The Chadron Police Department will join law enforcement agencies nationwide April 8-12 to remind drivers about the dangers and consequences of texting and distracted driving.
This annual campaign is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) national U Drive. U Text. U Pay. high-visibility enforcement effort.
According to NHTSA, between 2012 and 2019, 26,004 people died in crashes involving a distracted driver. While fatalities from motor-vehicle crashes decreased slightly from 2018, distraction-related fatalities increased by 10%.
NHTSA also reported that the number of deaths linked to driver distraction was 3,142 nationwide, or almost 9% of all fatalities in 2019. This represents a 10% increase over the year 2018, or 284 more fatalities. The distraction figure was the largest increase in causes of traffic deaths reported for 2019.
Violating Nebraska’s distracted-driving laws can be costly - NE Statute(s) §60-6,179.01, Use of handheld wireless communication device; prohibited acts; enforcement; violation; penalty and §60-6,179.02, Operator of commercial motor vehicle; operator of certain passenger motor vehicle; operator of school bus; texting while driving prohibited; exception; use of handheld mobile telephone while driving prohibited; exception; violation; penalty.
First Offense: $200, Second Offense: $300, Third and Subsequent Offenses: $500 Fines assessed under NE Statue §60-4,182, Point system; offenses enumerated.
Drive Safe Every Trip
The Chadron Police Department and NHTSA urge drivers to put their phones away when behind the wheel. If you need to text, pull over and do not drive while doing so.
If you are the driver, follow these steps for a safe driving experience:
Texting while driving is dangerous and illegal. No text or post is worth ruining someone’s day — or taking a life. Remember: U Drive. U Text. U Pay.
If you have any questions regarding the use of handheld mobile devices, stop by the Chadron Police Department located at 125 Main Street, Chadron, NE or call (308) 432-0510