AUSTIN — As Texans gather to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement efforts for the Fourth of July holiday.
To keep everyone safe, more troopers will be out on the roads, including for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), which runs July 2-5.
Operation CARE is a specialized campaign in which Texas Highway Patrol Troopers patrol for drivers who are speeding, intoxicated, not complying with Texas’ “Move Over, Slow Down” law or violating other laws.
“The Fourth of July is particularly special this year, with more travel and larger events planned in celebration of our nation’s 250th birthday – so safety must remain top of mind,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “As you gather with family and friends to celebrate this historic holiday, remember to make smart choices and be aware of your surroundings. If we all do our part, everyone gets to celebrate safely.”
During last year’s Fourth of July enforcement campaign, Troopers issued more than 64,241 citations and warnings, including 5,042 for speeding; 1,632 for no insurance; and more than 398 for individuals without seat belts or child seat restraints. DPS also arrested 277 people on DWI charges and 281 people for other felony charges.
So far in 2026, there have been more than 8,828 “Move Over, Slow Down” violations.
DPS encourages the public to follow these driver safety tips during Fourth of July weekend and beyond:
• 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.
• 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.
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