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.
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 with cell-phone distractions, an increase of nearly 400 percent since 2020.
- 5 Nebraskans were killed in 2024 in accidents with 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.
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Why Awareness Isn’t Enough
In Nebraska, officers cannot stop drivers solely for texting. They must first witness a driver engaged in another violation, like speeding. Plus, 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 allow officers to stop this dangerous behavior before a crash happens. And the positive impacts are real.
- Iowa roads got much safer immediately after passage of a hands-free law, with fatalities at their lowest level in 100 years.
- Colorado saw its rate of distracted driving crashes decline by 19 percent in the first five months after passing a 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 after enactment, the law prevented an estimated 2,200 crashes and saved 6 lives.
True hands-free legislation will make Nebraska safer, protect law enforcement, and ensure the state’s economy can thrive.
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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 were killed when the car they were riding in was hit head on by a distracted driver. Their mother, Nina Todd, sat pinned in the front seat as she watched her children die. This tragedy was completely preventable if the teen driver had been paying attention to her driving and not texting just before impact.
Officer Ross Bartlett
Officer Ross Bartlett
Officer Ross Bartlett
Ceresco Police Officer Ross Bartlett died in the line of duty in April 2024 after he was struck during a traffic stop on Highway 77.
He was a cop, volunteer firefighter and EMT - and a dad. One man using his phone while driving changed everything. His duaghter, Tuffany now shares his story in hopes to save others.
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Tiffany Yant on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast
Her Police Father Was Killed While On The Job: A Daughter’s Voice, A Family’s Fight, and a Mission to Help Others
Nina Todd
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Alex & Maliki Todd
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