LINCOLN – Family, friends, and feasts are on tap this Thanksgiving. The Nebraska State Patrol reminds all travelers that safe driving is part of the recipe for a great holiday weekend.
Troopers and dispatchers will be working overtime throughout Thanksgiving weekend to help keep holiday travelers safe across the state. The Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time campaign runs from Wednesday through Sunday.
“Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “With more vehicles on the road, making safe driving your priority is critical for all to reach their Thanksgiving destination.”
The Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office (HSO) reports that Nebraska has one of the lowest seatbelt usage rates in the country. HSO reports that Nebraska had an observed seatbelt usage rate of 76% in 2022, the lowest rate in the last ten years. That compares to the national rate of 92%.
NSP also reminds motorists to never drive impaired. Impaired-driving crashes claimed over 800 lives nationally during Thanksgiving weekend from 2017 to 2021, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Our troopers and dispatchers will be on patrol across Nebraska and ready to take your call if you need help on the roads,” said Colonel Bolduc. “Watch your speed, avoid distractions, always drive sober, and wear your seatbelt. And if you need a roadway assist, call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55.”
NSP’s portion of the Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time campaign is made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the NDOT-HSO.