Texas state troopers will saturate highways Sunday as the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots face off in Super Bowl LX.
The Department of Public Safety announced the statewide enforcement blitz will run from midnight to midnight on February 8.
The crackdown comes as millions of Texans gather for watch parties, raising concerns about impaired drivers hitting the roads after the game ends.
“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.”
Last year’s Super Bowl enforcement netted sobering results. Troopers arrested 50 drunk drivers and made 31 felony arrests during the one-day operation.
Officers issued more than 1,300 citations and nearly 3,900 warnings. They also captured 12 fugitives across the state.
The enhanced patrols are part of the nationwide CARE initiative — Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort. Troopers will target speeders, drunk drivers, and unbuckled passengers throughout game day.
DPS urged fans to designate sober drivers before kickoff.
The agency also reminded motorists to slow down, wear seatbelts, move over for emergency vehicles, eliminate distractions while driving, and clear crash scenes safely when it is safe to do so.
Texas law prohibits texting while driving. Fatigued driving poses another risk as fans travel to and from parties.
The agency promoted its iWatchTexas program to encourage reporting of suspicious activity at large gatherings. Tips can be submitted through the website, mobile app, or by calling 844-643-2251.
For emergencies, officials stressed, call 911 immediately. DPS has prepared two Super Bowl PSAs, available here.