The Texas Department of Public Safety is encouraging drivers to be alert and obey all traffic laws while hitting the roads this holiday season.  

DPS will begin its annual increased enforcement procedures for Christmas and New Year’s starting on Wednesday. Patrol will be looking for violators who speed, don’t wear their seat belts, drive while intoxicated or commit other traffic violations.  

Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) runs from Dec. 23 to Jan. 2 and Operation Holiday runs simultaneously from Dec. 24-26.  

The 2020 holiday season saw DPS issue 116,810 citations and warnings. These included 14,499 speeding citations; 1,636 seat belt and child seat violations; 2,625 citations for driving without insurances; and 820 citations and warnings for Move Over, Slow Down violations.  

Last year, law enforcement totaled 1,185 felony arrests, 615 DWI arrest and 355 fugitives arrested.  

Here are some other tips from DPS for safe holiday travels 

• Don’t drink and drive 
• Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and two trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated 

• Buckle up 
• Slow down in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones 
• Eliminate distractions by not using mobile devices 
• Drive defensively 
• Don’t drive fatigued 

• Use the left lane for passing only 
• 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.  
• Check your vehicle to make sure it’s properly maintained and ensure your cargo is secure 
• Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of roadside assistance. The number is also located on the back of your Texas Driver License 
• Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency 

• Monitor weather and road conditions