Attention Drivers: Texas to Increase Police Presence in Preparation for Spring Break

If you plan on hitting the road anytime this weekend or next week, make sure you stay prepared to see more cops on the roads than normal. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that they are increasing patrols between March 9 and March 17 to ensure safe driving through Spring Break and St. Patrick's Day.

Annual Day of Drinking, Right?

Look, I get it, what other day of the year, besides perhaps Mardi Gras, is it more socially acceptable to drink way too much liquor than St. Patrick's Day?

Well, you shouldn't need a reason not to drink and drive, but you DEFINITELY shouldn't this year since there will be more cops on the roads looking for people like you if you do.

Even if you don't drink, it's still important to keep an eye out for cops stalking you at every turn, hiding in the shadows, ready to clock your speed and slap you with a ticket.

Why Should I CARE?

The Texas Highway Patrol is increasing patrols this week as a part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort). This operation actually runs during the same time every year from March 9-17 across the nation.

You can read more about Operation CARE from the Texas DPS webpage.

Last Year's Horrific Stats

During Spring Break in 2025, there were more than 93,232 citations and warnings issued to drivers thinking they can sneak past cops.

In fact, of the 93,000, more than 6,425 were made up of speeding violations, 516 were for seat belt violations, 2,483 were for driving without valid insurance, and 552 were fugitive arrests.