APD makes more than 750 traffic stops during 'Operation Slow Down' initiative
AUSTIN (KXAN) — The Austin Police Department made 755 traffic stops between July 18 and August 3 as part of an initiative to reduce the number of serious and fatal crashes in the Austin area, according to APD.
APD partnered with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), as well as other surrounding agencies, "to bring attention to driving safely," per a news release from APD. "Operation Slow Down" included having additional officers deploy around Austin to make those traffic stops.
According to police, "speeding contributed to nearly 160,000 traffic crashes" in Texas in 2024, which resulted in 1,467 fatalities and 5,921 serious injuries.
In Austin, 62 traffic fatalities were reported as of Aug. 2, according to KXAN. In 2024, 103 fatalities were reported, which was up from 94 in 2023 but down from a record-high 122 in 2022.
"No one wants to get pulled over for speeding, but getting a ticket could be the best possible outcome if you drive too fast on Texas roads," the release said. "Speeding increases the distance you'll need to stop to avoid a crash and increases the risk that a crash will result in severe injuries or death."
As a way to drive smarter and safer, TxDOT provided the following tips to drivers:
- Match speed to road conditions.
- When traffic is heavy, the roads are slick or if there is road construction ahead, slow down and give yourself more distance to stop.
- Watch out for signs on the road to alert you of reduced speed limits
- Fines double if you speed in a school zone or in a work zone where workers are at.
- Driver and passengers should always buckle up, whether it's daytime or nighttime. "It's your best protection in a crash," according to TxDOT.
Christopher Adams contributed to this report.