As the holiday season unfolds, the Texas Department of Public Safety is urging residents to stay vigilant, report any suspicious behavior, and adopt simple precautions to promote safety across the state.
Paying attention to a few key safety measures can make a big difference in protecting our communities and safeguarding the most vulnerable among us, the agency said in a statement.
Every Texan has a role in keeping our state safe.
For those traveling during the holidays, the department highlighted several guidelines to reduce road risks.
Don’t drink and drive, and make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
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.
Drivers should move over or slow down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation vehicles, and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated, and extend the same courtesy to fellow drivers in similar situations.
So far in 2025, there have been more than 12,375 Move Over, Slow Down violations.
Other recommendations include buckling up everyone in the vehicle, as it’s the law; slowing down in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas, or construction zones; and driving defensively amid added holiday challenges.
On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only, as Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only when posted.
Avoid cutting in front of large trucks or braking quickly ahead of them, since they can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks. Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number, 1-800-525-5555, stored in your phone for any help; it’s also printed on the back of your Texas Driver’s License.
Ensure vehicles are properly maintained, and cargo is secure. Report road hazards or suspicious activity to the nearest law enforcement agency, and monitor weather and road conditions; Texas updates are available at Drive Texas.
For fireworks use, stick to outdoor areas in clear areas, away from buildings and flammable materials. Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby for emergencies. Never allow young children to handle fireworks, and supervise older children closely. Light one at a time, avoid relighting duds, and dispose of used ones by soaking in water before discarding.
The department also called on Texans to watch for signs of human trafficking, which can occur in any community and relies on public awareness to intervene. Potential indicators include a person appearing under the physical or psychological control of another, such as someone else managing their possessions like ID, money, or phone; showing little eye contact; or being unable to speak for themselves or make simple decisions without approval.
Other red flags: lack of awareness about surroundings or destination; untreated illness, visible injuries, malnourishment or sleep deprivation; clothing inappropriate for weather, environment, or age; being transported to and from work by an employer; living at the workplace or working excessively long hours; or unusual security at a business, like boarded windows or excessive cameras.
If such signs appear, call 911 immediately with details, or report via iWatchTexas, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or text “BeFree” to 233733.
To flag broader suspicious activity, the agency promoted iWatchTexas as a tool for reporting potential criminal, terrorist, or safety threats. Many crimes show warning signs that go unreported, and public input can help disrupt them early.
Behaviors to note include strangers inquiring about building security; social media posts about possible attacks or violent desires; accounts promoting vandalism, sabotage or arson; requests for sensitive info like blueprints or security plans without justification; purchases of bomb- or weapon-making supplies or uniforms without credentials; photographing security features; cyber-attacks; prolonged interest in worship sites or mass gatherings during holidays; trespassing in restricted areas; unattended bags in public; packages without proper sender info to public buildings; or unexpected packages from unknowns.
Reports can be submitted via the free iWatchTexas app for iPhone and Android, also available in Spanish; online at www.iwatchtx.org; or by calling 1-844-643-2251. Submissions take less than five minutes, are reviewed by analysts, and remain confidential, with optional contact info for follow-ups. It’s not for emergencies — call 911 for those — and reports on foreign influence go directly to DPS.
