A third of traffic fatalities in Nebraska are alcohol or drug-related.
Fred Zwonechek, Nebraska Highway Safety Administrator, says many of these fatalities happen between early December and New Year’s.
Holiday celebrations coupled with bad weather and road conditions can be dangerous. Zwonechek says law enforcement will be out in full force over the holidays.
He says police departments, sheriff’s offices, and the Nebraska State Patrol will add about 9,000 hours of additional enforcement over and above their regular patrols during this period.
"During this particular time of year, road conditions can change. And when it gets wet, snowy, icy, sometimes, particularly on our state highways and the interstate, don’t use your cruise control. Make sure that everyone in every seated position in the vehicle is buckled up. And make sure that every driver is sober and alert.”
Zwonechek says law enforcement will be out this holiday season using sobriety check points, saturation patrols and following up with people who have reported suspected drunk drivers.
He says the penalties for driving under the influence are significant.