Thanksgiving in the Rear View, Holiday Travel Season is Underway

Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol removed from the road 27 impaired drivers during the busy Thanksgiving travel weekend.

Thanksgiving weekend coincided with the annual Buckle Up, Every Trip, Every Time national campaign. Troopers and dispatchers worked overtime throughout the weekend across the state.

“Last weekend kicked off what will be a busy holiday travel season,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “With a blast of winter weather mixed in the middle, our troopers were busy throughout the state.”

In addition to the 27 arrests for driving under the influence, troopers issued citations for speeding (407), 93 of which were for speeds of 90 miles per hour or higher. Troopers also issued citations for no seat belt (12), improper child restraint (5), open alcohol container (11), minor in possession of alcohol (8), and driving under suspension (33).

The weekend also brought the first dose of severe winter weather for much of the state. Between Wednesday and Sunday, troopers responded to 85 crashes across the state and performed another 191 motorist assists.

With the arrival of winter weather, NSP urges all motorists to be prepared for adverse driving conditions. Before you begin your trip, check the Nebraska 511 Advanced Traveler System by visiting 511.Nebraska.gov or downloading the Nebraska 511 app. Have a passenger in your vehicle check 511 periodically throughout your trip for any updates that may be issued due to road closures or crash responses.