Veterans Day is Monday, November 11th and I would like to encourage my constituents to attend a local Veterans Day event and thank a veteran. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those veterans in District 17 for their service to the United States. I appreciate all you have done to keep the United States free.

On October 30th, Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) joined other Departments of Transportation across the country to celebrate Buckle Up Phone Down Day. Governor Pillen marked the occasion with a proclamation claiming October 30, 2024 as Buckle Up Phone Down Day.

“With the alarming trends of increased roadway fatalities and distracted driving crashes, we must take steps to protect everyone on the roadways,” stated Governor Pillen. “Making the choice every time you get behind the wheel to buckle up and put the phone down increases safety and sets an example for our children–Nebraska’s future drivers.”
As a state, Nebraska ranks 49th nationally in seat belt usage. According to data, the Nebraska Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident Report, there were 227 fatalities resulting from car crashes in 2023 with 74 percent of those fatalities unbuckled. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that wearing a seat belt can increase a person’s chance of surviving a crash by 45 percent.

Beyond the risk of low seat belt usage, distracted driving continues to rise at an alarming rate. NDOT’s Highway Safety Office shows in the past three years, distracted driving crashes increased by 10 percent. In 2023, Nebraska teen drivers were involved in 22 percent of all distracted driving crashes.

“NDOT’s top priority is safety. It’s engineered and built into every one of our projects. But we can’t control driver behavior and we can’t out-engineer this problem. It’s crucial to buckle up and minimize distractions,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “We care deeply about educating drivers who will be navigating our roads, now and in the future. Making the responsible choice and prioritizing safety by wearing your seat belt and avoiding phone use not only secures your future but also that of your vehicle’s passengers, and everyone you pass on the road.”

Nebraska takes pride in its own Buckle Up Phone Down initiative. The campaign focuses on youth education and the importance of responsible driving. NDOT is looking to grow their partnerships with schools and educational stakeholders like the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). The partnership with NSAA positions NDOT representatives to engage with and educate youth and parents about good driving habits at NSAA Championship series.

Since Governor Pillen’s administration took office, transformative progress has been made to improve the safety and efficiency of Nebraska’s transportation system; creating innovative practices that support responsible investment and protect our travelers.

To date, highlights include:

• Enhanced Safety Practices: implementation of education initiatives like Buckle Up Phone Down and Child Seat Safety Checks to help protect the next generation of Nebraska drivers.
• Innovative Safety Measures: Implementation of the Cable Median Barrier along Interstate 80, which significantly lowers the chance of a fatal or serious injury from a crossover crash and the start of the six-lane Interstate 80 expansion to Pleasant Dale which will lower traffic congestion and spur economic growth.
• Increased Efficiency: Creation of an alternative delivery and innovative finance office to increase the efficiency of project delivery.
• Signed into law LB1335, a proposal by NDOT and Nebraska Game and Parks to balance NDOT’s goal of environmental stewardship with its mission of project delivery. A step forward in balancing growth with preservation and contributing to sustainable and responsible economic development.
• Support to Nebraska Communities: Launch of the state’s first intergovernmental grants office, the Nebraska Infrastructure Hub. Designed to empower public agencies confidently compete for and navigate the federal discretionary grant process. By centralizing decision-making, promoting transparency, and fostering collaboration, the Hub will move forward critical infrastructure projects, boosting transportation systems and driving sustainable economic improvements across Nebraska.

By improving these systems, NDOT not only enhances connectivity and unifies communities but lays the groundwork for a sustainable future where infrastructure aligns with the broader vision of ongoing, effective service from the State down to the local level. (Campana, J. Press Release. “Nebraska Celebrates Oct. 30 As Buckle Up Phone Down Day”. 30 October, 2024. https://shorturl.at/iXI79)

With harvest finishing up and farming equipment traveling our roads, I would encourage you to make sure you are being alert as you drive the roads in our area. Many accidents have occurred over the past several weeks due to not paying attention while driving and not being alert to traffic on the road.

As always, I invite you to let me know your thoughts, ideas, concerns, or suggestions by calling my office at (402) 471-2716 or emailing me at jalbrecht@leg.ne.gov.