During the Fourth of July holiday, various law enforcement agencies are always on high alert for drivers who are impaired by alcohol. Statistics gathered by the NHTSA would suggest that over the past 25 years, half of all deadly traffic crashes during this period usually involves alcohol-impaired drivers. In Texas, there were 337 alcohol-related traffic crashes over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.

This is why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) and various law enforcement agencies are teaming up to increase their presence over the weekend in a statewide High Visibility Enforcement effort.

Motorists should notice that by the weekend, there will be a significant increase in presence of law enforcement officials as part of an aggressive crackdown on impaired drivers. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and other local law enforcement throughout Texas have received federal grants to increase their enforcement efforts over the weekend.

"TxDOT is proud to be a part of the high visibility enforcement weekend because it works. The success we've seen in jurisdictions across the state reinforces the message that driving while intoxicated will not be tolerated in Texas." said Carol T. Rawson, P.E., TxDOT, Traffic Operations Director.

This also means an increased promotion of their current anti-drinking-and-driving campaign, which is P.A.S.S. Motorists will be thoroughly reminded that if they will be out to drink, they must have a P.A.S.S., or, Person Appointed to Stay Sober.

You can learn more at: (http://www.facebook.com/KnowWhenToPass)

Drivers must also remember that during this weekend, breath and blood samples are "no-refusals." This means drivers who get pulled over and are suspected of a DWI will not be allowed refusing breath and blood samples and be dealt with accordingly, if found with a BAC higher than what is legal. Drivers who get convicted of DWIs over this Fourth of July weekend may land in jail, which is the exact opposite of what the holiday represents.

Tips for Safe Summer Driving - Have a Happy 4th of July!

Labels: alcohol impaired drivers, drunk driving, DUI, prevent drunk driving, TXDOT

Texas is quickly establishing itself as a state that loves cyclists.

Through the actions of the TxDOT, various bicycle advocacy groups, city engineers and citizens, various guidelines and policies have been put into place to ensure that Texas is a state that welcomes cyclists.

This only means that the state is showing concern with the growth and anticipation for bicycle facilities and needs. Here are a few examples of these extraordinary ideas that are being put into play in Texas right now:

• Just a few weeks back, TxDOT released a new guidance memo that cements the importance of building roads to include space for people who walk or ride bicycles. John A. Barton, P.E. highlights to all TxDOT District Engineers that this action is in line with the goals of the Complete Streets Bill --- which is a bill that ensures that roads are designed and operated to enable safe access for all users, regardless of age, ability, or mode of transportation.



• A more interesting take is the action being done in Austin: two dedicated staff bicycle engineers are hard at work creating green-painted bicycle-dedicated lanes. (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikedenton/5219659457/sizes/l/in/photostream/)



• The organization BikeTexas and their site, BikeTexas.org is constantly filled with updates on bike-centric news for Texas. They are advocating the advancing of bicycle access, safety and education. Their site currently houses tons of information concerning Biking in Texas, including Texas bicycle laws, bicycle tourism trails and ways for people to interact with their representatives to get bicycle safety policies to be pushed forward.



• A total of eight Texas cities now have ordinances requiring cars to give 3 feet when passing bikes and pedestrians.



• Fort Worth has efforts planned throughout the year to improve bike infrastructure. This involves building hundreds of bike racks, painting bike lanes and adjusting existing roads to better accommodate the needs and the safety of cyclists.



• Both Dallas and Arlington are planning to create bike networks, policies and priorities implemented through various planned programs. All to accommodate the growing number of both cyclists and pedestrians who have as much right to road safety as motorists in cars or other vehicles.

Learn more about bicycle safety from the National Safety Commission.

Labels: bicycle safety, cyclists, defensive driving, driver education course, driver safety, TXDOT

In San Antonio, law enforcement officers from the state will join the Texas Department of Transportation in San Antonio to launch the 10th annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign. According to the TxDOT, in the 10 years since the campaign has been started, there have been 2,843 fewer traffic fatalities and 48,000 fewer serious injuries. According to them, the state has also saved more than $10 billion in associated costs.

Not wearing a seat belt isn't just about being against the law: it is also risky, and may increase the potential for serious injuries to drivers and passengers.

Launched last Thursday (May 5), it is an effort not only to catch violators, but also an effort to educate to keep motorists safe. It is also a warning that not buckling up could become costly for motorists: tickets for not wearing a seat belt may cost from $250 and up, not including court costs.

Law enforcement and TxDOT will be joining forces from May 23 to June 5, including Memorial Day in a stepped-up effort to enforce seat belt laws to save more lives in Texas.

Labels: click it or ticket it, seat belt laws, seat belt safety, seatbelt campaign, texas traffic ticket, TXDOT, wear seat belt