As Texans prepare for barbecues, fireworks, and road trips to celebrate Independence Day, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding everyone to prioritize safety, and they’re deploying extra troopers on the roads to help ensure that happens.
From July 3 to July 6, DPS will ramp up patrols across the state as part of Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE). The goal? Keep drivers safe and crack down on dangerous behaviors like speeding, drunk driving, and ignoring the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law.
“The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate our freedoms with family and friends, but safety must come first,” said Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee in a recent announcement from the DPS. “Whether you’re on the road, on the water or handling fireworks, make smart choices that protect you and those around you. Let’s work together to ensure everyone has a safe and happy Independence Day.”
Last year’s Fourth of July crackdown was no small effort: troopers handed out over 59,000 citations and warnings.
In total, that included more than 5,000 tickets for speeding, over 1,500 citations for drivers without insurance, and hundreds of additional violations for those not wearing seatbelts. The DPS also arrested 212 people for driving while intoxicated and 250 more on various felony charges.
This year, DPS is urging drivers to plan ahead if they’re drinking, always buckle up, and avoid distractions behind the wheel, aka no texting or fiddling with apps while driving.
And don’t forget to slow down and move over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the road; it’s not just courteous, it’s the law.
Along with a focus on enhancing road safety, the department is also reminding Texans to handle fireworks responsibly.
Some of their precautions include: Lighting them only in open areas away from buildings, always having water handy, and never letting young kids handle fireworks. After your firework show, it is also recommended to soak all used fireworks in water before tossing them out.
Firework injuries tend to run rampant on July 4th.
In 2024, 11 people died in incidents involving fireworks, with most of those tragedies linked to improper use or malfunctioning fireworks, per the Consumer Product Safety Commission. That same year, an estimated 14,700 individuals sustained injuries from fireworks – a big jump of around 38% in fatalities and 52% in injuries compared to 2023.
Sparklers alone accounted for about 1,700 emergency room visits in 2024.