The Texas Department of Public Safety is ramping up patrols on state roads for the Labor Day holiday weekend.
More troopers will be deployed from September 4-7 under Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), a campaign targeting speeding, intoxicated driving, Move Over Slow Down violations, and other traffic offenses.
Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said, “As Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, we know many Texans will be hitting the road to celebrate with family and friends. While our Troopers will be out across the state working to keep our roads safe, we want to remind drivers to do their part on the road – slow down, eliminate distractions, drive sober, and buckle up. By making responsible choices, we can all close out the summer season safely.”
During the 2025 Labor Day campaign, troopers issued more than 63,015 citations and warnings. These included 5,233 for speeding, 1,594 for lack of insurance, and more than 346 for missing seat belts or child restraints. Officers also made 211 DWI arrests and 250 felony arrests.
So far in 2026, troopers recorded more than 13,215 Move Over Slow Down violations.
Drivers are urged to avoid alcohol before getting behind the wheel, yield or slow for stopped emergency and utility vehicles, wear seat belts, reduce speed in poor conditions or work zones, ignore mobile devices, and stay in the right lane except when passing.
Additional advice includes steering clear of large trucks, clearing non-injury crashes from travel lanes when possible, securing cargo, and checking vehicle condition before trips. Road conditions can be checked at Drive Texas.
The public is also encouraged to use the iWatchTexas program to report suspicious activity ahead of community events by visiting the website, using the mobile app, or calling 844-643-2251. All tips are confidential, and the service is not for emergencies, which should be reported to 9-1-1.
Provided by Dallas Express
