Nebraska state troopers arrest 20 impaired drivers during special campaign

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The Nebraska State Patrol said its “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign last weekend was a success.

According to the state patrol, troopers arrested 20 impaired drivers during the campaign, which ran from April 9 to April 13 and coincided with Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

“The summer travel season is coming up soon, so it’s imperative that drivers get into the safe driving mindset,” Col. Bryan Waugh said in a press release. “Before you get in the vehicle, make a commitment to put your phone down and avoid distractions. The moment it takes to look at your phone while driving may be the difference between a safe trip and a roadway tragedy.”

In addition to the 20 arrests for driving under the influence, troopers also issued 375 citations for speeding, 24 citations for driving under suspension, nine citations for an open alcohol container, two citations for minor in possession, 12 citations for no seat belt, four citations for improper child restraint and four citations for failure to move over.

During the campaign, troopers also provided over 100 motorist assists.

The special campaign was funded by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Office.