While it might have been a relaxing week for students and families, this past spring break was anything but a “break” for DPS. According to DPS, there was a spike in accidents during the spring break period as a result of heavy traffic throughout the week.
“We had a specialized task force for that period from March 11 through March 20,” said Sgt. Bryan Witt with Texas DPS. “We had 24 personnel working that week, day and night.”
According to DPS, in that time period alone (March 11 – 20), they responded to 812 speeding violations, 25 seat belt violations, 426 other violations, 7 DWIs, 29 drug offenses, 16 criminal offenses and 17 warrants.
Sgt. Witt says as DPS works to keep those numbers down, they want to call on the community to help reach their goal by exercising extra caution while on the road. He says that more people need to wear their seatbelts, to avoid distractions and suggests driving during the day versus through the late night hours.
“We encourage everybody to drive during the day because at night, we see an increase in DWIs. Don’t drive in the hours from 7-12, drive in the hours when you’d normally be awake or at work,” said Witt. “And before you even start on your trips, go get your vehicle serviced. Check your fluids, check your belts, make sure everything is in good working condition. Before you even get out the driveway put your seatbelt on, not only is it the law, but it could safe your life.”
And of course: to never drink and drive.
“If you do find yourself in a place where you’ve been drinking, don’t get behind the wheel. Call somebody to come pick you up, even call your parents or family. They would much rather you call them to come pick you up versus us knocking on your door saying you’ve been involved in a bad crash.”
In addition to spring break, Sgt. Witt says that prom and graduation are also busy nights for DPS in regard to traffic accidents. He wants to remind young adults that DPS will be out in full force to ensure roads are safe as possible from drunk and wreckless drivers on these nights.
“Prom night, graduation night, we’ll have every available trooper out there working that night. And the things we’re looking for is under aged drinking, DWIs, speeding, not wearing your seatbelts.” said Sgt. Witt. “You’re going to have a lot of families and friends coming in for these graduation, so you’re going to see an increase in traffic during these times.”
But, he says keeping roads safe will be a joint effort between DPS and the community.
“Although we might be out there to enforce highway patrol, we can’t do it by ourselves. We need the public’s help.”
“Realize that getting to where you’re going safely is more important than getting there quickly,” adds Sgt.Witt.