State troopers plan local checkpoint for weekend

The Nebraska State Patrol will hold a driver enforcement activity on Highway 385 in Sidney starting at 11 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 15.

The intent of the enforcement is to increase driver awareness while establishing good driving habits, which in turn will make the highways safer for everyone. Nebraska State Patrol hopes drivers will become more aware of their driving habits, which in turn will make the highways safer for everyone.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Saturday is the most dangerous day of the week to drive. AAA indicates that the hours between midnight and 4 a.m. are the most dangerous times to be on the road. As the holidays near, state troopers feel that it's important to bring driver safety to everyone's attention.

"With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up," said Captain Mike Gaudreault, "people will be traveling with family and friends. We just want to encourage the public to be aware of the weather and road conditions and to also drive defensively."

State troopers wants to remind drivers to obey the posted speed limit, always wear their seat belt, never drive impaired, and to allow plenty of time to reach their destination. They are participating in the "Be Here for the Holidays" statewide campaign, where officers will be actively encouraging motorist to drive safe.

"We ask motorist to be cognizant of their driving behavior," Gaudreault said. "The intent of our involvement is to encourage voluntary compliance with the laws of the road and to make the highway safer for everyone. The strategy is to keep everyone safe and have them here for the holidays."

The state troopers stationed in Sidney will handle this weekend's enforcement. It will run from 11 p.m. Saturday until early Sunday morning.