The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is significantly increasing trooper patrols this Memorial Day weekend in an effort to keep drivers from endangering themselves and others. DPS will increase patrols Friday, May 25, through Monday, May 28, and troopers will be looking for drunk drivers, speeders, seat belt violators and other traffic violators across the state.

Memorial Day is an important day of remembrance for all who have paid the supreme sacrifice in our nation’s service,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We encourage Texans to honor those fallen heroes this holiday weekend in a safe and responsible way.  Residents and visitors should drive responsibly, and should know that our troopers will arrest those who are drinking and driving and will issue tickets to those disregarding our traffic laws.”

Last year during the Memorial Day weekend, DPS troopers arrested 518 drunk drivers and issued more than 6,000 speeding citations, more than 1,500 seat belt and child safety restraint tickets, and cited 842 drivers for driving without insurance.  Additionally, troopers arrested 280 wanted fugitives and 215 suspects with felony warrants. The increased traffic enforcement also resulted in 20 drug cases and 11 stolen vehicles recovered.

DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the Memorial Day weekend:

·         Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab.

·         Eliminate distractions, and don’t text while driving.

·         Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.

·         Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.

·         Don’t drive fatigued.

·         Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.

·         Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.