AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety will increase traffic enforcement statewide during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays as part of an effort to reduce crashes and promote safe travel.
According to a release, Texas Highway Patrol troopers will conduct heightened enforcement from Friday, Dec. 19, through Thursday, Jan. 1, focusing on violations including failure to wear seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding, distracted driving and failure to comply with the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law.
“Our message is clear — if you choose to drive impaired, distracted or in any other reckless manner, you will be held accountable,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said in a statement. “Our troopers will be out on the roads to ensure everyone is driving responsibly and following the law. Our goal is simple — to keep every Texan safe so they can enjoy the season with their loved ones.”
The enforcement effort coincides with Operation CARE, a nationwide holiday traffic safety initiative focused on crash awareness and reduction. During the 2024 holiday enforcement period, DPS issued 115,314 warnings and citations statewide.
That total included 9,183 speeding violations, 3,382 citations for driving without insurance, and 485 seat belt and child safety seat violations, according to DPS.
Last year’s holiday enforcement also resulted in 398 felony arrests, 350 driving while intoxicated arrests and 169 fugitive arrests.
As part of its 90th anniversary celebration, DPS earlier this year launched its Keeping Texas Safe coloring and activity book, featuring K-9 Disco, to help teach children and families about safety.
DPS officials said the program has already reached thousands of children and guardians.
For the holiday season, DPS has released a special holiday-themed coloring sheet featuring K-9 Disco and additional safety reminders.
The coloring sheet, along with other materials, is available on the DPS website.
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