Increased Traffic Patrols In West Texas For Holiday Safety

As Christmas approaches, traffic across Abilene, the Big Country, and West Texas has picked up significantly, and so has law enforcement’s presence on our roads. With more families traveling, shopping, and heading to holiday gatherings, both the Abilene Police Department (APD) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) are stepping up patrols to help keep everyone safe.

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This isn’t about writing tickets for the sake of it. It’s about changing driving habits, slowing things down, and protecting lives during one of the busiest travel times of the year.

A Personal West Texas Challenge This Christmas

Lately, on my daily radio show, I’ve been sharing a simple message on the radio:
"Drive nice, be friendly, and look out for one another."

I truly believe that Abilene and West Texas can be known as the safest and friendliest place to drive in the Lone Star State, but that only happens if we all do our part.

This Christmas season, give your family and everyone else on the road the best gift possible: slow down, buckle up, put the phone away, and make it home safely.

Abilene Police Expand Traffic Enforcement Through 2025

According to Rick Tomlin, Public Information Coordinator for the Abilene Police Department, APD will continue increased traffic enforcement through 2025, thanks to a grant provided by the Texas Department of Transportation.

Selected officers will focus on month-to-month enforcement efforts in specific areas of the city. Two locations receiving extra attention include:

• Interstate 20, both east and west bound
• Winters Freeway
• South First Street corridor

These areas are known for higher traffic volume and a greater risk of serious crashes.

What Officers Will Be Watching For

During this enforcement period, officers will be focused on violations that are proven to cause serious injuries and fatalities, including:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Seatbelt and child restraint violations
• Driving While Intoxicated (DWI)

APD is also reminding drivers to practice defensive driving, slow down, and remain alert, especially with more pedestrians and families out during the holidays.

Texas DPS Patrols Highways and Farm-to-Market Roads

This increased enforcement doesn’t stop at city limits. In recent reminders from Texas Department of Public Safety Sergeant Marc Couch, DPS troopers will also be patrolling:

• Highways
• Farm-to-Market roads
• Rural routes across West Texas

The goal is the same statewide: reduce crashes, prevent fatalities, and move Texas closer to a safer driving culture.

A Grim Texas Reminder We Can’t Ignore

There’s one statistic that still hits hard.

The last death-free day on Texas roadways was November 7, 2000.
Since then, at least one person has died every single day in a traffic crash somewhere in Texas, a tragic streak that has lasted more than two and a half decades.

That’s why enforcement matters. And it’s why personal responsibility behind the wheel matters just as much. Please, just drive nice and drive safe.

Read More: West Texas Travelers: Beware the 5 Deadliest Roads in Texas