The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety is literally hitting the road with their latest statewide education and awareness campaign to combat drunk driving.
A dozen large delivery service vehicles wrapped with truck-size impactful images, stress the need for citizens to report drunk drivers immediately by dialing 911 or *55 on their cell phone. The trucks are heading out on roadways traveling to nearly every county in Neb.
With increased awareness about reporting drunk drivers, the Neb. Office of Highway Safety expects that those who continue to drink and drive will be more conscientious about making the right choice not to get behind the wheel. Last year 1,822 alcohol related crashes occurred on Neb. roadways resulting in 1,185 injuries and 51 deaths and law enforcement officers arrested more than 12,000 motorists in 2011 on drunk driving charges.
Tougher driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws and enforcement efforts, an expansion of education and awareness campaigns, and higher conviction rates for DWI offenses, have all contributed to a reduction in alcohol related fatal crashes.
For the past two years, Neb. has recorded the lowest alcohol related death rates on record.
AAA says that even with the positive advancements Neb. has made towards getting drunk drivers off the road, education and awareness efforts must remain a priority. More than one-third of all fatal crashes are alcohol related and enforcement needs to remain a priority.
By taking this strong message on the road, more citizens will become actively engaged in doing their part to help keep our roadways safe.
