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DPS to increase patrols for Super Bowl Sunday

By FOX 7 Austin Digital Team
Published  February 10, 2023 1:47pm CST
Super Bowl
FOX 7 Austin

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety is reminding football fans and anyone out on the roads this Super Bowl Sunday to drive responsibly and make safety "their number one game plan."

DPS troopers will be increasing patrols throughout the day on Sunday, Feb. 12, from 12:01 a.m. until midnight as part of the nationwide CARE 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.

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DPS is also offering 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.
  • Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in your phone. Dial 1-800-525-5555 for any type of roadside assistance. The number can also be found on the back of Texas driver licenses.
  • Monitor weather and road conditions wherever you are traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.

Additionally, DPS says if you witness suspicious behavior or activity, you’re encouraged to report it to law enforcement using iWatchTexas. A confidential report can be filed online, by calling 1-844-643-2251 or through the iWatchTexas mobile app.

DPS says iWatchTexas is not for emergencies, so if a situation requires an emergency response, Texans should call 911 immediately.