EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding drivers and those traveling on the road to drive responsibly ahead of Super Bowl weekend.
DPS will increase enforcement efforts statewide to ensure everyone is safe during the game featuring the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 9, the department said in a news release.
According to DPS, troopers will increase patrols starting at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 9 until midnight as part of the nationwide CARE (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) initiative.
“Getting behind the wheel when you’re impaired is never OK,” DPS Col. Freeman F. Martin said. “So, as you plan to enjoy the game this weekend with family and friends, it’s important to include a safe and sober ride in those plans. Our troopers will be out on the roads making sure people are following the laws, so we need you to also step up and make a responsible decision so everyone gets home safely, it’s the only way we all win.”
DPS troopers will be looking for drivers who are violating the law, including those who are speeding, driving under the influence and people who are not wearing their seat belts, the department said.
DPS is 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.
- In December, Governor Greg Abbott released a “Move Over, Slow Down” PSA.
- 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’s licenses.
In addition, DPS is reminding Texans about the “iWatchTexas” program resource for reporting suspicious activity within the community to help prevent dangerous attacks.
Tips can be reported through the website, the free iWatch iOS or Andriod app or by calling (844) 643-2251. All reports are confidential and iWatchTexas is not for emergencies, DPS said.
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