Cedar Park PD To Look For Thanksgiving Speeders, Impaired Drivers

CEDAR PARK, TX — Traffic may be sparse over the Thanksgiving holiday period given a pandemic that has prompted many to remain home, but officials said Cedar Park police officers will be out on the roads on the lookout for speeding violations, distracted drivers and impaired drivers.

"With lighter traffic on the roads, there may be a temptation to speed and a false sense of security that leads to drivers and passengers not wearing their seatbelts," the Cedar Park Police Department wrote in an advisory. "Please make sure you are driving the posted speed limit and wearing your seatbelt at all times."

Despite the potential for fewer cars on the road, police explained the holiday patrols: "Thanksgiving is ordinarily one of the most hectic travel periods of the year, and our officers are urging motorists to remain safety-minded as they travel throughout the state."

To that end, Cedar Park officers will be looking for drivers who are speeding, violating intersection and seat belt laws and driving distracted or impaired. The focused enforcement will take place from Wednesday through Sunday, according to police, as part of the city's goal to reduce traffic accidents during the holiday travels.

The Cedar Park Police Department urges drivers to:

• Plan ahead.
• Check for traffic updates prior to beginning a trip.
• Limit distractions and do NOT text and drive.
• Buckle up everyone in the vehicle – it’s the law.
• Obey speed limits.
• Don’t drive fatigued – allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
• Designate a sober driver or take advantage of the many safe ways to get home after consuming alcohol.

The police department ended their community missive with this sobering thought: "Even one empty seat at the table for Thanksgiving is too many."

Happy Thanksgiving, Cedar Park residents. Be safe.