Austin, Texas, February 9, 2026
In an effort to ensure road safety during Super Bowl LX, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has ramped up statewide patrols. Beginning early on February 8, troopers will focus on preventing impaired driving and speeding. This initiative, part of the national CARE effort, follows last year’s successful enforcement, which resulted in numerous citations and arrests. DPS is also providing safety tips to the public, emphasizing the importance of designated drivers and proper seat belt usage to enhance safety during the event.
Austin, Texas – Texas DPS Increases Enforcement for Super Bowl Weekend
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has intensified statewide patrols to ensure road safety during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. This initiative aims to prevent impaired driving, speeding, and other hazardous behaviors associated with the event.
Enhanced Enforcement Measures
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on February 8, DPS troopers increased their presence across Texas, focusing on drivers violating laws such as speeding, driving under the influence, and not wearing seat belts. This heightened enforcement is part of the nationwide Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE) initiative, which runs throughout Super Bowl Sunday.
Previous Enforcement Outcomes
In the previous year’s Super Bowl enforcement, DPS troopers issued over 1,300 citations and nearly 3,900 warnings. Additionally, they made 50 arrests for driving while intoxicated, 31 felony arrests, and 12 fugitive arrests statewide.
Safety Tips for Super Bowl Sunday
DPS advises the public to adhere to the following safety guidelines:
- Designate a Driver or Use Alternate Transportation: If consuming alcohol, arrange for a designated driver or alternative transportation to prevent impaired driving.
- Buckle Up: Ensure all passengers are wearing seat belts, as it is both a legal requirement and a critical safety measure.
- Move Over or Slow Down: When approaching vehicles with activated emergency lights, such as police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles, and tow trucks, reduce speed and, if possible, change lanes to provide a safe distance.
- Drive Cautiously: Adjust driving speed according to road conditions, including bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas, or construction zones.
- Eliminate Distractions: Avoid using mobile devices while driving. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write, or send electronic messages unless the vehicle is stopped.
- Clear the Roadway: If involved in a non-injury crash and the vehicle can be safely moved, clear the traffic lanes to prevent further incidents.
- Avoid Fatigue: Plan travel time to avoid driving while tired, ensuring alertness on the road.
Reporting Suspicious Activity
DPS encourages the public to report any suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas program. Tips can be submitted via the iWatchTexas website, the free iWatch iOS or Android mobile app, or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. In case of emergencies, always call 911.
By following these guidelines, Texans can contribute to a safer Super Bowl weekend for everyone on the road.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) doing for Super Bowl LX?
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has intensified statewide patrols to ensure road safety during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026. This initiative aims to prevent impaired driving, speeding, and other hazardous behaviors associated with the event.
When did the increased enforcement begin?
Beginning at 12:01 a.m. on February 8, DPS troopers increased their presence across Texas, focusing on drivers violating laws such as speeding, driving under the influence, and not wearing seat belts. This heightened enforcement is part of the nationwide Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort (CARE) initiative, which runs throughout Super Bowl Sunday.
What were the outcomes of last year’s Super Bowl enforcement?
In the previous year’s Super Bowl enforcement, DPS troopers issued over 1,300 citations and nearly 3,900 warnings. Additionally, they made 50 arrests for driving while intoxicated, 31 felony arrests, and 12 fugitive arrests statewide.
What safety tips does DPS recommend for Super Bowl Sunday?
DPS advises the public to adhere to the following safety guidelines:
- Designate a Driver or Use Alternate Transportation: If consuming alcohol, arrange for a designated driver or alternative transportation to prevent impaired driving.
- Buckle Up: Ensure all passengers are wearing seat belts, as it is both a legal requirement and a critical safety measure.
- Move Over or Slow Down: When approaching vehicles with activated emergency lights, such as police, fire, EMS, Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) vehicles, and tow trucks, reduce speed and, if possible, change lanes to provide a safe distance.
- Drive Cautiously: Adjust driving speed according to road conditions, including bad weather, heavy traffic, unfamiliar areas, or construction zones.
- Eliminate Distractions: Avoid using mobile devices while driving. Texas law prohibits the use of portable wireless devices to read, write, or send electronic messages unless the vehicle is stopped.
- Clear the Roadway: If involved in a non-injury crash and the vehicle can be safely moved, clear the traffic lanes to prevent further incidents.
- Avoid Fatigue: Plan travel time to avoid driving while tired, ensuring alertness on the road.
How can I report suspicious activity?
DPS encourages the public to report any suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas program. Tips can be submitted via the iWatchTexas website, the free iWatch iOS or Android mobile app, or by calling 844-643-2251. All reports are confidential. In case of emergencies, always call 911.
Key Features of the Post
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Increased Enforcement | DPS has intensified statewide patrols to ensure road safety during Super Bowl LX on February 8, 2026, focusing on preventing impaired driving, speeding, and other hazardous behaviors. |
| Previous Enforcement Outcomes | In the previous year’s Super Bowl enforcement, DPS troopers issued over 1,300 citations and nearly 3,900 warnings, made 50 arrests for driving while intoxicated, 31 felony arrests, and 12 fugitive arrests statewide. |
| Safety Tips | DPS advises the public to designate a driver or use alternate transportation if consuming alcohol, ensure all passengers are wearing seat belts, move over or slow down for vehicles with activated emergency lights, drive cautiously, eliminate distractions, clear the roadway if involved in a non-injury crash, and avoid fatigue. |
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