Texas DPS increases patrols ahead of record-breaking Thanksgiving travel

BRYAN, Texas (KBTX) - As families across Texas prepare for what transportation officials are calling one of the busiest Thanksgiving travel periods in years, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced increased patrol efforts to combat dangerous driving during the holiday weekend.

The enforcement initiative comes as AAA projects a record-breaking 73 million Americans will travel by car during the Thanksgiving period, representing nearly 90% of all holiday travelers and an increase of 1.3 million drivers compared to last year’s holiday.

This year’s domestic travel forecast includes an additional 1.6 million travelers compared to last Thanksgiving, setting a new overall record for the holiday period. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the unprecedented nature of this year’s travel surge.

“We’re gonna have a busy road, rail, and air as we come into this Thanksgiving season,” Duffy said. “By car for AAA, we anticipate seeing 73 million Americans hitting the road this Thanksgiving season.”

The projected numbers could climb even higher if air travelers choose to drive instead of flying following recent flight cancellations, according to transportation analysts.

This week, the Texas Department of Public Safety said it will increase traffic enforcement from Wednesday through Sunday as part of the annual Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative. State troopers will focus on several key violations during the heightened patrol period.

Officers will be watching for speeding, impaired driving, seat belt violations, and drivers who fail to move over or slow down for stopped vehicles under the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law.

In a statement released this week, DPS urged drivers to remain mindful, stay patient, and focus on reaching their destinations safely during the busy travel period.

During last year’s Thanksgiving enforcement period, DPS issued 45,770 warnings and citations, including 4,082 for speeding, 1,284 for driving without insurance, and 214 for seat belt and child seat violations.

The 2024 enforcement efforts also resulted in 206 felony arrests, 162 DWI arrests, and 67 fugitive arrests across the state.

Transportation officials have identified specific periods when road congestion will be most severe during the holiday weekend.

“We anticipate the busiest travel on the road in the afternoon of this coming Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday,” Duffy said. “So if you’re planning your travel, think about when you depart, because the afternoon of those days will be busier than the rest.”

Thanksgiving consistently ranks as the single busiest holiday for travel compared to other major holidays like Memorial Day and July 4th, according to transportation data.

DPS officials said this year they are determined to maintain their commitment to highway safety during the high-volume travel period.