Texas Department of Public Safety Steps Up Enforcement Efforts

Posted on Jan 16, 2013

The Texas Department of Public Safety periodically increases its Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) patrols. Usually, these stepped-up efforts revolve around holidays known for parties and increased alcohol or drug consumption. For example, DWI patrols may be increased around the Fourth of July and Labor Day holiday periods. These enhanced patrols are funded through grants given by the Texas Department of Transportation. Troopers focus their DWI patrols in high-risk locations where frequently occurring alcohol-related crashes occur.

The Texas Department of Public Safety recently increased its patrols during the period from December 21 to January 1. During the Christmas Day/New Year’s Eve holiday enforcement effort in 2011, troopers arrested more than 1,100 people for DWI. Approximately 350 of those arrests were the direct result of the increased patrols. Officers also used the increased enforcement efforts to spot other violations. The enforcement in 2011 netted more than 15,000 speeding citations, almost 2,000 seat belt or child safety seat citations, and nearly 18,000 other citations. Troopers also made more than 1,000 fugitive arrests and nearly 625 felony arrests during that same time period.

The Texas Department of Public Safety offers these tips for safer travel:

Never use a mobile device while driving.
Buckle your safety belt every time you ride in a vehicle.
Be sure your vehicle is properly maintained before every road trip.
Drive defensively—slow down in bad weather, unfamiliar places, and construction zones.

The Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw asks that drivers plan ahead and that they designate a non-drinking driver or find alternative transportation arrangements. For more information about Texas alcohol and drug laws, contact the Houston defense lawyers of Topek & Topek, Attorneys at Law. You may reach our criminal defense lawyers by calling us at (888) 661-5030, or by filling out the secure online contact form.