Educational efforts to focus on teen drivers, seat belts

LINCOLN, Neb. – As part of its continuing effort to reduce the number of serious injury and fatality crashes on state roadways, the Nebraska State Patrol will begin a six-month long initiative focusing on teen drivers and seat belt usage.

Beginning this month and continuing through the end of June, the agency will provide educational programs utilizing its rollover simulators, seat belt convincers and driving simulator. The educational programs are made possible thanks in part to a $24,500 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.

According to the latest NOHS statistics, 71 perent of Nebraska’s teen drivers 19-years of age and younger involved in fatal crashes were not wearing seat belts.

“This effort provides our troopers an opportunity to connect with young drivers,” said Acting Superintendent, Lt. Col. Thomas Schwarten. “Through hands-on demonstrations we hope to gain voluntary compliance by raising awareness of the critical role seat belts play in saving lives.”

Those interested in scheduling a safety presentation should contact Mike Gaudreault at Troop E in Scottsbluff at (308) 632-1211.