Texas Drivers May Appreciate Being Pulled Over By the Cops

By Linda Orlando

The Travis County Sheriff’s Department announced a collaboration with the Round Rock Express minor-league baseball team to reward good drivers in the county. The team and law enforcement officials are promoting a "Drivers Safety Week" initiative that will take place between March 7 and March 12. During that time, deputies will pull over some motorists just like they do during routine traffic stops for minor driving infractions. Only 200 of the drivers they pull over won’t be given traffic tickets, they’ll be given tickets to an Express baseball game.

The Express has given the Travis County Sheriff’s Department about 200 tickets, to be distributed by 20 deputies. The tickets are to 2006 home games at the Dell Diamond. According to a statement released by team officials, the tickets are intended to be incentives to motorists to drive safely and observe traffic rules.

The program was introduced on a trial basis last year and is being expanded this year to having its own dedicated traffic safety week. When a deputy observes a driver who is particularly safe and courteous in obeying the rules of the road, the individual will be stopped and presented with a "Be Our Guest" card good for two tickets to any Round Rock Express home game of their choosing.

Sheriff Greg Hamilton acknowledged that some drivers will probably be upset at first by being pulled over, but once they learn why, he believes they will be happy. "It is important that we patrol and enforce the traffic laws of the State of Texas, but it is equally important that we recognize the safe drivers of our community," Hamilton said. "That is why we are pleased that the Round Rock Express team has agreed to team up with us for this event."