The Texas Department of Public Safety has designated the period from Wednesday, Dec. 24 through Sunday, Dec. 28 as the Christmas holiday period and has assigned all available troopers to work during this period.

During this holiday period highway patrol troopers will be assisted by commercial vehicle, and drivers license troopers. Special emphasis will be shown for hazardous violations such as speeding, following too closely, erratic lane changes and driving while intoxicated.

Last year and in 2006 over the Christmas holiday period in Victoria and surrounding counties. there were no fatal collisions worked by the highway patrol. In 2005 there were two fatal collisions in Victoria and surrounding counties

Colby Cutbirth, 18, was killed in a one-vehicle tree collision on County Road 123 in Jackson County. He was not wearing a safety belt.

Edgar Garay-Maldonago, 21, was killed in a one-vehicle tree collision on State Highway 202 at US 183 in Refugio. No seat belt was worn.

To make this a safe holiday for you and your family, the DPS is urging all motorists to buckle up, drive within the posted speed limits, do not follow too closely (try a 3 to 4 second following distance), and don’t drink and drive.

Remember to slow down in bad weather, in construction areas and in heavy traffic.

To report collisions and drunk drivers call 911 or DPS Communications at 361-698-5600.

For the Department of Public Safety Stranded/Disabled Motorist Help-line, phone: 1-800-525-5555.