Roadways expected to be busy for 4th of July weekend, DPS increasing enforcement efforts

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - July 4th is over but the holiday weekend is expected to be busy with travel as plenty of people are on the roads.

Doug Shupe, AAA spokesperson, said they’re expecting 5.6 million people traveling for the Independence Day holiday in Texas, 4.8 million traveling via automobile.

Shupe said they expect the roads on Sunday, July 7 to be packed as most people are headed back home after the weekend.

“We do know there will be a lot of traffic on the roadway on Sunday, particularly between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. The best bet is to leave as early in the day as you possibly can to avoid the afternoon traffic,” said Shupe. “One thing to keep in mind is the tropical system that is moving into the gulf, making its way possibly toward the Texas coastline, and so for those who are extending their holiday weekend and planning their return Monday or Tuesday, be very mindful of the weather condition.”

AAA is anticipating coming to the aid of 41,000 stranded drivers in Texas from June 29 through July 7.

“AAA is anticipating coming to the roadside rescue of nearly 800,000 stranded drivers nationwide, 41,000 of those roadside rescues will take place right here in Texas,” said Shupe.

With more people on the road, DPS is stepping up enforcement efforts for the holiday to keep everyone safe using the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), which runs July 3-7.

“DPS is amping up their traffic safety this weekend. It started on the third and it’s going to go through July 7. What operation CARE is, is Crash Awareness Reduction Effort. So basically we are making sure everyone is following the speed limits, following the traffic safety laws throughout their travels,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Justin Ruiz.

Ruiz said the majority of tickets they give out over holiday weekends are for speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, not having insurance, and driving while intoxicated.

Something simple like following state traffic laws can make sure everyone stays safe for the holiday.

“We want you to have fun this weekend. We want to make sure we are having fun as well, we want to be able to get home to our families, enjoy our time with them, and enjoy our Fourth of July festivities whether that be yesterday, today, or this weekend,” said Ruiz.

Ruiz said while they don’t bring in extra officers to monitor roads, DPS troopers work extra days.

“We’ll have troopers on duty like normal, as normal. The only thing different when Operation CARE comes around is typically the troopers won’t have a day off within that, they’ll work throughout the weekend and then get their days off either earlier or later after the Operation CARE,” said Ruiz.

There are key safety measures you can implement including planning ahead, preparing your vehicle and yourself if you’re traveling for long road trips, following state traffic rules, and if you see something, report it to the non-emergency county number.

“Plan accordingly, leave on time, leave early, because you may end up in a traffic situation. That is the biggest thing is plan ahead so you can make sure you are getting to your destination safely and on time, so you can make sure everyone else stays safe as well,” said Ruiz.

Here are some tips AAA gave one can follow when driving:

• Follow all rules set in place by local authorities.
• Prepare your vehicle including checking tire tread and inflation, coolant levels, windshield wiper blades, headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
• Be aware of weather conditions.
• Prepare yourself by getting at least 7 hours of sleep the night before a trip, obey the speed limit, don’t drive intoxicated, and don’t drive while texting or calling.

According to DPS press release, here are driving safety tips when traveling this 4th weekend:

• Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
• 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 2024, there have been more than 4,510 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver’s License.
• 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.

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