The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans to drive responsibly and to take extra precautions as they make travel plans during Spring Break.

“With students and families out of school and off work, the weeks during Spring Break can result in an influx of traffic on Texas roadways,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “DPS urges all drivers to do their part to help keep the roads safe for all travelers by adhering to safe driving practices and always driving sober.”

DPS offers the following tips for safe travel during the Spring Break holiday:

• Slow down – especially in bad weather, construction areas, heavy traffic and unfamiliar areas.
• Eliminate distractions while driving, including the usage of mobile devices.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
• Don’t drive fatigued, and allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Drive defensively, as holiday travel may present additional challenges.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained before your trip begins.
• Slow down or move over for tow trucks and police, fire, EMS and Texas Department of Transportation vehicles stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated – it’s the law.

The Mexican government has made great strides battling the cartels, and the department commends their continued commitment to that effort. DPS also has a responsibility to inform the public about safety and travel risks and threats, and based on the unpredictable nature of cartel violence and other criminal elements, the department urges individuals to avoid travel to Mexico at this time.

(U.S. citizens who do travel to Mexico should always check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest information regarding security issues in Mexico, and they should register with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program by visiting http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html.)