The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans to drive responsibly and to take extra precautions as they make travel plans during Spring Break.

“Each year during the weeks of Spring Break – with children out of school and families taking vacation – there’s a good chance that traffic will increase on our roadways,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS is encouraging drivers to help keep the roads safe for all travelers by adhering to safe driving practices and always driving sober.”

DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the Spring Break holiday:

• Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic and unfamiliar areas.
• Eliminate distractions while driving, including the usage of mobile devices.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
• Don’t drive fatigued, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.
• Slow down or move over for tow trucks, as well as police, fire, EMS and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law.

DPS troopers and local law enforcement in the coastal areas of Texas will also be keeping our roads safe by enhancing enforcement efforts during Spring Break, looking for speeders, drunk drivers and seat-beat violators.

U.S. citizens traveling abroad should always check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest security information related to their travel destination. Those traveling out of the country can also register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program by visiting http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html.