TEXAS — Drivers traveling through Wharton County and across Texas can expect an increased Texas Department of Public Safety presence on the roads this Labor Day weekend.
DPS announced additional Texas Highway Patrol troopers will be working Sept. 4 through Sept. 7 as part of the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, or Operation CARE.
Troopers will be looking for drivers who are speeding, driving while intoxicated, not wearing seat belts, violating the state’s Move Over or Slow Down law and committing other traffic violations.
Increased Patrols Coming Labor Day Weekend
The increased enforcement will take place statewide, including highways throughout Wharton County.
Major routes through the county include US 59/I-69, US 90A, State Highway 60 and State Highway 71, along with numerous Farm-to-Market roads connecting communities across the county.
DPS has not announced specific patrol locations in Wharton County.
Troopers Targeting Speeding, DWI and Other Violations
Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee said Labor Day weekend traditionally brings more Texans onto the road as people travel to celebrate the holiday.
“As Labor Day weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, we know many Texans will be hitting the road to celebrate with family and friends,” Rippee said in the DPS release.
DPS is asking motorists to slow down, avoid distractions, drive sober and make sure everyone in their vehicle is properly restrained.
Troopers will also be watching for drivers who fail to move over or slow down when approaching certain vehicles stopped along the roadway with emergency lights activated.
DPS reported more than 13,215 Move Over or Slow Down violations so far in 2026.
More Than 63,000 Citations and Warnings Last Year
During the 2025 Labor Day enforcement campaign, DPS troopers issued more than 63,015 citations and warnings across Texas.
That included 5,233 for speeding, 1,594 for no insurance and more than 346 seat belt or child-restraint violations.
Troopers also made 211 DWI arrests and 250 arrests on other felony charges during the enforcement period.
DPS Reminds Drivers to Stay Safe
DPS is encouraging motorists to buckle up, avoid drinking and driving, eliminate cellphone distractions and use the left lane for passing only.
Drivers are also urged to use additional caution around large trucks and avoid cutting closely in front of them or braking suddenly, as commercial vehicles require additional distance to stop.
DPS also reminded motorists about the state’s “Steer It, Clear It” guidance. If a driver is involved in a non-injury crash and the vehicle can safely be moved, it should be moved out of the travel lanes to help prevent congestion and secondary crashes.
The increased Operation CARE enforcement runs Sept. 4-7 across Texas.
Source: Texas Department of Public Safety, Headquarters Press Release HQ 2026-98.
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