DPS Adds Patrols for July Fourth Holiday Period

Texas troopers will be out in force during the 10-day period that includes the Fourth of July holiday in an effort to stop alcohol-related accidents.

The Texas Department of Public Safety says the increased patrols begin Friday and run through July 7. A grant from the Texas Department of Public Transportation will help pay for the additional patrols.

DPS says last year’s July Fourth holiday enforcement period led to nearly 1,300 DWI arrests. That DPS effort also resulted in nearly 13,700 speeding tickets, more than 2,200 seat belt-child safety seat citations, about 750 fugitive arrests and 518 felony arrests.

Experts say Independence Day traditionally ranks among the deadliest holiday periods on Texas highways due to alcohol-related crashes.