Millions of students across the country are anticipating Spring Break. Many of those students will be hitting the road over the next few weeks for vacation.
With heavier traffic expected to flood the state's roads, the Department of Public Safety is offering tips to keep drivers and their passengers safe on their journey.
“Safety is our top priority at DPS, and we are asking the public to do their part by driving responsibly, obeying the laws and monitoring road conditions during their spring break travels,” DPS Director Steven McCraw said. “DPS will do our part to enhance safety by patrolling the roadways to identify and remove dangerous drivers.”
Above all, DPS stresses drivers should never get behind the wheel in intoxicate. In 2016, 987 people lost their lives in Texas in alcohol-related crashes, according to statistics compiled by the The Right Step.
Remember: "Stay sober or get pulled over."
DPS is also stressing drivers need to be aware of emergency vehicles and other cars stopped on the side of the road. Drivers should also yield for oncoming emergency vehicles.
Here are some of the other tips DPS has for Spring Break drivers:
- Slow down, particularly in bad weather, construction areas or when in heavy traffic
- Eliminate all distractions while behind the wheel, especially mobile devices. Drivers can be ticketed if they violate the state's distracted driving law.
- Always wear a seat belt. Make sure all passengers are also wearing seat belts.
- If you're involved in a minor, non-injury crash, move your vehicle if possible to open up as many lanes as possible to traffic.
- Drive defensively
- If you feel tired behind the wheel, take a break and rest.
- If you see a hazard on the road, report it to law enforcement as soon as possible.
- Use the left lane for passing only. Slower traffic should always keep to the right.
- Ensure you vehicle is safe to drive and all cargo in the vehicle is secured.
- Follow the weather and traffic conditions. If you need information on road closures throughout the state, you may visit Drive Texas.
- Make sure to check the U.S. Department of State website to ensure wherever you travel, especially if you travel abroad, is safe.
Finally, make sure all your documentation is up to date including drivers license, car insurance, passport, etc.
