The Spring Break holiday can prove to be a busy time for community members and local law enforcement agencies are encouraging safe practices ahead of the holiday break.
Roadways are expected to be busier with students, young adults and families trying to get to their destinations. Additionally, the Levelland Police Department is encouraging safe driving practices for individuals who will be cruising local roadways throughout the break.
Drivers are encouraged to not to rush to their destinations regardless of how far or how short drivers are traveling. More traffic from drivers on College Avenue has been expected and the LPD wants drivers who are on the roadways to be mindful of their surroundings.
For travelers who are leaving their homes for a prolonged period of time, the LPD encourages homeowners to call the department as they are able to put addresses on a home watch list.
While officers are unable to monitor all homes the entire day, this would allow officers to keep an eye on the residence when in the area.
Additionally, if a home is unattended for a period of time, the department encourages individuals to wait to post pictures and videos to social media until the individuals have returned home.
The department advised that posting to social media during trips is one of the ways burglars can find easy targets and take advantage of an empty residence.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has continued to remind everyone of some simple tips to help keep all Texans safe this spring break. Safety tips offered include: Don’t drink and drive. If anyone plans to have alcohol outside of their home, have a designated driver or take alternate transportation.
Move over or slow down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated.
If a driver can steer it, clear it. If anyone is involved in a noninjury crash and the vehicle can be moved, clear the lanes of traffic. On some highways, if anyone doesn’t move the vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
Buckle up everyone in the vehicle, it’s the law.
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.
When using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so the driver can keep eyes on the road.
Don’t drive fatigued, allow plenty of time to reach the destination.
Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in a phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of roadside assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
Monitor weather and road conditions wherever anyone is traveling. For road conditions and closures, visit Drive Texas. Additionally, DPS reminds everyone to be watchful of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity through iWatchTexas.
The iWatchTexas program is a resource for reporting suspicious activity in communities in order to help prevent dangerous attacks. Everyone is urged to download the free iOS or Android mobile app. Tips can be reported via the website, the mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can view the how to video on the website.
As young adults and families continue to travel and spend time in different areas, DPS asks travelers to be on the lookout for possible human trafficking.
An increase in people on the road and at airports means there is an increased opportunity for the community to spot potential human trafficking activities and report it to law enforcement.
If traveling, being observant of others around and note taking of the following indicators of human trafficking is encouraged: The person appears to be under 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.
The person has little to no awareness of their surroundings including where they are or where they are headed.
The person has untreated illness or infection, visible injuries, appears malnourished or sleep deprived.
The person’s clothing is inappropriate for the weather or environment. The person is dressed in a manner that does not appear age appropriate or makes them appear older.
The person is being transported to and from work by their employer.
The person lives where they work or works excessively long or unusual hours.
The person’s workplace has security measures that are unusual or excessive for the type of business, 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 individuals are encouraged to report it.
Parents of minors are encouraged to be mindful of their children and curfew times.
Individuals that are 16- yearsold or less of age will be breaking curfew hours within the city between the hours of 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. Monday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday curfew hours are between 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.