The Texas Department of Public Safety urges drivers to celebrate responsibly. During the Operation Holiday enforcement in 2019, 169,000 citations and warnings were issued, and almost 790 arrests for driving while impaired were made. Troopers will be out in full force over the Christmas weekend and again on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, looking out for speeding and impaired drivers. Authorities ask drivers to take the following precautions:
- eliminate all distractions.
- do not drive after consuming alcohol.
- slow down in construction zones and in bad weather.
- ensure all occupants are buckled up.
- do not drive while fatigued.
- allow extra time to get to a destination.
- drive defensively.
- slow down and move over for emergency vehicles.
- only take to the road in properly maintained vehicles.
In the event of an accident in which there are no or only minor injuries, drivers should move their vehicles to the shoulder of the road — if possible. Leaving the cars at the crash site could lead to multi-vehicle accidents. Sadly, some drivers endanger others by drinking and driving, speeding and other negligent actions each year.
Being alert might help. However, drivers or passengers who suffer car accident injuries caused by the negligence of others will likely have to deal with unexpected financial losses. Mounting medical bills from doctors and hospitals, vehicle damage and lost income could be overwhelming. Fortunately, the Texas civil justice system allows crash victims to pursue financial relief by filing personal injury lawsuits. The successful presentation of such a claim could lead to a monetary judgment against all parties found responsible.