More than 400 contacts have been made for hazardous driving during first month of pilot program
Jun. 20—Since Rockwall County Sheriff Terry Garrett announced in late May that his agency would team up with the Texas Department of Public Safety, as well as the Rockwall Police, Royse City Police, Rowlett Police, Fate DPS and Heath DPS to institute the hazardous driving enforcement program, the multi-agency effort has resulted in more than 400 contacts for hazardous violations throughout the county.
As the efforts continue, Garrett said the hope is that stepped-up visibility fosters increased awareness of safe driving habits, evident through a drop in contacts for hazardous driving violations. After the trial period concludes, the continued need for the HDE Program will be evaluated.
The program aims to reduce accidents, promote safe driving habits through increased enforcement, educational programs and build relationships with community members and local law enforcement.
Garrett said he feels through community partnerships, education and motorist compliance, "we can reduce hazardous traffic violations and provide the citizens of Rockwall with safer roadways to travel." He added that increased traffic in all parts of the county leads to more congestion, driver frustration and subsequently, hazardous driving behaviors.
According to a Rockwall County spokesman, law enforcement officers will continually actively patrol and monitor driver behaviors on public roadways to identify and address hazardous drivers. They will target speeding, tailgating, running red lights and stop signs, unsafe lane changes, reckless driving, distracted driving and driving while intoxicated.
According to data from Texas Peace Officer's Crash Reports provided by the RCSO, in 2022 there were 15,299 serious injury crashes in Texas — resulting in 18,880 people sustaining incapacitating injuries. Reportable crashes occurred in the state every 57 seconds with one person injured every two minutes and nine seconds.
