Don't Be a Turkey. Drive Safely

AUSITN, November 24, 2004 - As Texans hit the highways this Thanksgiving holiday, crowded roads and tight schedules might cause some drivers to loose their tempers and take unnecessary risks. Armed with a few simple tips, you can defuse road rage and avoid looking like a turkey.

When confronted with aggressive drivers, the DPS recommends that you:

• Put your pride in the back seat and move aside.
• Do not speed up, block lanes, slam or tap on brakes.
• Report extreme cases of reckless driving to the appropriate authorities.
• Do not retaliate, gesture or make eye contact.
• Make sure everyone is buckled up.

"Many Texans complain about dangerous drivers, not realizing that some of their own bad driving habits could cause wrecks that threaten or destroy lives," said Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr., director of the DPS.

Avoid bad driving habits that lead to road rage, such as:

• Not using turn signals
• Driving in the passing lane
• Tailgating, flashing lights or honking
• Using high beams in traffic
• Not allowing adequate time for a given trip.

During the Thanksgiving holiday, Highway Patrol troopers and other Texas law enforcement agencies will target speeders, drunk drivers, seat belt violators and aggressive drivers. Texas DPS is participating in the "Click It or Ticket Texas" campaign, which is aimed at increasing and enforcing seat belt and child seat usage. This year's campaign focuses on increasing seat belt use among pickup drivers and passengers and is called "Buckle Up in Your Truck." DPS has a zero tolerance policy toward seat belt violations, and fines range up to $200, plus court costs.

Texas also participates in Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). Operation CARE is a nationwide effort by all state police agencies to reduce fatalities during holiday periods.

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