‘It’s unacceptable’: Nebraska State Patrol urges caution after crashes involving cruisers

OMAHA, Neb. (KLKN) — It’s a job that already comes with risk.

But recently, troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol are seeing an increase in dangerous situations along busy roads.

“In the last two weeks three of our troopers have had their patrol unit hit while they were on scene of a motor vehicle crash,” said Col. Bryan Waugh, superintendent of the state patrol.

SEE ALSO: Trooper injured in Omaha crash; third time in two weeks a cruiser has been hit

The crashes have happened across the state: near Paxton and Ogallala and in Omaha.

Waugh said drivers across Nebraska need to be more aware.

“This alarming trend must change,” he said. “Our troopers — along with other crash responders, tow operators and road crews — deserve better from our public. When you approach a crash scene, traffic stop, work zone or even another motorist pulled over onto the shoulder of the roadway, move over, slow down and give them room to work safely. Lives are depending on you paying attention while driving.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska State Patrol asks drivers to pay attention after another cruiser is hit

Nebraska Department of Transportation Director Vicki Kramer joined Waugh to shine a light on how reckless driving is putting others in danger.

She said drivers need to value other people’s lives as much as they value their time. Slow down and put away your cellphones, Kramer said.

“It’s unacceptable, and we need to do better,” she said. “So we’re asking for everyone’s help to just show some responsibility.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska State Patrol vehicle hit while trooper directs traffic on I-80

The state patrol has issued 57 citations for violating the Move Over Law this year, compared with 55 at the same point in 2024 and 39 at this time in 2023.

Kramer said it’s up to drivers to make a difference.

“At the end of the day, we’ve done everything,” she said. “We’ve passed new laws, we’ve done education, we’ve brought attention to it, we’ve held press conferences like this, but it comes down to one major thing: people taking responsibility for their own actions. We almost got a trooper killed last night.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska State Patrol vehicle hit while trooper directs traffic on I-80