The Texas Department of Public Safety (TXDPS) has announced a commercial vehicle inspection blitz on certain interstates next week.
Officials state that the Texas Highway Patrol will carry out the Distracted Reckless Impaired Visibility Enforcement (SafeDRIVE) initiative from August 6 to 8, 2024.
During this 72-hour period, Texas troopers will focus on intensified highway enforcement of commercial vehicles on Interstates 10, 20, 35, 40, and 45.
In an effort to reduce commercial vehicle crashes on these major interstate corridors, troopers will target both passenger vehicles and commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). They will be on the lookout for aggressive drivers, speeders, tailgaters, seat belt violations, distracted drivers, and motorists driving under the influence. SafeDRIVE will also ensure that CMV drivers are adhering to industry regulations.
Additionally, as part of SafeDRIVE, Texas DPS provides the following driving tips:
- Stay out of blind spots. Large trucks and buses have significant blind spots on all four sides.
- Pass safely. Ensure you can see the CMV driver in their side mirror. Signal clearly and pass the truck or bus safely. Avoid lingering in the blind spot and make sure the truck or bus is visible in your rearview mirror before pulling in front.
- Don’t cut off large vehicles. A large truck traveling at highway speeds needs the length of two football fields to stop.
- Don’t tailgate. Following a truck or bus too closely puts you in a blind spot.
- Buckle up. Wearing a seatbelt can be the difference between life and death, so make sure to buckle up.
- Put the phone down. Texting while driving in Texas is illegal.
