About 5.8 million Texans are expected to hit the state’s roads for Thanksgiving to see family and loved ones this week.
That is according to AAA Texas, which projects 5.8 million Texans will travel 50 miles or more from home during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period — nearly 62,000 more travelers compared to 2024.
With this increase in travelers, one state agency tasked with enforcing road safety and traffic laws will also be increase its presence to ensure Texans and visitors are safe.
“Texas Highway Patrol Troopers will increase enforcement efforts from Wednesday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Dec. 1,” reads a release from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Troopers will be looking for people committing traffic violations, including but not limited to:
“Texas roads experience a major increase in traffic on both the days before and after the Thanksgiving holiday,” said THP Chief Bryan Rippee. “We’re asking everyone to be mindful, whether you’re in passenger vehicle or a commercial truck — stay alert, be patient, follow the law and focus on getting to your destination safely.”
According to DPS, the department participates in the nationwide Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE) initiative for the Thanksgiving holiday.
During the 2024 Thanksgiving enforcement period, a total of:
What is Texas’ Move Over, Slow Down law?
The law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a vehicle with emergency lights activated, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation, tow trucks and other vehicles.
Specifically, Texas drivers must either vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road or slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit.
According to DPS, first-time violators can face up to a $1,250 fine. Violators who cause bodily injury can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, which can result in possible jail time and up to a $4,000 fine.
Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas DPS to enhance road safety, traffic enforcement on Thanksgiving
Reporting by Mateo Rosiles, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
