AUSTIN (AP) — Texas troopers will be out in force on Friday at the start of spring break as part of an increased effort against drunken driving.

The Department of Public Safety says enhanced patrols through March 17 to target intoxicated drivers are funded by a Texas Department of Transportation grant.

Troopers during last year’s spring break enforcement period made more than 1,000 DWI arrests. Troopers issued more than 9,400 speeding tickets, about 1,500 seat belt/child safety seat tickets and about 12,500 other citations. Troopers also made 545 fugitive arrests and 402 felony arrests during patrols.

DPS in past years has raised safety concerns about drug-related violence in Mexico and again urged students on spring break to avoid traveling south of the border.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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