With Labor Day weekend approaching, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up its presence on highways and city streets to protect families enjoying the holiday. Beginning Friday, September 4 through Wednesday, September 7, DPS troopers will be conducting Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), a focused campaign aimed at reducing traffic crashes caused by speeding, impaired driving and failure to obey the Move‑Over, Slow‑Down law.
What Operation CARE Looks Like on the Ground
Operation CARE will see additional state troopers stationed at high‑traffic interchanges, rest areas and popular vacation routes throughout Texas. The initiative is not a punitive sweep; rather, it is a reminder that safe driving is a shared responsibility. As Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee explained, “If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear. Our troopers are simply looking for drivers who put themselves and others at risk.”
Why the Extra Patrols Matter
Last year’s Labor Day weekend generated more than 63,000 citations and warnings, including 211 DWI arrests. Those numbers illustrate how quickly holiday travel can turn dangerous when drivers ignore basic safety practices. By increasing visibility, DPS hopes to deter reckless behavior before it leads to injury or loss of life.
Tips for a Safe Holiday Road Trip
- Slow down. Reduced speed limits are posted in construction zones and high‑traffic areas.
- Eliminate distractions. Put phones on silent and avoid multitasking behind the wheel.
- Drive sober. Designate a driver or use rideshare services such as Uber or Lyft if you plan to drink.
- Buckle up. Seat‑belt use saves lives and reduces the severity of injuries.
By following these simple steps, Texas families can enjoy a three‑day weekend free of police citations, hospital visits, and emergency calls.
Community Impact
Operation CARE reflects DPS’s commitment to safeguarding the state’s most treasured resource—its people. The campaign aligns with the values of traditional families and individual liberty by promoting personal responsibility on the road while providing the government’s protective presence where it is needed most.
Travelers are encouraged to stay informed of local traffic alerts and to cooperate with troopers they encounter. A safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend is within reach when drivers and law‑enforcement work together.
Original reporting: News/Talk 790 KFYO (Lubbock) — read the source article.
