Texarkana, Ark. Police Mobilizing for Memorial Day

Safety is always a top priority with Arkansas-side police and this Memorial Day Holiday weekend it will be a focus for the department.

The Texarkana Ark., Police will be out in full force over the Memorial Day weekend enforcing the traffic laws as needed to ensure the safety of the motoring public. The TAPD is encouraging people to take steps to ensure their Memorial holiday celebrations don’t end in tragedy.

Its DWI Traffic safety grant provides for additional patrol officers to work additional DWI patrols, the department said. While Memorial Day marks the beginning of summer for many people, statistics show this holiday weekend will conclude with too many traffic related preventable deaths and injuries.

The department wants to bring awareness to the risks on our roadways while encouraging drivers to take extra precautions this upcoming holiday weekend. Studies have shown that safety belts are 45 percent effective in preventing fatalities. It is estimated that 139 lives may be saved Memorial Day weekend because of people wearing their safety belts.

To ensure a safe Memorial Day celebration, the Texarkana, Ark., Police Department recommends buckling up every trip -- every time – even when traveling a short distance. Do not drink and drive as impairment begins with the first drink. If you do drink, designate a sober driver or take alternate transportation.

Be department advised keeping the following tips in mind before heading out the door:

• Designate a sober driver before the celebrations begin; plan a way to get home safely if      you’ve been drinking.

• If you are impaired, call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member.

• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the       wheel.

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may         save someone’s life and inaction could cost a life.

• Refrain from all cell phone use – both hands-free and handheld – behind the wheel.

• Place children in age-appropriate safety seats.

• Drive defensively and exercise caution, especially during bad weather.

The Texarkana, Ark. Police Department  wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and encourage you to drive to arrive safely at whatever your destination may be.

Its holiday DWI mobilization is funded through a combination of local, state and federal funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Highway Safety Office of the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department. Its local program began in 1991 in Texarkana, Ark., running continuously for 23 years.  The department says it has seen a dramatic drop in the blood alcohol rates since the original Arkansas Community Traffic Safety Project began.