DPS increases safety enforcement for July Fourth Holiday

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety is stepping up its enforcement over the Fourth of July holiday.

“Please be mindful of our state’s traffic laws, be courteous of other drivers on the roads and make safety your first priority so everyone can have a good holiday,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said.

DPS is implementing Operation CARE (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) from July 3 through July 4. The initiative is focused on reducing crashes and violations of the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law.

The law requires all drivers to slow down when police, fire, EMS, TxDOT vehicles and tow trucks are stopped with their lights activated.

DPS offers the following safety tips for drivers during the July 4 holiday:

• Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
• Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, TxDOT vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
• Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
• Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
• Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
• On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
• Don’t cut in front of large trucks, and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
• If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
• Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver’s License.
• Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
• Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
• Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.

Read more:

• Where to celebrate the Fourth of July, watch fireworks in San Antonio and the Hill Country
• Although there’s no burn ban in Bexar County, here’s how to stay careful on Fourth of July
• How to keep your pets safe during July 4th fireworks, activities