SAN ANTONIO — Local law enforcement in San Antonio wants you to have a safe and happy thanksgiving, so they are sharing some basic safety tips for you. Don't drink and drive, pay attention when you are out shopping, and drive carefully so that you don't become a statistic for next year.
San Antonio Police Department
Police remind you that it is never a good idea to drink and drive. Last Thanksgiving, during the week of November 20-26, San Antonio Police arrested 80 suspected intoxicated drivers.
“As with all Holidays, SAPD will be fully staffed," says the SAPD Public Information Officer. "Our officers will work throughout the week to ensure that residents and visitors enjoy a safe Holiday. SAPD wants to remind everyone to plan ahead. If you plan on drinking, make plans to secure a safe ride home.”
Bexar County Sheriff's Office
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) says they are working to ensure the safety and security of our community. They will be increasing patrols in shopping malls and large retail stores in an effort to deter crime and provide a safe environment for shoppers.
BCSO will also have a mobile command post stationed at various shopping centers throughout Bexar County, which will provide a strategic presence aimed at reducing property crimes.
BCSO recommends that you:
- Avoid Carrying Large Amounts of Cash: Carrying excessive cash can make you a target for thieves. Instead use credit or debit cards whenever possible.
- Leave the Parking Lot Promptly: After shopping, head directly to your vehicle rather than lingering in the parking lot to arrange your purchases. Staying in the open with bags can make you vulnerable to opportunistic criminals.
- Hide Your Valuables: If you have time between shopping, make sure to conceal any valuables within your vehicle. Thieves often look for easy targets, and visible items can attract unwanted attention.
- Lock Your Vehicle: This simple measure significantly reduces the likelihood of vehicular burglaries we encounter. Always make sure your car doors are locked and windows are secured before leaving your car unattended.
"Our goal is to help everyone enjoy a safe holiday season," says Johnny Garcia, BCSO." By staying vigilant and following these safety tips, we can work together to stay safe."
Texas Department of Public Safety
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) says they are stepping up enforcement for Thanksgiving to make sure Texans have a safe holiday. Expect to see an increased presence of troopers from DPS from Wednesday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 1.
They will be keeping an eye out for people not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding and failing to follow the "Move Over, Slow Down" law, and any other traffic violations they may see.
“With Thanksgiving around the corner, we remind everyone to stay vigilant on the roads,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “There can be countless distractions this time of year, but your safety and the safety of others is what matters most. Take your time, avoid distractions and let’s ensure everyone arrives to their destination this holiday season.”
Last year, DPS issued a total of 41,093 warnings and citations, including 11,525 for speeding; 1,310 for driving without insurance; and 596 for seat belt and child seat violations. Last year’s enforcement efforts also resulted in 54 felony arrests, 36 DWI arrests and 18 fugitive arrests.
Their tips include:
- Don’t drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol.
- Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
- Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2024, there have been more than 9,284 Move Over, Slow Down violations.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
- Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
- Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges.
- On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted).
- Don’t cut in front of large trucks and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can’t maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks.
- If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
- Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
- Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure.
- Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency.
- Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas
