State Patrol supports red ribbon campaign

LINCOLN – Nebraska State Patrol vehicles will again fly red ribbons this holiday season in support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving efforts to encourage motorists to never drive impaired.

Presenting a united front in the statewide effort to remove impaired drivers from Nebraska roads, the Nebraska State Patrol joined Nebraska’s governor, first lady, MADD, local law enforcement and public safety partners, to kick-off the MADD Red Ribbon, “Tie One On For Safety” campaign.

Started in 1986, the campaign encourages motorists to tie a red ribbon on their vehicle as a symbol of their commitment to drive safe, sober and buckled up this holiday season.

“It has been a rough year for traffic deaths on Nebraska roads,” said Col. David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Of the 201 fatalities to-date, 57, or 28 percent, have been identified as alcohol-related. By engaging citizens in this effort, we are working to raise awareness and at the same time gain voluntary compliance with all traffic safety laws.”

The Nebraska State Patrol is also participating in the “Click It or Ticket” special enforcement campaign that encompasses the heavily traveled Thanksgiving Day holiday weekend. The national enforcement is designed to reduce the potential for serious injury and fatality crashes by raising awareness of the need to wear your seat belt every time you get into a motor vehicle. A grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety helps to pay for the added enforcement.

Motorists are also encouraged to pay special attention to the weather when preparing to head out for holiday travel. Travelers can utilize 511, Nebraska’s Traveler Information System. The system can be accessed by dialing 511, or logging onto http://www.511.nebraska.gov. A Nebraska 511 mobile app is also available to download at no cost.