April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the Nebraska State Patrol will be emphasizing the dangers of distracted driving. The U Drive. U Text. U Pay. initiative is a nationwide effort organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
From now through April 10, troopers will be joining officers, deputies, and dispatchers working overtime to patrol Nebraska’s roadways for dangerous driving.
Patrol spokesman Cody Thomas says the primary goal when they pull someone over is to educate them about keeping their focus on the road. “Whether it’s speeding or any other traffic violation that’s a primary offense, they can use this as the opportunity to educate that driver about distracted driving and sharing that message.”
Thomas says troopers will also be visiting schools across the state during the month. “They’ll talk to young drivers and even kids who are not yet to driving age about the specifics of distracted driving and the dangers that come with it.” They will also be giving safety demonstrations.
The Nebraska Department of Transportation has a number of resources available to educate young drivers on the dangers of distracted driving. To learn more, click here.