Extra Law Enforcement Patroling for Holiday
By: Monica Yantosh
Updated: July 3, 2012
"Hopefully, being visible is our highest deterrent, people seeing us out, not just the DPS but other departments out as well, that they will slow down, that they will buckle up, and that they will chose not to drink and drive," said Corporal John Gonzalez with the Texas Department of Public Safety.
The DPS is out in droves this week to help keep the state and Lubbock safe.
"We have seen the increase of traffic, of people that are traveling, but the fortunate thing is that it's in the middle of the week so there are a lot of people not doing long distance driving, it's short distance driving to and from some of the special events like Fourth on Broadway and the firework display that will take place tomorrow," said Gonzalez.
DPS says speeding, unbuckled seat belts, and drunk driving are the three biggest offenses they see. "The factor in drinking and driving is the attitude and the misconception that just because I had one beer, I'm good to drive, that's a misconception you should really take out of your mind because any amount of alcohol does influence you," said Gonzalez.
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Hamilton represents those who receive DWI's and said it's better to have a plan before heading out to celebrate. "If you consume alcohol, you are better off not getting behind the wheel of a car then you don't have the issues that come up. if you do consume alcohol, then make sure that its in moderation and that you and other people truly believe that you are good to drive," said Hamilton.
Gonzalez says to be careful, as the DPS is already taking action. "Right now our troops are out there, stopping traffic, so it's occurring right now as we speak, so therefore take that to heart that we are out there and we will stop you if there is a flagrant violation occurring," said Gonzalez.
The DPS is out in droves this week to help keep the state and Lubbock safe.
"We have seen the increase of traffic, of people that are traveling, but the fortunate thing is that it's in the middle of the week so there are a lot of people not doing long distance driving, it's short distance driving to and from some of the special events like Fourth on Broadway and the firework display that will take place tomorrow," said Gonzalez.
DPS says speeding, unbuckled seat belts, and drunk driving are the three biggest offenses they see. "The factor in drinking and driving is the attitude and the misconception that just because I had one beer, I'm good to drive, that's a misconception you should really take out of your mind because any amount of alcohol does influence you," said Gonzalez.
Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Hamilton represents those who receive DWI's and said it's better to have a plan before heading out to celebrate. "If you consume alcohol, you are better off not getting behind the wheel of a car then you don't have the issues that come up. if you do consume alcohol, then make sure that its in moderation and that you and other people truly believe that you are good to drive," said Hamilton.
Gonzalez says to be careful, as the DPS is already taking action. "Right now our troops are out there, stopping traffic, so it's occurring right now as we speak, so therefore take that to heart that we are out there and we will stop you if there is a flagrant violation occurring," said Gonzalez.
