The Texas Department of Public Safety reminded football fans, and anyone out on the roads, to drive responsibly during Super Bowl weekend.
DPS Troopers increased patrols throughout the day on Sunday until midnight as part of the nationwide CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative. Troopers looked for drivers who violated the law, including those who were speeding, driving under the influence and people who were not wearing their seat belts.
DPS offers the following tips for Super Bowl Sunday: - Don’t drink and drive. If anyone plans to have alcohol at a place other than home, designate someone else to drive 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 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 anyone is using a navigation device or app, have a passenger operate it so the driver can keep eyes on the road.
- If anyone can Steer It, Clear It. If someone is involved in a non-injury crash and a vehicle can be moved, clear the traffic lanes. On some highways, if an individual cannot move the vehicle when it’s safe to do so, it’s against the law.
- Don’t drive fatigued. Allow plenty of time to reach a destination.
Keep the Texas Roadside Assistance number stored in the 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 traveling. For road conditions and closures in Texas, visit Drive Texas.
Additionally, DPS reminds everyone that if someone witnesses suspicious behavior or activity, individuals are encouraged to report it to law enforcement using iWatchTexas.
A confidential report can be filed online, by calling 1-844-6432251 or through the iWatchTexas mobile app. The app is available on iTunes and Google Play.