A collision involving a semitrailer and a passenger vehicle nearby Elm Creek during the evening hours of Nov. 17 claimed the life of one individual and injured three others. Authorities believe snowy road conditions may have contributed to the fatal accident.
Reducing fatalities by increasing safe driving
Nebraska drivers may have heard that it is much more dangerous to actually get into a vehicle than take a plane flight. According to 2013 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report statistics, there were 1.09 traffic deaths per 100 million miles that were driven, making a person 300 times more likely to die in a car accident than an airplane crash.
Drowsy driving on the rise, study shows
Drowsy driving is a hazard that is increasing on roadways in Nebraska and throughout the country, according to a recent study conducted by the American Automobile Association. The AAA study found that more than 40 percent of motorists surveyed confessed that they had nodded off behind the wheel at least one time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has been taking steps to alert drivers to these dangers.
Underage DUI and public service efforts
Although Nebraska parents worry about the decisions their children will make as drivers, teens can tune their parents out when peer pressure comes into play. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has taken a unique perspective on this issue, and it worked with the Ad Council and pro bono helpers to create a new public service campaign targeting underage drunk driving. There are many driving challenges for teens that derive from peer interactions, including distracted driving and drunk driving. In the new drunk driving messaging, teens are encouraged to avoid serious party fouls, especially that of driving after consuming alcohol.
