CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — The Corpus Christi Police Department said that this year's Christmas seemed a little quieter than last year, but we're only just approaching new years.
While police and the Department of Public Safety reported a quiet Christmas, that doesn't mean nothing happened. While some shots fired calls turned out to be nothing in the city, troopers still had accidents to check out.
"In the Coastal Bend area we saw 17 crashes over the holiday weekend. Thankfully all were minor to non-severe injuries involved mainly a lot of single vehicle crashes," said DPS Sgt. Rob Mallory.
CCPD Lt. Michael Pena said his department did see busier streets due to holiday shopping.
"We did have a lot more traffic. Obviously in the shopping mall areas, you know, Moore Plaza, the mall, even the Saratoga and Staples area. And we had officers out there patrolling those areas specifically to help keep an eye on everything," he said.
Both DPS and CCPD said there were no deaths on the highways this Christmas and it seems like people heed the advice given each year to be safe on the roads.
"Thankfully we weren't knocking on doors having to notify family members during the holidays that they're loved one would not be celebrating the holiday with them," Mallory said.
Pena said that since we are past Christmas, the most dangerous season is still ahead of us.
"You've got the New Year coming up here soon so we will have some additional officers out there. Their main focus will be for driving while intoxicated, looking for those DWI drivers," Pena said. "We want everybody to have a fun and safe time so we highly recommend getting the designated driver."
Mallory said that being aware of your surroundings also plays a vital part to being safe on the roads.
"A lot of people are on vacation. We have a lot of things to be looking forward to. A time with family. Football playoff games. Celebrating the New Year," Mallory said. "So we just encourage everybody to have a plan if they're going to go to a holiday party or a viewing party and decide to consume alcohol. Have a plan on how you're going to get home. A designated driver. That's not the person who drinks the least. That's the person that stays sober."
DPS reminds residents that a DUI charge can cost $15-20,000 in legal costs another good reason to play it safe this New Year's weekend.
More from 3News on KIIITV.com:
- Human remains found in Rockport believed to be missing Fulton man
- Ingleside's record-breaking star JC Smith officially signs with UNT
- Lomax Street closure disrupts nearby businesses as holiday shopping enters final push
- Blessing held at Catholic Charities as annual food basket giveaway began Tuesday
- Candy Cane Lane: What you don't see after the crowds leave
- Managing expectations key to surviving stress as Christmas countdown begins
Subscribe to our YouTube channel for your daily news and exclusive extended interviews.
Do you have a news tip? Tell 3!
Email tell3@kiiitv.com so we can get in touch with you about your story should we have questions or need more information. We realize some stories are sensitive in nature. Let us know if you'd like to remain anonymous.