More Texas troopers on patrol during eight-day holiday period

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More Texas troopers will be on patrol during the upcoming holiday season to crack down on drunken drivers and other traffic violations.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced the stepped-up patrol effort for Thursday through Sunday and again Dec. 31 through Jan. 3.
DPS troopers made 403 DWI arrests during last year’s holiday patrols. That effort also resulted in 7,274 speeding citations, 724 seat belt/child safety seat citations, 292 fugitive arrests and 166 felony arrests.
“Drinking and driving is always a concern during the holidays, and these DPS patrols help by identifying impaired or reckless drivers who endanger the safety of the traveling public,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “We urge Texans to do their part to save lives by always driving sober and adhering to all traffic laws.”
DPS officials offered the following safety tips:
• Don’t drink and drive. Designate a driver or take a cab.
• Slow down, especially in bad weather, construction areas and heavy traffic.
• 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.
• Don’t drive fatigued.