Efforts to Make Your Holiday a Safe One
Posted/updated on: July 2, 2017 at 2:59 pm
TYLER – Law enforcement agencies in Northeast Texas will be out in force over the 4th of July weekend, trying to make your holiday a safe one. State troopers will be highly visible over the Independence Day weekend. Tyler police, with the help of a state grant, will have extra patrols on the street, looking for DWI motorists. Tyler police along with Smith County law enforcement agencies will be out in force for another ‘No-Refusal’ DWI campaign. If a suspected drunk driver refuses a breath test or blood test, a search warrant will be obtained and blood will be drawn by a nurse at the Smith County Jail. Tyler police spokesman Don Martin says this program has proven to be an effective tool to combat drunken drivers.
According to a Department of Public Safety news release, drivers can take a variety of measures to enhance safety on our roads this July 4th holiday weekend, including:
*Do not drink and drive.
*Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic and unfamiliar areas.
*Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices.
*Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
*Don’t drive fatigued – allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
*Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
*Before your trip begins, make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and always double check to make sure all cargo is secure.
*Slow down or move over for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles and tow trucks that are stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law. Also, show the same courtesy to fellow drivers stopped along the road.
*Monitor weather conditions wherever you are traveling. In the event of inclement weather, use extra caution on roadways, and never attempt to cross flowing streams or drive across flooded roadways. You can go to http://dps.texas.gov/dem/ThreatAwareness/weather_aware_severe.htm for more safety tips related to severe storms.
