Basic Traffic Troubles in Texoma - KAUZ-TV: Newschannel 6 Now | Wichita Falls, TX

It can be easy to settle into a routine, but if that routine involves some basic unsafe driving habits, it can cause trouble.

Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper Tony Fulton said even though we do it every day, it's important not to settle into a rhythm. He said, "Driving is something that we do every day and it tends to get to be where it becomes second nature, but it should be because driving is the most dangerous thing most of us are going to do every day."

With people flocking into Texoma for the tax free weekend and Ranch Round Up, there's sure to be heavy traffic in the cross walks. All of those people can find themselves at risk if drivers inch into their territory.

Fulton said, "That is a safety area for our pedestrians. A lot of times if we get in a hurry we run up on that intersection and well pull a little bit too far. That doesn't allow the pedestrians room to walk safely."

One Texoma resident we spoke with said, "Somebody can get hurt. It doesn't matter if it's small or big, somebody could get hurt. It's important to obey them even if it is just as simple as stopping at a crosswalk."

Many of our Facebook friends also voiced their opinions, saying that seeing people violate traffic laws made them angry. Others called basic traffic laws petty and said police should be focused on bigger issues. Still, Trooper Fulton said each law is important and in place for a reason and they'll do what they can to catch people breaking any of them.

One resident we spoke with said she understands they can't catch them all. "I'm sure it's really difficult for them to do. As much as they're around town and we see them, I don't know how easy it is for them to be able to sit and enforce the smaller stuff."

Jack Lamson, Newschannel 6
@JackLamson