DPS Increasing Patrols Across Texas for Fourth of July Holiday, Urges Safe Travel During America’s 250th Celebration
AUSTIN — As Texans prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and the 250th anniversary of America’s independence, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing enforcement efforts across the state to help keep holiday travelers safe.
Beginning July 2 through July 5, the Texas Highway Patrol will conduct its annual Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), placing additional Troopers on Texas roadways to target dangerous driving behaviors. The campaign focuses on motorists who are speeding, driving while intoxicated, violating the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, or committing other traffic violations.
“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.”
Thousands of Violations Issued During Last Year’s Holiday
DPS reports that during last year’s Fourth of July enforcement campaign, Troopers issued more than 64,000 citations and warnings statewide, including:
- 5,042 speeding violations
- 1,632 citations for motorists without insurance
- More than 398 seat belt and child restraint violations
- 277 arrests for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)
- 281 felony arrests
Officials say the numbers highlight the importance of increased patrols during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
Safety Tips for Holiday Travelers
DPS is encouraging Texans to make safety their top priority while traveling over the holiday weekend.
Drivers are reminded to never drink and drive and to make alternate transportation plans if alcohol is involved. Everyone in the vehicle should wear a seat belt, and motorists should obey posted speed limits, especially in construction zones, heavy traffic, or poor weather conditions.
Troopers are also emphasizing compliance with Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law, which requires drivers to either move over or significantly reduce their speed when approaching police, fire, EMS, TxDOT vehicles, or tow trucks stopped on the roadside with emergency lights activated. DPS says there have already been more than 8,800 Move Over, Slow Down violations across Texas in 2026.
Motorists should also avoid distractions while driving, including texting or using handheld devices. State law prohibits reading, writing, or sending electronic messages while operating a vehicle unless it is stopped.
Other recommendations include using the left lane only for passing on multi-lane highways, giving large commercial trucks plenty of space, ensuring vehicles are properly maintained before traveling, securing all cargo, and reporting road hazards or suspicious activity to law enforcement.
If involved in a minor crash without injuries and the vehicle can still be driven, DPS encourages motorists to follow the “Steer It, Clear It” principle by moving vehicles out of travel lanes to reduce congestion and prevent secondary crashes.
Fireworks Safety Remains Important
As fireworks celebrations take place across Texas, DPS is also reminding residents to use fireworks responsibly.
Officials recommend using fireworks only outdoors in open areas away from buildings and dry vegetation, keeping water or a garden hose nearby, supervising children at all times, lighting only one firework at a time, never attempting to relight malfunctioning fireworks, and soaking used fireworks in water before throwing them away.
Be Alert and Report Suspicious Activity
With thousands expected to attend parades, festivals, fireworks displays, and community celebrations throughout the state, DPS is also encouraging Texans to remain vigilant.
The department is asking the public to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas program, which allows confidential reports online, through the free mobile app, or by phone. Officials stress that iWatchTexas is intended for suspicious activity only and should not be used to report emergencies. Anyone witnessing an emergency should call 911 immediately.
As millions of Texans hit the roads this Independence Day weekend, DPS hopes increased enforcement and public awareness will help ensure everyone arrives home safely after celebrating America’s 250th birthday.
