DPS will have more troopers on the road this Labor Day, and they'll be focusing on spots where accidents and speeding have been a problem in the past.
Labor Day weekend is a busy travel time, and DPS wants to keep the freeways injury free. Statistics show that the three biggest factors in deadly car crashes are: driver impairment, people not wearing seat belts and speeding.
Troopers want you to know they'll be on patrol not only to stop people from breaking the law, but also to help you quickly if your car breaks down or you have any other roadside problems.
"We're also out there to help stranded motorists, so if you do break down, get off the road to the side as far as you can, call 911 and then we can send an officer to get you help," said DPS trooper Quentin Mehr.
DPS wants to remind you of the Move Over Law as well, so if you see someone stranded on the side of the road, move as many lanes away from them as you can.
"It's not just for law enforcement," explained Mehr. "It's not just for road workers, it's for everybody who is pulled over on the side of the road. If you're broken down and have your lights flashing, people should move over to the left and give you room."
Here are some quick tips from DPS to keep you and your family safe:
- Slow down
- Take breaks when you're tired
- Let your passengers handle your electronics
- Stock your car with water and supplies in case you get stuck
The name of the game: be cautious and be prepared. The Governor's Office of Highway Safety will also have multiple DUI patrols across all our freeways in these spots:
DUI Saturation Patrols:
Metro East Valley Sept. 2-5
{East Valley DUI Task Force}
1900-0300 hours
Occupant Protection Details:
Holbrook/Sanders Sept. 2-5
Payson Sept. 2-5
Distracted/Hazardous Driving Details:
Winslow Sept. 2-5
Tucson Sept. 5
I-10/SR-70 (MP 352) Sept. 5
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Details:
I-17/I-10/I-40 Sept. 2 and Sept. 5
Tucson Sept. 5
