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NSP Educational Efforts Focus on Teen Drivers

The Nebraska State Patrol recently received a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.

Trooper James Estwick says the grant money will help the NSP continue with its efforts to educate teen drivers about the dangers of not wearing their seatbelts. 

Estwick says the Nebraska State Patrol has several programs implemented not just in Omaha but also around the state. 

He says the NSP has a seat belt convincer that they takes to high school football games on Friday nights to  emphasize the importance of seat belt safety.

"The Seat Belt Convincer is a machine we have that simulates a crash at 5-7 miles per hour. They buckle up in a seat. It’s on a sled and it slides down and hits a bumper at the end.  It kind of gives them the reality of a parking lot crash (that’s what we call it). But it gives them quite a jolt at the end.  And add to that the fact that we don’t know anyone that drives 5-7 miles per hour on the road so that’s why it’s really important to wear your safety belt.”

Estwick says it’s important to make sure all occupants in the car are wearing safety belts. 

He says the Nebraska State Patrol also has a rollover machine they take to high schools and community events that simulates a rollover at 40 miles per hour. 

Estwick says the machine clearly demonstrates that if you’re not wearing your seatbelt and you are in a rollover, you will either be partially or fully ejected from your vehicle.

According to the Nebraska Strategic Highway Safety Plan, teen drivers between the ages of 16 and 20 represent the highest number of unbelted fatalities.