Texas DPS Increasing Patrols During Spring Break

The Texas Department of Public Safety's Texas Highway Patrol announced a traffic enforcement initiative over the Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day holidays.

DPS announced the initiative in a social media post on Thursday morning. It will run statewide from March 9-17.

The post and corresponding blog reads, "If you'll be out on the roads, plan ahead, drive sober, buckle up, and slow down. Let's make it a safe Spring Break for everyone."

"These are heavy traffic times as people get out to celebrate, but safety must always come first," said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. "Our troopers will be highly visible across the state, focused on preventing impaired driving, speeding, and other dangerous behaviors that put lives at risk. We want everyone to enjoy their time with friends and family—and make it home safely."

The initiative is part of the International Association of Chiefs of Police Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). It's a North American traffic enforcement effort that aims to boost officer presence on interstates and highways across the U.S. and Canada during specific high-crash periods.

Last year, DPS issued 93,232 citations and warnings during its Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day enforcement efforts. That figure included over 6,425 speeding violations, 516 seat belt and child seat violations, 2,483 driving without insurance violations, and 552 felony and fugitive arrests.

"DPS reminds drivers to always drive sober, obey posted speed limits, buckle up and eliminate distractions behind the wheel," the post reads. "Texans are encouraged to plan ahead, designate a sober driver and make responsible choices to help ensure a safe spring break and holiday for all."