What's New
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued a warning to drivers in the state to "move over" and "slow down" if they see law enforcement, first responders or construction workers on the state's roads which he described as "one of the deadliest places" for these groups.
The Republican governor issued the message on X, formerly Twitter, on Tuesday which coincided with an announcement from the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) issuing an announcement about its upcoming "Christmas and New Year's holiday traffic enforcement campaign."
Newsweek contacted Governor Abbott's office for comment on Thursday via email outside of regular office hours.
Why It Matters
According to the Texas Department of Transportation in 2023 4,283 people died in traffic accidents in the state, averaging 1.45 death per hundred million vehicle miles traveled. This was a slight decrease on 2022, when there were 4,407 traffic fatalities.
Police officers, paramedics and construction workers are particularly vulnerable as they are frequently required to work by the side of the road, often with no protection against traffic. One incident happened in August, when Fort Worth Police Sgt. Billy Randolph, a 29-year veteran of the department, was killed by a suspected drunken driver while dealing with a traffic accident.
What To Know
In his X post, Abbott said: "Our brave law enforcement, first responders, and construction workers encounter daily dangers on the job. But sometimes, one of the deadliest risks is YOU.
Our brave law enforcement, first responders, and construction workers encounter daily dangers on the job.
But sometimes, one of the deadliest risks is YOU.
When you see flashing lights or warning signs on the road, remember to move over and slow down.
It's the law. pic.twitter.com/iYdZZYUb29
"When you see flashing lights or warning signs on the road, remember to move over and slow down. It's the law."
Abbott's post was accompanied by a 35-second video showing three accidents involving police or paramedics being hit by the side of the road.
In the video the governor said: "Texas roads are one of the deadliest places for law enforcement, first responders and construction workers. Many drivers fail to move over or slow down when they see flashing lights or construction signs and Texans are dying because of it.
"Don't be the reason that a police officer, a paramedic or a construction worker lose their lives. Move over, slow down, it is the law."
Tuesday also saw the Texas DPS publicize its annual "Christmas and New Year's holiday traffic enforcement campaign" which begins on December 1 and lasts until January 1.
In a post on X, they said: "Troopers will be out on the roads looking for people who are speeding, not wearing their seat belts, driving while intoxicated or committing other traffic violations."
The Texas DPS noted its scheme is part of the nationwide Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) which is being conducted with assistance from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP).
Despite being the second most populous state Texas did not feature as one of the 10 states with the most DUI arrests between in 2022, according to information compiled by High Rise Legal Funding.
In a number of states, campaigners are seeking to lower the maximum legal blood alcohol limit from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent.
What Happens Next
Christmas and the start of each new year are particularly busy times for travelers, with people heading out across the country to see family and friends.
Texas authorities are hoping the reminders lead to drivers in the state remembering not to drink and drive, use their phones while driving and to slow down when passing emergency services or construction workers.
English (US) ·