Nebraska State Patrol and AAA urge safety for upcoming holiday weekend

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN)- AAA and Nebraska State Patrol are urging drivers to stay safe as Independence Day approaches.

AAA is offering “Tow to Go” a service keeping impaired drivers off the roads and providing safe transportation for drivers.

The initiative starts July 1st at 6 PM and continues through July 5th at 6 AM.

AAA Public Affairs Specialist, Brian Ortner, emphasized keeping Nebraska motorists “safe on the roads” is the goal.

“With the holiday weekend, we all like to celebrate,” Ortner says.

“We may celebrate a little bit more than maybe we planned on, and having a safe alternative to get home is so important.”

Ortner also mentions exhausting options like Uber and Lyft before using the “Tow to Go” through AAA.

“You know it’s not something you can schedule ahead of time, obviously we encourage people to use it if it’s needed,” said Ortner.

Nebraska State Patrol is also encouraging safe driving and increasing patrol throughout the state.

Their initiative includes a grant funded by public safety for DUI enforcement.

“We encourage people to plan ahead, there’s going to be lots of celebrations across the state… and if you’re planning on consuming alcohol at that, we encourage you to make plans ahead of time.”

Bruggeman also noted that ride-sharing and AAA may be the best option for impaired drivers.

“Whether that’s taking a cab using ride-sharing, AAA has the tow and go.”

AAA is offering the service to members and non-members alike and tows up to ten miles.

More information on the program can be found here.