Extra Patrols During The Independence Day Holiday

Killeen, TX (June 23, 2023): The Killeen Police Department will participate in a Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) over the Independence Day Holiday.

This Fourth of July, the department will have additional patrol officers whose primary focus will be to locate and arrest impaired drivers. During this time, there is a higher likelihood of impaired drivers on the roadways, causing an increased potential for alcohol-related crashes involving injuries or deaths The enforcement period will occur between Friday, June 23, 2023, and Sunday, July 9, 2023. During this time, the participating officers will concentrate their efforts on Driving While Intoxicated enforcement at times when impaired driving is most likely to occur.

The Department participates in the program by means of a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT).

• In 2021, 538 people died in motor vehicle crashes over the Fourth of July holiday period (6 p.m. July 2 – 5:59 a.m. July 6, 2021). Thirty-nine percent (212) of those fatalities occurred in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes.
• From 2017 to 2021, there were 1,460 drivers killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes over the 4th of July holiday period. Thirty-eight percent (552) of the drivers killed during those years were alcohol-impaired (with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher), and nearly half (44%) of the drivers killed aged 21-34 were drunk.

The Killeen Police Department and TxDOT encourage people to “Plan While You Can” to avoid the consequences of impaired driving. A person’s abilities, decision-making skills, and judgment can diminish while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Consider using a taxi or car service, a designated driver, or public transportation as an alternative to driving after drinking.

If you see a suspected drunk driver, and you (or a passenger) can do so safely, please call 9-1-1 with the information.

Ofelia Miramontez
Public Affairs
Killeen Police Department