Lincoln officials propose municipal code changes to curb dangerous driving

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The City of Lincoln is hoping to curb dangerous driving with a series of changes to municipal codes aimed at street racing.

At a news conference Thursday, Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird was joined by Councilman Tom Beckius and Police Chief Michon Morrow to announce the changes.

“I fully support this proposal because it gives our police officers a greater ability to hold reckless drivers accountable and keep them – and their vehicles – off the road,” Gaylor Baird said. “That means safer streets, safer neighborhoods, and a better quality of life for everyone in our community.”

The proposed changes include updating definitions for “racing” and “race tracks” and the addition of a new section defining “disorderly vehicles” that outlines penalties for violations.

Drivers of disorderly vehicles who are cited for racing or reckless driving could have their vehicles impounded, the city said.

Those convicted of racing in “prohibited areas” could face a fine of up to $500 or spend up to six months in the Lancaster County Jail.

Since 2020, “dangerous driving activities” have contributed to over 700 nighttime crashes, over 800 injury crashes and six deaths on O Street alone, according to LPD data.

Morrow noted that LPD has tried reducing dangerous driving with traffic enforcement projects.  Despite those efforts, it remains a problem.

“Dangerous driving impacts lives, property, and the peace of our community,” she said. “We think the code changes provide us better tools to address these important traffic safety issues.”

The Lincoln City Council is hosting a public hearing for the proposed changes at 3 p.m. on March 24.