The Nebraska State Patrol is kicking off its special enforcement for the holidays. Beginning Thursday, December 4, 2009 and continuing through January 2, 2010, troopers will participate in the “You Drink and Drive You Lose” campaign.
“The holidays often combine heavy traffic and inclement weather,” said Colonel Bryan Tuma, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Add alcohol to the mix and you’ve got a potentially deadly situation.”
Statistics from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety show alcohol was a factor in 61 of the 188 fatal crashes on Nebraska roads in 2008. Of the 208 people killed on our roadways, 67 highway deaths were alcohol related.
Overtime for the enforcement is being paid in part by a $27,000 grant from the NOHS.
Anyone witnessing an impaired or reckless driver are asked to utilize the NSP Highway Helpline when safe to do so, by dialing *55 from any cellular phone and 1-80-525-5555 from any landline.