Texas DPS increases enforcement for Labor Day

EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing enforcement efforts for Labor Day weekend.

Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), which runs from Aug. 29-Sept. 1, is a campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol Troopers look for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not complying with Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law, or violating other laws, according to a news release by DPS.

The goal is to reduce the number of traffic crashes and deaths on Texas roads.

The effort ties into DPS’ recently launched 90 Days of Safety campaign, which marks the department’s 90th anniversary.

The three-month safety initiative focuses on how Texans can work alongside law enforcement to do their part to keep communities, roads, and families safe, according to the news release.

“Each year, too many lives are lost on Texas roads because of people’s poor decisions,” Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said. “The decision to drink and drive, the decision not to move over or slow down for emergency vehicles stopped and working along the side of the road, the decision to drive way too fast. We all make decisions that can make our communities safer – and that’s why enforcement efforts like this one – and really this entire 90 Days of Safety campaign – are so important, to help remind people to make safer decisions when they are driving, so we all make it home safely.”

DPS encourages the public to follow the following safety tips:

• 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 2025, there have been more than 9,617 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, but Texas law also 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.

During last year’s Labor Day enforcement campaign, troopers issued over 53,612 citations and warnings, including 4,599 for speeding, 1,404 for no insurance, and more than 248 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints, according to DPS.

DPS also arrested 199 people on DWI charges and 187 people for other felony charges.

DPS is also reminding Texans about the iWatchTexas program, which is a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community 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 this how-to video.

iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.