DPS will target drunk drivers, speeders, seatbelt violators

July 3, 2009 - 8:25 AM

The Texas Department of Public Safety and other law enforcement agencies won't be taking a holiday break.  They're stepping up enforcement and focusing on people who drink and drive, speeders, and seatblet and child safety seat violators.

All available state troopers will be on the roads and highways Friday through Monday.

The DPS says impaired driving is one of Texas' deadliest problems.  1,292 people lost their lives in DWI-related accidents in Texas in 2007, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Texas is above the national average in that category.  The NHTSA reports 1,343 people in Texas died in speed-related crashes.

The DPS reports there were 45 traffic fatalities in Jefferson County in 2007.  14 involved people with blood-alcohol levels at or above the legal limit of .08.  Speeding was a factor in 23 of the fatalities.

The DPS encourages drivers to slow down, drive sober, wear seatbelts and make sure children are in safety seats or wearing seatbelts.