Austin News

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging motorists in the state to pay attention to safety tips and prepare for increased traffic enforcement during the Memorial Day period. This includes the annual Click It or Ticket and Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) campaigns, which commence today, May 20, and will continue through Memorial Day on May 27.

Click It or Ticket is an initiative that encourages people to wear their seat belts, while Operation CARE is a targeted campaign where Texas Highway Patrol Troopers monitor drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not adhering to Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law or violating other laws.

“Memorial Day weekend is commonly recognized as the unofficial kickoff to summer, and it is important for drivers to remember that our roads will be busier than usual,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said. He added that for personal safety and that of loved ones, DPS requests motorists take extra time when driving, obey traffic laws and be considerate of others when sharing the road.

"By remembering to buckle up, being courteous of others and following the traffic laws designed to keep drivers safe, Memorial Day—and every day—is safer for everyone in Texas,” McCraw said.

During last year's Memorial Day campaign, Troopers issued over 48,480 citations and warnings. These included 17,093 for speeding; 2,518 for no insurance; and more than 1,360 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints. DPS also arrested 150 people on DWI charges, 129 fugitives and 316 people for other felony charges.

DPS encourages drivers to adhere to these safety tips during the Memorial Day weekend and beyond.