SAN ANGELO, TX – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds football fans and anyone out on the roads to drive responsibly during this Super Bowl LX weekend. As the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots compete for the Lombardi Trophy on Feb. 8, DPS will be increasing enforcement efforts statewide to ensure everyone has a safe Super Bowl weekend.
“DPS is rooting for a great game — and safe roadways across Texas this Sunday,” said Texas Highway Patrol Chief Bryan Rippee. “With increased enforcement and a strong Trooper presence statewide, our focus is on preventing impaired driving, speeding and other dangerous behaviors so everyone can enjoy the game and then make it home safely.
DPS will increase patrols throughout the day on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 12:01 a.m. until midnight as part of the nationwide CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative. Troopers will be looking for drivers who violate the law, including those who are speeding, driving under the influence and people who are not wearing their seat belts.
During last year’s Super Bowl enforcement initiative, DPS Troopers issued more than 1,300 citations and nearly 3,900 warnings. Troopers arrested 50 people for driving while intoxicated and made 31 felony arrests and 12 fugitive arrests statewide.
DPS offers the following tips for Super Bowl Sunday:
- Don’t drink and drive. If you plan to have alcohol at a place other than your home, designate someone else to drive you or take alternate transportation.
- Buckle up everyone in the vehicle — it’s the law.
- Move Over or Slow Down for police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles and tow trucks stopped on the side of the road with emergency lights activated. Show the same courtesy to fellow drivers who are stopped.
- Slow down, especially in bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas or construction zones.
- Eliminate distractions while driving, including the use of mobile devices. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write or send an electronic message unless the vehicle is stopped. Also, if you’re using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so you can keep your eyes on the road.
- If you can Steer It, Clear It. If you’re involved in a non-injury crash and your vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes. On some highways, if you don’t move your vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
- Don’t drive fatigued — allow plenty of time to reach your destination.
DPS also reminds Texans about the iWatchTexas program, a critical resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community to help prevent dangerous attacks. It’s especially important to be vigilant as people gather for large events. Tips can be reported via the website, the free iWatch iOS or Android mobile app or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. For information on how to use iWatchTexas, you can view this how-to video.
Remember, iWatchTexas is not for emergencies. If there is an emergency, call 911 immediately.
Click here to view the Super Bowl PSAs.
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