If you're someone that has got the need for speed, may want to ease up on the gas pedal the next few weeks.

Operation Slow Down Begins July 19th

Every day since November 7, 2000 someone has died on a Texas road. Sadly, many of these deaths could have been avoided. The State of Texas has determined that 1/5 of crashes in our state, speed was the highest factor for the crash. Speeding typically happens when the weather is nicer in Texas. So law enforcement will be out more frequently the next few weeks once Operation Slow Down begins.

Operation Slow Down July 19-August 4th

Obviously law enforcement throughout our state are always looking for speeders, but the efforts really step up during Operation Slow Down. “We want to tell the traveling public that hey your local law enforcement agencies are going to be out there in full force. Our Department of Public Safety Troopers are going to be out in full force. To watch traffic, remind folks to slow down and make sure everyone is driving to conditions,” Traffic Safety Specialist for the Texas Department of Transportation, Tish Beaver said.

What is Considered Speeding in Texas?

Technically, anything over the posted speed limit is considered speeding, but the state of Texas does have stiffer penalties for how much over the speed limit you went. Typically a person is given a Class C misdemeanor for going up to over ten miles per hour over the posted speed limit. This can be upgraded to a Class B or A. Those are typically reserved for folks driving 25 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.

Be safe driving the next few weeks and be sure you watch that speed. Law enforcement will be out more often during Operation Slow Down.