Texas DPS increases patrol during distracted driving campaign

WICHITA FALLS, Texas (KAUZ) - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will increase patrols from April 6 to April 13 during its annual Distracted Driving traffic enforcement campaign.

Troopers will be on the lookout for drivers who are texting, failing to Move Over or Slow Down or are otherwise distracted behind the wheel. This enforcement is part of the national-scale Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), which runs April 7-14 and ensures traffic laws are being followed nationwide.

More than 79,000 citations and warnings were issued last year during this week of enforcement efforts, including over 5,000 speeding violations, 335 seat belt and child seat violations, 1,849 violations for driving without insurance and 345 felony and fugitive arrests.

“We are already seeing the consequences of distracted driving in 2026 – Troopers have been struck simply doing their jobs on the side of the road, and it’s preventable – there is zero tolerance for distracted driving,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “Every driver has a responsibility to stay alert and to Move Over or Slow Down. Lives are at stake, and the safety of everyone on the roads depends on it – just drive when you’re behind the wheel.”

DPS has listed the following safety tips below for drivers behind the wheel:

• Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
• Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2026, there have been more than 5,007 Move Over, Slow Down violations.
• Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you consume alcohol.
• Buckle up, everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
• Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
• Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
• Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
• Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas

DPS also emphasized the importance of Move Over, Slow Down laws, for which violations can be punished by a fine of up to $1,250 that can increase for subsequent violations and even result in a state jail felony if bodily injury occurs. To properly comply with the Move Over, Slow Down law, drivers must either:

• Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or
• Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph)

For more information on traffic safety laws in Texas, visit TxDOT’s website.