The arrival of the Thanksgiving-Christmas-New Year's Holiday Season means an increase in law officers on streets and highways.
In one program, the Nebraska State Patrol teams with the Iowa State Patrol to keep drivers safe on both sides of the Missouri River with simultaneous patrol operations in a campaign that runs now through Sunday.
“Nebraska State Troopers work tirelessly to keep roads safe, but the effort doesn’t stop at the Nebraska border,” said Captain Dain Hicks, Commander of Troop B, which includes northeast Nebraska. “Our partnership with the Iowa State Patrol is designed to maintain safe roads for all motorists traveling in the area this Thanksgiving.”
“The Iowa State Patrol is dedicated to reducing fatal and serious crashes by focusing our attention on the most common factors; excessive speed, impaired drivers, distracted driving, and seatbelt use,” said Lieutenant Mindy L. Coe, Iowa State Patrol - District 5. “As we team together, it is our hope that travelers will keep these factors in mind this Holiday Season and arrive at their destinations safely.”
The campaign will include increased patrols for both agencies on major stretches, such as I-80 and Highways 20, 30 and 275 in Nebraska and I-29 along with Highways 20 and 75 in Iowa.
All motorists are urged to follow traffic safety laws during their travel, including following posted speed limits, avoiding distracted or impaired driving, and always wearing a seat belt.
Motorists in either state can dial *55 or 800-525-5555 to reach the State Patrol Helpline for their respective state.