Nebraskans Deserve Safer Roads
It’s time for Nebraska to Pay Attention. It’s Time for Drivers to Go Hands-Free.
In 2024, Nebraska traffic fatalities reached their highest level since 2007, highlighting the urgent need for improved Nebraska traffic safety. Distracted driving is fueling a crisis on our roads, but we have the power to stop it.
Distracted driving has devastating consequences:
In 2024, there were 484 accidents involving cell-phone distractions, marking an increase of nearly 400 percent since 2020. Tragically, 5 Nebraskans lost their lives in 2024 due to accidents linked to cell-phone distractions. According to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, distracted driving is responsible for twice as many crashes as speeding.
A single fatal crash costs Nebraska an estimated $20,585,740 in medical expenses, lost productivity, and emergency services.
--------------------------------------------
Why Awareness Isn’t Enough
In Nebraska, officers cannot stop drivers solely for texting; they must first witness a driver engaged in another violation, such as speeding. Additionally, holding a phone to dial or use apps is technically legal and broadly unenforceable.
But there’s a better way.
Across America, dozens of states – including several of Nebraska’s neighbors – have adopted hands-free laws that empower officers to stop this dangerous behavior before a crash occurs. The positive impacts of these hands-free laws are evident.
For example, Iowa roads became much safer immediately after the passage of a hands-free law, with fatalities reaching their lowest level in 100 years. Colorado experienced a 19 percent decline in distracted driving crashes in the first five months after enacting its hands-free law. Ohio passed a hands-free law in 2023 and saw an 8 percent reduction in distracted driving in just the first month. Over the first five months post-enactment, this law prevented an estimated 2,200 crashes and saved 6 lives.
True hands-free legislation will enhance Nebraska traffic safety, protect law enforcement, and ensure the state’s economy can thrive.
------------------------------------------
You Can Make a Difference!
Commit to Distraction-Free Driving
Take the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Buckle Up, Phone Down pledge and make sure you drive distraction-free at all times.
In Loving Memory
Alex & Maliki Todd
Officer Ross Bartlett
Officer Ross Bartlett
This is the story of Alex, age 4, and Maliki, age 5, who tragically lost their lives when the car they were riding in was struck head-on by a distracted driver. Their mother, Nina Todd, was pinned in the front seat, helplessly watching her children die. This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of distracted driving, which is oft
This is the story of Alex, age 4, and Maliki, age 5, who tragically lost their lives when the car they were riding in was struck head-on by a distracted driver. Their mother, Nina Todd, was pinned in the front seat, helplessly watching her children die. This heartbreaking incident highlights the dangers of distracted driving, which is often exacerbated by the lack of strict hands-free laws. If the teen driver had been focused on the road instead of texting just before impact, this Nebraska traffic safety tragedy could have been completely preventable.
Officer Ross Bartlett
Officer Ross Bartlett
Officer Ross Bartlett
Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett tragically died in the line of duty in April 2024 after being struck during a traffic stop on Highway 77. He served as a cop, volunteer firefighter, EMT, and was a devoted dad. One distracted driver, using a phone while driving, changed everything. Now, his daughter, Tuffany, shares his story to raise
Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett tragically died in the line of duty in April 2024 after being struck during a traffic stop on Highway 77. He served as a cop, volunteer firefighter, EMT, and was a devoted dad. One distracted driver, using a phone while driving, changed everything. Now, his daughter, Tuffany, shares his story to raise awareness about Nebraska traffic safety and the importance of hands-free laws to help save others.
Join StopDistractions in Making a Difference
Tiffany Yant on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast
Her police father was tragically killed while on the job, highlighting the urgent need for better Nebraska traffic safety measures. This daughter’s voice embodies a family’s fight against distracted driving and advocates for the implementation of hands-free laws to protect others from similar tragedies.
Nina Todd
There are many ways to support StopDistractions's mission to combat distracted driving. You can make a donation, become a member, or volunteer your time to promote Nebraska traffic safety and advocate for hands-free laws. Every contribution makes a difference!
Alex & Maliki Todd
From education to healthcare, StopDistractions offers a variety of programs to support the community, focusing on issues like distracted driving and promoting hands-free laws to enhance Nebraska traffic safety. Learn more about our initiatives and how we make a positive impact.
Volunteer Opportunities
Join our team of volunteers and help make a difference in the lives of others while promoting Nebraska traffic safety. We have a variety of volunteer opportunities available that focus on raising awareness about distracted driving and supporting hands-free laws. Sign up today!
Our Impact
Discover how StopDistractions is making a significant impact in the community and improving the lives of those we serve by addressing issues like distracted driving. Our commitment to promoting hands-free laws plays a vital role in enhancing Nebraska traffic safety and creating lasting change.
Contact Us
Have a question about distracted driving or want to learn more about hands-free laws in Nebraska? We'd love to hear from you. Contact us today regarding Nebraska traffic safety, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.