Lincoln Police see spike in speeding after back-to-school traffic enforcement project

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Lincoln Police Department finished up its annual back-to-school traffic enforcement project last week.

In 2022, police reported that officers handed out 285 tickets, about 140 of which were for speeding.

But, during this year’s traffic enforcement project, that number spiked to 503 citations.  About 228 of those tickets were for speeding.

Sgt. Sara Genoways with LPD’s traffic enforcement office said it helps to have extra officers out monitoring school zones.

“I think it has an effect not only on the people we’re stopping, but I think our visibility is also serving as a reminder to slow down and pay attention,” she said.

Safe Kids Lincoln-Lancaster County is also urging caution in school zones, with videos posted to social media.

The organization offers safety workshops and clinics designed to help prevent childhood injuries.

Next week, the group is having a training session on child care transportation.

Since the start of the school year, two children have been hit by cars while crossing the road.

On Aug. 15, a day after the enforcement project began, a vehicle drove off after hitting a student in front of Culler Middle School.

The next day, a 14-year-old boy was struck while crossing the road near Eighth and C streets.

On Tuesday, 11 people were injured in a school bus rollover southeast of Lincoln after authorities said a pickup rear-ended it.

Genoways reminded people to put away distractions while behind the wheel.

“Because just taking your eyes off the road for a second could be the difference between you being able to stop in time to avoid a collision or you seriously hurting a child,” she said.