The Texas Department of Public Safety is issuing safety reminders for drivers and communities ahead of Spring Break and St. Patrick’s Day, urging Texans to make responsible choices on the roads during the busy holiday period.
DPS highlighted several driving tips: Plan alternate transportation if consuming alcohol to avoid drinking and driving.
Eliminate distractions, such as mobile devices, which Texas law prohibits when reading, writing, or sending electronic messages unless the vehicle is stopped. Use navigation apps only with a passenger’s help to keep eyes on the road.
Drivers must move over or slow down for police, fire, EMS, TxDOT vehicles, and tow trucks with activated emergency lights, extending the courtesy to stranded motorists. The state has recorded more than 2,404 Move Over, Slow Down violations so far in 2026.
Other advice includes buckling up everyone in the vehicle as required by law, slowing down in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas, or construction zones, and driving defensively amid holiday travel challenges. On multi-lane roads, slower traffic should keep to the right and use the left lane for passing only, per state law where posted.
Avoid cutting in front of large trucks or braking suddenly ahead of them due to their limited maneuverability. In non-injury crashes, move the vehicle, if possible, under the Steer It, Clear It policy to reduce congestion and risk; failure to do so violates the law on some highways.
Additional steps: Check vehicle maintenance and secure cargo, report road hazards or suspicious activity to law enforcement, and monitor weather and road conditions via Drive Texas.
DPS promoted the iWatchTexas program for reporting suspicious activity at parades, festivals, and gatherings. Submit tips confidentially through the website, free iOS or Android app, or by calling 844-643-2251. A how-to video explains usage. The service excludes emergencies; dial 911 for those.
The agency also encouraged vigilance for human trafficking signs amid increased road and airport travel. Indicators include a person seeming under another’s control physically or psychologically, lacking awareness of surroundings, showing untreated illness, visible injuries, malnourishment or sleep deprivation, wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather or age, being transported to and from work by an employer, living at the workplace or working excessive hours, or facing unusual workplace security like boarded windows or excessive cameras.
These signs alone do not confirm trafficking, but combinations in context warrant reporting. Call 911 with details, or use iWatchTexas or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree to 233733. Avoid intervening directly if it poses a safety risk.
For children, DPS released Spring Break-themed coloring and activity pages featuring K-9 Disco, available for download here, along with others on the agency website.
Texas DPS is boosting its road patrols across the state this week as more people hit the roads for spring break and holiday activities. Troopers will be targeting infractions such as speeding, seat belt violations, DWI, and more.
