The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will be increasing their patrol efforts on roads to ensure motorists drive responsibly during the Labor Day weekend.
Through Sept. 1, Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) is a specialized campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol Troopers patrol for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not complying with Texas’Move Over, Slow Down law or violating other laws.
The goal is to reduce the number of traffic crashes and deaths on Texas roads.
The effort ties into DPS’ recently launched 90 Days of Safety campaign, which marks the department’s 90th Anniversary. The three-month safety initiative focuses on how Texans can work alongside law enforcement to do their part to keep communities, roads and families safe.
“Each year, too many lives are lost on Texas roads because of people’s poor decisions,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “The decision to drink and drive, the decision not to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped and working along the side of the road, the decision to drive way too fast. We all make decisions that can make our communities safer – and that’s why enforcement efforts like this one – and really this entire 90 Days of Safety campaign – are so important, to help remind people to make safer decisions when they are driving, so we all make it home safely.”
During last year’s Labor Day enforcement campaign, Troopers issued more than 53,612 citations and warnings, including 4,599 for speeding, 1,404 for no insurance, and more than 248 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints. DPS also arrested 199 people on DWI charges and 187 people for other felony charges. DPS offers the following safety tips: Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road.
So far in 2025, there have been more than 2,194 Move Over, Slow Down violations. Buckle up everyone in the vehicle, it's the law. Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
Don’t cut in front of large trucks and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas DPS would also like to remind Texans about the iWatchTexas program, a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community to help prevent dangerous attacks.
It’s especially important to be vigilant as people gather for parades, festivals and other community events.
Additionally, DPS reminds the public to be vigilant and remain on the lookout for any signs of possible human trafficking. With an increase in people on the road and in airports, there is an increased opportunity for the community to spot potential human trafficking activities and report them to law enforcement.
Be observant of others around you and take note of the following indicators of human trafficking: A person appears to be under the control of another person either physically (someone else controls the person’s possessions i.e., ID, money, phone) or psychologically (little to no eye contact, unable to speak for themselves or unable to make simple decisions without approval).
A person has little to no awareness of their surroundings including where they are or where they are headed.
A person has untreated illness or infection, visible injuries, appears malnourished or sleep deprived.
A person’s clothing is inappropriate for the weather or environment or is dressed in a manner that does not appear age appropriate or makes them appear older.
A person is being transported to and from work by their employer.
A person lives where they work or works excessively long or unusual hours.
A person’s workplace has security measures that are unusual or excessive for the type of business (i.e., boarded or opaque windows, excessive security cameras).
The presence of an indicator does not confirm an occurrence of human trafficking; however, the combination and context of indicators may indicate human trafficking pending law enforcement investigation and you are encouraged to report it.