Celebrate safely: Dallas-Fort Worth police to crack down on DWIs this Labor Day weekend

Dalia Faheid
Matt Rourke/AP

About 32% of Americans will travel for Labor Day weekend, according to AAA Texas, with the vast majority driving to their destination.

With more traveling and celebrating, however, comes more mayhem on the roads. That’s why the Irving Police Department will participate in a DWI enforcement initiative during Labor Day weekend, aiming to help mitigate daily deaths on Texas roadways.

On average, one person in Texas dies every seven hours and 57 minutes because of a drunk driver. Last year, 24% of all traffic deaths in Texas were caused by drunk driving, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. That translates to an average of one person dying every eight hours and 15 minutes. In 2021, Texas saw 25,261 drunk driving related traffic crashes — an increase of 9% over 2020. That resulted in 1,100 fatalities and 2,560 serious injuries.

During the 2021 Labor Day holiday, Texas troopers issued 52,227 citations and warnings. This included 4,397 citations for speeding, 882 seat belt and child safety restraint citations, 929 citations for no insurance and 245 warnings and citations for move over, slow down violations. DPS also had 222 DWI arrests, 229 felony arrests and 116 fugitive arrests.

Between Sept. 2 and Sept. 5, Irving’s DWI unit officers will focus on locating and arresting impaired drivers. Officers will concentrate their efforts on DWI patrols in high-risk sites and at times when impaired drivers are on the roadways causing an increased potential for alcohol-related crashes involving injuries or deaths.

TxDOT is also supporting law enforcement through the Labor Day holiday weekend to crack down on drunk drivers, with a statewide impaired driving campaign from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5. And in an effort to reduce crashes, Texas Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement from Sept. 2 through Sept. 5, looking for people not wearing their seat belts, speeders, people driving while intoxicated and drivers who fail to follow the state’s move over, slow down law, among other traffic violations. Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), an initiative among police agencies across the country including Texas Highway Patrol, will run simultaneously. It increases enforcement efforts during designated periods throughout the year, including holidays like Labor Day.

“Safety must always come first,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steven McCraw in a statement. “That is especially true when more people are out on the roads, like Labor Day weekend. Please remember to do your part by paying attention, buckling up and obeying all traffic laws.”

TxDOT encourages Texans to plan ahead to avoid the consequences of impaired driving. Consider using a taxi or car service, a designated driver or public transportation as an alternative to driving after drinking. A DWI could cost you up to $17,000 in fines and fees, jail time and your license. If you see a suspected drunk driver and you or a passenger can do so safely, call 9-1-1 with the information. For more information, visit soberrides.org.

AAA Texas anticipates coming to the roadside rescue of 17,725 stranded drivers from Thursday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 5. To avoid a breakdown on a road trip, AAA Texas recommends drivers inspect tires, batteries, belts, hoses and fluid levels, or have vehicles inspected by a trusted mechanic. For those planning road trips, AAA Texas reminds drivers to make traffic safety a priority. Drivers are urged to get at least seven hours of sleep before a long journey, make sure everyone is buckled up, obey speed limits and avoid cellphone usage.

DPS encourages drivers to follow these 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 2022, there have been 3,423 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.

  • 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 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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