DPS aiming to keep drivers safe this holiday season

PHOENIX - The Department of Public Safety will be launching Operation Safe Passage, with the goal being to promote safe travel for the holiday.

DPS will conduct Operation Safe Passage on Wednesday, November 23, which is one of the busiest travel days of the year.

DPS is going to be doing what they call the “10 mile detail.” DPS will position officers every 10 miles along the four major interstates in the state, Interstates 8, 10, 17 and 40 in rural areas.

On the interstates that run through major metropolitan areas, officers will be stationed every two miles.

The goal of Operation Safe Passage is to make sure that DPS can respond to incidents on the highways quickly, while still maintaining a “zero tolerance” approach to hazardous moving violations, like speeding, following too closely, and unsafe lane changes.

During the Thanksgiving weekend last year, there were 12 fatal crashes, which resulted in 13 people being killed statewide. Of those, four were alcohol related crashes.

DPS wants to remind drivers to use their seatbelts and child restraint systems, make sure the driver gets plenty of rest before a trip, and that drivers stay sober during their travels.