Three deadly crashes in four days ‘take a toll’ on Lancaster County law enforcement

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Three lives have been claimed in crashes in Lancaster County, all within a four-day span.

The first crash was Thursday near 134th and Adams streets, leaving 19-year-old Carter Smith dead.

SEE ALSO: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office identifies 19-year-old killed in crash east of Lincoln

Then, on Saturday, a multi-vehicle crash took the life of 53-year-old Bradley Kreifels.

It happened near Southwest 14th Street and Highway 33.

The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office said 39-year-old David Warren, the driver of the SUV that caused the accident, is still in critical condition.

The sheriff’s office thinks alcohol and speed were a factor.

SEE ALSO: Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office identifies man killed in crash south of Lincoln

On Sunday, a third fatal crash occurred near Interstate 180 and Superior Street.

Lincoln Police think 73-year-old Timothy Gill had a medical emergency that led to the crash.

SEE ALSO: 73-year-old man killed in north Lincoln rollover crash is identified

“Anytime this happens in our community, it’s a bad day,” said Sheriff’s Capt. John Vik.

The sheriff’s office responded to two of the three crashes.

And Vik said even one crash can be tough on everyone involved.

Vik said even though deputies are highly trained to respond to these crashes, it doesn’t make them immune to the normal responses of being exposed to repeated trauma.

“Certainly, it does take a toll,” he said. “And we’re humans; we’re no different.”

He said the sheriff’s office provides mental health resources for deputies.

“We also try to do a really good job of monitoring each other for signs of stress so that we can intervene when necessary,” he said.

And as Nebraska transitions into the colder months with snow and ice on the roadways, Lincoln Police said there are things we should all keep in mind to avoid serious crashes.

“That first big snowfall seems to be the day we have a lot of crashes,” said Lincoln Police Department Capt. Todd Kocian.

He thinks it’s because people get used to driving on good roads, and then when the weather gets bad, they forget about the safe driving practices needed during the winter.

Kocian said to give yourself extra space for braking and more time to get to your destination.

He also said it’s important to make sure your windows are defrosted before you leave your house.