The Denton County Sheriff’s Office will increase traffic patrols during the Independence Day holiday weekend to look for drivers who are drunk or have been using drugs in an effort to reduce accidents, injuries and deaths caused by impaired drivers. Patrol deputies also will be on alert for speeding and seatbelt and child restraint violations.
The increased patrols in Denton County will concentrate on Hwy 377, FM 455, US 380, State Hwy 121, and I-35 through Monday, July 5th, as part of a state-wide enforcement effort.
All available units will be on the road. Overtime hours will be paid for by a state grant from the Texas Department of Transportation’s Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), a year-long initiative to decrease crashes, injuries and fatalities during peak traffic seasons.
“Despite all the warnings about the dangers of drinking and driving, this holiday weekend will see many families devastated by the deaths of their loved ones caused by drunk and drug-impaired drivers,” said Sheriff’s Office Patrol Captain Mike Caley.
“The Denton County Sheriff’s Office is serious about traffic enforcement, and putting more patrol deputies on the road will help make the holiday weekend safer and help families avoid needless tragedies.”
Motorists also need to be sure and slow down or move over when they see an emergency vehicle stopped on a highway, Captain Caley said. The Texas “Move Over Law” requires drivers who are nearing emergency vehicles stopped with lights activated to either slow down or change lanes.
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