Local law enforcement to increase patrols during holiday

The Snyder Police Department, Scurry County Sheriff’s Department and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be patrolling streets and highways during the holidays.
Law enforcement will be looking for drunk drivers, speeders, seat belt violators and other drivers who are endangering themselves and others.
“Drinking and driving is always a concern during the holidays, and these patrols help identify impaired or reckless drivers who endanger the safety of the traveling public,” Snyder Police Chief Terry Luecke said. “We urge residents to do their part to save lives by always driving sober and adhering to all traffic laws.”
Law enforcement will have extra patrols Friday through Monday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1.
“Impaired driving or reckless behavior on the road can turn holiday celebrations into tragedies, and these DPS patrols are designed to help save lives by identifying drivers who disregard the law and endanger others,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “By always driving sober, obeying traffic laws, and slowing down or moving over a lane when vehicles are stopped on the side of the road, Texans can help make our roads safer for everyone.”
During the eight-day Christmas/New Year holiday enforcement effort last year, DPS troopers made 466 DWI arrests. DPS enforcement efforts also resulted in 9,174 speeding citations, 893 seat belt/child safety seat citations, 320 fugitive arrests and 286 felony arrests during the enforcement period.
County law enforcement officials offered these tips for safe travel during the holidays:
• Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver or call a friend.
• Slow down, especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
• Eliminate distractions, including the use of mobile devices.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle.
• Slow down or move over for police, fire, EMS and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Also, show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the road.
• Don’t drive fatigued.
• Drive defensively because holiday travel may present additional challenges.
• Make sure the vehicle is properly maintained and check the weather forecast before beginning a trip.