DPS urges safety on roadways during holiday season

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — The Texas Department of Public Safety will increase its workforce this holiday season to enforce traffic safety laws across the state.

"During the holidays, there's an increase of traffic. So we will make every effort to stop drivers that are violating traffic laws. Again, this is to avoid crashes across the state," said Sgt. Maria Hernandez with DPS.

Last year, DPS issued over 103,000 total citations, warnings and arrests in the Rio Grande Valley during the holidays.

Hernandez urges drivers to wear a seatbelt, to follow speed limits and to not drink and drive.

"You will get stopped and you will get arrested for drinking and driving. We have zero tolerance for this type of an offense," Hernandez continued. "It's a horrific crime that's roaming our roadways daily."

DPS also urges drivers to check their vehicles before taking a road trip.

"Make sure that your vehicle is up to par; windshield wipers are working; fluid in the vehicles are topped off. Make sure that your wheels have a proper amount of air in them," Hernandez continued.

Anyone who is stranded on a roadway is encouraged to contact the phone number on the back of their Texas driver's license.

The 1-800 phone number will direct callers to the nearest DPS trooper or law enforcement agency to assist.