Texas Highway Patrol troopers will increase patrols and crack down on drunk drivers during a special enforcement effort over Spring Break.

The increased patrols will be in effect across the state from March 10 to March 18 in high-risk locations during the times when alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. The patrols are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation targeting impaired driving.

“College and high school students should remember that the drinking age in Texas is 21, and any driver under that age with any detectable amount of alcohol in their system can be charged with breaking the law,” said Assistant Director Luis Gonzalez, chief of the Highway Patrol. “Getting impaired drivers off the road during Spring Break will make the roads safer and protect lives.”

Last year during the Spring Break enforcement period, DPS made 1,266 DWI arrests, including 380 which were made by troopers who were patrolling as a result of additional funding.

DPS offers these additional tips for safe travel during Spring Break:

• Don’t drink and drive.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle—it’s the law.
• Don’t text and drive, and keep all distractions to a minimum. Focus your attention on the road.
• Slow down—especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
• Don’t drive drowsy; pull over or switch drivers if you need to.
• Avoid travel into Mexico. Drug cartel violence and other criminal activity represent a significant safety threat, even in some resort areas.