HARLINGEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A number of Law Enforcement Agencies in the Rio Grande Valley are stepping up patrols as Spring break approaches at many school districts, colleges and universities.

Island police ready

Claudine O’Carroll, police chief of the South Padre Island Police Department, said it was her 25th year on patrol during spring break.

The department is meeting with state, local, and federal partners this week to see what availability will be from collaborating agencies.

Partners include Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Cameron County Sheriff’s Office, and Homeland Security, which helps with logistics such as radio operations and mobile command centers.

“We are all visible and in the area,” O’Carroll said. The chief said the department is also conducting spring break recruiting to hire jailers and other law enforcement officers for anyone on deck.

The sheriff’s office helps by including a sky tower that helps patrol night operations.

“As a mom, I am always concerned about the safety of the population and ensuring their well-being,” O’Carroll said. “The big part if she is preparing for something that is not expected. I never go on spring break thinking it’s going to be a chore.”

She said that over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of families attending the spring break holidays on the island.

In addition, according to the Pharr PD report, the Pharr Police Department will increase the number of patrols until March 19.

“To help us keep our roads safe, we ask the public to buckle up, obey speed limits, not drink and drive, and obey all other traffic rules,” the statement said.

Drunk driving dies in Texas

During the 2021 spring break, there were 874 drunk-related traffic accidents on Texas highways, according to the Texas Department of Transportation. Of these crashes, 31 were fatal and 107 were seriously injured.

In order to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads, the department has listed expensive alleged fees for driving while intoxicated.

Drunk driving penalties can lead to:

• Fine up to $2,000 and up to 180 days in jail
• Security deposit: up to $1,000
• Legal fees: up to $500
• Attorney’s fee: up to $9,400 on average.
• Trial period (12 months): up to 1200 USD.
• Alcohol training course: $70 to $200.
• Extended car insurance: $1,000.
• Vehicle impounding and towing fee: $200.
• Car storage fee (up to 5 days): $100.
• Ignition Interlock Device (12 months): $1,400
• Restitution amounts: not included

The McAllen Police Department, in partnership with TxDOT and other Hidalgo County law enforcement agencies, will be participating in a drive-in disability mobilization campaign through the Spring Break campaign, also running through the end of the week in Texas.

The goal of the campaign is to reduce the number of drunk drivers on the roads, as well as other traffic offenders.

TxDOT Campaigns for Sobriety

The Texas Department of Transportation is also launching the Drive Sober project across the state. No regrets. an outreach campaign at key spring break venues.

On Friday, March 17, St. Patrick’s Day, there will be a TxDOT stop at Clayton’s Beach Bar and Grill on South Padre Island.

The last time in Texas was a day when no one died in a traffic accident, November 7, 2000.

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