Operation CARE: Texas DPS Increases Patrols for Labor Day Weekend

# What Operation CARE is and when it starts

# What officers will target Troopers will concentrate enforcement on three main areas:

• Speeding
• Drunk driving (DWI)
• Violations of the Move Over, Slow Down law

The campaign is described as focused on keeping roads safer during a busy holiday period rather than broad, unspecified policing.

# What the state is asking drivers to do Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee is quoted advising drivers to "slow down, eliminate distractions, drive sober, and buckle up." Those four actions are the practical behaviors DPS says will reduce the chance of an enforcement stop or a crash.

The announcement references 2025 Labor Day weekend enforcement activity: more than 63,000 citations and warnings were issued, and 211 DWI arrests were made. That level of enforcement is the context for the stepped-up patrols this year.

# Practical steps for travelers If you plan to be on the road this Labor Day weekend consider these concrete steps:

• If you will drink, arrange a designated driver or use a rideshare service such as Uber.
• Obey posted speed limits and adjust speed for road and weather conditions.
• Move over or slow down when approaching stopped emergency, maintenance, or tow vehicles as the law requires.
• Minimize in-car distractions to avoid being stopped for unsafe driving.

# Why enforcement increases during holidays Holidays typically bring more drivers and higher traffic volumes, which increases opportunities for dangerous behaviors and crashes. The DPS frames Operation CARE as targeted enforcement aimed at behaviors that most commonly lead to crash-related injuries and fatalities.

# What to expect on the roads Expect a higher visibility of marked and unmarked patrol vehicles, especially on highways and popular travel routes. Increased stops will focus on impairment, speed violations, and failure to comply with the Move Over law.

# Bottom line If you'll be driving in Texas over Labor Day weekend, be prepared for more traffic enforcement. Slowing down, wearing a seat belt, avoiding distractions, and planning sober rides when drinking are the practical actions that reduce risk of a crash and interaction with law enforcement.