible decisions behind the wheel.
“Just drive safely and go the speed limit. Stay in control of yourself and your mind. Drinking is also prohibited while driving,” he said. “Just stay out of everyone’s way and drive safely.”