Concho Valley Drivers, Be on the Lookout for Enhanced DPS Patrols for the Labor Day Enforcement Period

Drivers in the Concho Valley and across Texas will notice more Department of Public Safety DWI Patrol units on the road from Aug. 21 to Sept. 15, which includes the Labor Day holiday weekend. DPS troopers will focus DWI Patrols in high-risk locations at times when alcohol-related crashes are more common.

“Impaired drivers who take to the roadways put other travelers in harm’s way, and these increased patrols during the Labor day holiday are designed to save lives by getting these dangerous drivers off the road,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “The department urges all drivers to do their part to keep our road and highways safe by obeying traffic laws and not drinking and driving.”

DPS officials said the increased patrols that target impaired driving are funded through a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

To ensure drivers stay safe, DPS has provided the following tips for the Labor Day Holiday.

• Designate a driver or take a cab instead of drinking and driving.
• Eliminate distractions, including talking or texting on a mobile device.
• Wear a seatbelt, and make sure everyone in the vehicle has buckled up as well.
• Slow down in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
• Slow down or move over for police, fire and EMS vehicles, tow trucks and TxDOT vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.
• Don’t drive fatigued.
• Drive defensively; holiday travel may present additional challenges.
• Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.