Latest news with #FreemanF.Martin
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Yahoo
DPS teams with state agencies to enforce Move Over law
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Texas Department of Public Safety is joining multiple state law enforcement agencies in a 'joint one-day enhanced enforcement operation' happening Wednesday. Texas DPS joined Arkansas State Police, Louisiana State Police, New Mexico State Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol in the collaborative effort. The operation will focus 'on drivers violating their respective state's Move Over, Slow Down laws,' DPS said in a news release. The operation will happen from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, according to DPS. According to the agency, Texas DPS has reported 142 crashes involving 'stationary DPS patrol vehicles,' which have resulted in 46 trooper injuries and two trooper deaths. 'DPS is proud to join with our neighbors to raise awareness of the importance of Move Over, Slow Down laws in our respective states,' said Texas DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. 'Too many law enforcement officers and first responders have lost their lives simply doing their jobs along the side of the road. This multi-state operation is about saving lives—ours and yours. If you see flashing lights, do what's right: move over or slow down.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Texas DPS to team with other states to target ‘Move Over, Slow Down' violators
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is partnering with regional law-enforcement counterparts to crack down on drivers who don't observe 'Move Over, Slow Down' laws. DPS will partner with Arkansas State Police, Louisiana State Police, New Mexico State Police and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to conduct a joint one-day enhanced enforcement operation this week. The effort will take place from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, DPS said. 'DPS is proud to join with our neighbors to raise awareness of the importance of 'Move Over, Slow Down' laws in our respective states,' Texas DPS Col. Freeman F. Martin said. 'Too many law-enforcement officers and first responders have lost their lives simply doing their jobs along the side of the road. This multi-state operation is about saving lives — ours and yours. If you see flashing lights, do what's right: move over or slow down.' Since Nov. 1, 2017, Texas DPS has had 142 crashes involving stationary DPS patrol vehicles, resulting in 46 trooper injuries and two trooper deaths, the agency said. Texas' 'Move Over or Slow Down' law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down when approaching a vehicle with emergency lights activated, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), tow trucks and other vehicles. Specifically, Texas drivers must either vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road or slow down 20 mph below the posted speed limit. Remember: you should only move over if you can do so safely and legally. If you cannot move over, slow down. Violators face up to a $1,250 fine for the first offense. Violators who cause bodily injury can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, resulting in possible jail time and up to a $4,000 fine. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
DPS steps up enforcement for annual distracted driving campaign
Apr. 4—AUSTIN — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will increase patrols beginning this weekend to ensure drivers stay focused and avoid distractions while driving. April 7 through April 14, the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will conduct its annual Distracted Driving traffic enforcement campaign — looking for drivers who are texting, failing to Move Over or Slow down or otherwise distracted behind the wheel. "We've seen an alarming rise in incidents where our Troopers are being struck while working roadside — often due to distracted driving," DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin said in a news release. "Distracted driving is not just dangerous, it's deadly. For the safety of all Texans, we urge every driver to stay alert, put the phone down, and give the road your full attention." THP will increase enforcement as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), which runs nationwide from April 7 through April 14. Last year, during DPS' 2024 Distracted Driving enforcement efforts, there were more than 67,441 citations and warnings issued. This included over 4,815 speeding violations; 303 seat belt and child seat violations; 1,630 violations for driving without insurance; and 345 felony and fugitive arrests. To comply with Move Over or Slow Down, Texas law states that a driver must either: — Vacate the lane closest to the applicable vehicles stopped on the side of the road (if the road has multiple lanes traveling in the same direction) or — Slow down to 20 mph below the speed limit. (If the speed limit is below 25 mph, the driver must slow down to 5 mph) Violations of the law result in a misdemeanor that is punishable by a fine of up to $1,250. Subsequent offences can increase fines, and if the offence results in bodily injury, the penalty can be up to a state jail felony. DPS offers the following safety tips: — Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you're using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road. — Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2025, there have been more than 3,184 Move Over, Slow Down violations. View Governor Greg Abbott's Move Over or Slow Down PSA here. — Don't drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you consume alcohol. — Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it's the law. — Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones. — Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges. — Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency. — Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas. Remember to keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. You can always dial 1-800-525-5555 for any assistance when you're traveling. That number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License.
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Yahoo
Lubbock man arrested after making school shooting threats online
Mar. 20—AUSTIN — The man responsible for a series of online school shooting threats is behind bars thanks to a report submitted to the Texas Department of Public Safety's (DPS) iWatchTexas program. Stephen Patrick Furr, 29, was arrested and charged by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Lubbock on Feb. 3, a DPS news release said. "This is exactly what the iWatchTexas program was designed to do: help Texans quickly alert law enforcement of mass attacks or targeted violence," DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin said in the release. "By reporting something suspicious, lives were saved. It's an important reminder of the role we all play in protecting each other by remaining vigilant and speaking up if we see something strange or suspicious." According to the release, in the early morning hours of Feb. 3, the Texas Fusion Center (TXFC) received an iWatchTexas report from a community member indicating school shooting threats posted by another user on social media. Posts by this user included musings about a possible future school shooting then escalated to statements that the user had a gun and intended to carry out the shooting. Upon receiving the information, TXFC immediately began investigating the threats and quickly identified the user as Furr. Hours later, he was arrested and charged via federal criminal complaint with interstate threatening communications. More information about this case can be found on the U.S. Attorney's Office — Northern District of Texas website, here. Texas Fusion Center Serving as the state repository for homeland security information and incident reports, the TXFC is a 24/7 team comprised of multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies working together to provide real-time intelligence and data on suspicious activities and threats to the public. iWatchTexas Program The iWatchTexas program allows Texans to report any suspicious activities or behaviors that may indicate criminal, terroristic or school safety-related threats. Last year, the program received a record number of school safety-related reports in September 2024 — more than double previous years. During that month, the program recorded a total of 204 school safety-related reports, with a majority involving concerning behaviors such as threats or the possibility of planned attacks centered around school campuses. The public can report those behaviors via the mobile app, online at or by calling 1-844-643-2251. A report usually takes less than five minutes, and once submitted, each report is reviewed by law enforcement analysts. All reports are confidential (providing contact information, which is optional, will allow for follow-up questions). Oftentimes, preparations for crimes, terrorist attacks and threats to school safety may be seen by someone but not reported. When in doubt, DPS encourages everyone to speak up. Here are some examples of behaviors and activities to report: — Comments made regarding killing or harming someone. — Strangers asking questions about building security features and procedures. — A social media post about a possible school attack. — People requesting sensitive information, such as blueprints, security plans or VIP travel schedules, without a need to know. — Purchasing supplies that could be used to make bombs or weapons or purchasing uniforms without having the proper credentials. — Taking photographs or videos of security features, such as cameras or checkpoints. The iWatchTexas app is available for free on iPhone and Android. Texans are urged to download the app now. Note: The iWatchTexas program is not designed to report emergencies. If a situation requires an emergency response, call 911.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
Texas DPS to increase enforcement for spring break, St. Patrick's Day
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) will increase patrols on roads to ensure motorists drive responsibly this spring break and on St. Patrick's Day, the department announced. DPS said that from March 8-17, the Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will conduct its annual spring break and St. Patrick's Day traffic enforcement campaign — looking for people who are speeding, not wearing their seat belts, drunk driving or committing other traffic violations. 'Spring break brings more travelers to Texas and making sure our roads are safe has to be a top priority,' Col. Freeman F. Martin said. 'Whether you're heading to the beach, lake or anywhere in between, make smart choices — don't drink and drive, buckle up and stay off your phone when you're behind the wheel. Let's work together so that we can all have a safe and enjoyable spring break.' THP will increase enforcement as part of Operation CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort), which runs nationwide from March 8-17, DPS said. DPS said that last year, during the department's 2024 spring break and St. Patrick's Day enforcement efforts, there were 52,793 citations and warnings issued. This included over 16,360 speeding violations; 1,277 seat belt and child seat violations; 2,149 violations for driving without insurance; and 463 felony and fugitive arrests. DPS is offering the following safety tips: Don't drink and drive. Make alternate plans if you are consuming alcohol. Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. If you're using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road. Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped on the side of the road. So far in 2025, there have been more than 2,194 'Move Over, Slow Down' violations. Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it's the law. Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones. Drive defensively, as holiday travel can present additional challenges. On multi-lane roads, use the left lane for passing only. Not only is it courteous driving and avoids impeding traffic, Texas law requires slower traffic to keep to the right and to use the left lane for passing only (when posted). Don't cut in front of large trucks and try not to brake quickly in front of them. They can't maneuver as easily as passenger vehicles and pickup trucks. If you can Steer It, Clear It: If you are involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes to minimize traffic impact. Leaving vehicles in a traffic lane increases traffic congestion and leaves those involved with an increased risk of harm or a secondary wreck. On some highways, if you don't move your vehicle when it's safe to do so, it's against the law. Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of assistance. The number can also be found on the back of a Texas Driver License. Check your vehicle to make sure it is properly maintained and always ensure your cargo is secure. Report road hazards or anything suspicious to the nearest law enforcement agency. Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas. DPS is also reminding Texans about the iWatchTexas program, 'a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community to help prevent dangerous attacks.' Tips can be reported via the website, the free iWatch iOS or Android mobile app, or by calling 844-643-2251. DPS said all reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can view this how-to video. In addition, iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately, DPS added. Additionally, DPS reminds the public to be vigilant and remain on the lookout for any signs of possible human trafficking. With an increase in people on the road and in airports, there is an increased opportunity for the community to spot potential human trafficking activities and report them to law enforcement, DPS said. DPS said to be observant of others around you and take note of the following indicators of human trafficking: A person appears to be under the control of another person either physically (someone else controls the person's possessions, i.e., ID, money, phone) or psychologically (little to no eye contact, unable to speak for themselves, or unable to make simple decisions without approval). A person has little to no awareness of their surroundings including where they are or where they are headed. A person has untreated illness or infection, visible injuries, and appears malnourished or sleep deprived. A person's clothing is inappropriate for the weather or environment or is dressed in a manner that does not appear age-appropriate or makes them appear older. A person is being transported to and from work by their employer. A person lives where they work or works excessively long or unusual hours. A person's workplace has security measures that are unusual or excessive for the type of business (i.e., boarded or opaque windows, excessive security cameras). DPS said the presence of an indicator does not confirm an occurrence of human trafficking; however, the combination and context of indicators may indicate human trafficking pending law enforcement investigation, and you are encouraged to report it. 'If you see signs of human trafficking, call 911 immediately to report it and be ready to give as many details as possible. You can also make a report on iWatchTexas or by contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 'BeFree' to 233733,' DPS said. 'Remember, do not endanger yourself or others by intervening or confronting someone you suspect of engaging in human trafficking if it is not safe to do so,' DPS added. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
