AUSTIN, Texas — The Department of Public Safety (DPS) has a new initiative called "SafeDRIVE" underway on major roadways in Central Texas.
"We are going to be looking for any kind of unnecessary driving. We have aggressive driving, road rage, people that are speeding, so we hope to see more officers out on the road trying to keep people from doing those things," Sgt. Deon Cockrell said. "We are looking for compliance."
Central Texas has had some recent cases of road rage that have even turned deadly.
Just last month, Elgin police responded to an incident where two men who were driving got into an altercation. It resulted in one person being shot to death.
In the Austin area, Interstate 35 drivers have seen their fair share of aggressive driving, including Jordan Cornejo.
"A lot tailgating, a lot of cutting people off. A lot of road rage," Cornejo said. "I have seen a couple of people get out of their cars and start to spat a little bit."
Cornejo said he is glad DPS has this operation going on.
"If they can stop an aggressiveness, then anything will help," Cornejo said.
Cockrell said people can face some stiff penalties.
“If you do get stopped for driving aggressively or speeding, you may receive a citation," Cockrell said. "Something such as road rage, that could get you arrested and thrown in jail."
DPS said the operation will also make sure commercial vehicles are following the law.
“Commercial motor vehicles and drivers [need] to be aware of their speed throughout the highways that go through Austin and Central Texas," Cockrell said.
The initiative runs until Aug. 8.