Oct. 30, 2024 (Lincoln, Neb.) — Today, Governor Jim Pillen and the Nebraska Department of
Transportation (NDOT) join other Departments of Transportation across the country to celebrate
Buckle Up Phone Down Day. Governor Pillen marked the occasion with a proclamation claiming
October 30, 2024 as Buckle Up Phone Down Day in Nebraska.
“With the alarming trends of increased roadway fatalities and distracted driving crashes, we must take
steps to protect everyone on the roadways,” stated Governor Pillen. “Making the choice every time you
get behind the wheel to buckle up and put the phone down increases safety and sets an example for
our children- Nebraska’s future drivers.”
As a state, Nebraska ranks 49th nationally in seat belt usage. According to data, the Nebraska Motor Vehicle
Traffic Accident Report, there were 227 fatalities resulting from car crashes in 2023 with 74 percent of those
fatalities unbuckled. Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that wearing a
seat belt can increase a person’s chance of surviving a crash by 45 percent.
Beyond the risk of low seat belt usage, distracted driving continues to rise at an alarming rate. NDOT’s
Highway Safety Office shows in the past three years, distracted driving crashes increased by 10
percent. In 2023, Nebraska teen drivers were involved in 22 percent of all distracted driving crashes.
“NDOT’s top priority is safety. It’s engineered and built into every one of our projects. But we can’t
control driver behavior and we can’t out-engineer this problem. It’s crucial to buckle up and minimize
distractions,” said NDOT Director Vicki Kramer. “We care deeply about educating drivers who will be
navigating our roads, now and in the future. Making the responsible choice and prioritizing safety by
wearing your seat belt and avoiding phone use not only secures your future but also that of your
vehicle’s passengers, and everyone you pass on the road.”
Nebraska takes pride in its own Buckle Up Phone Down initiative. The campaign focuses on youth
education and the importance of responsible driving. NDOT is looking to grow their partnerships with
schools and educational stakeholders like the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA). The
partnership with NSAA positions NDOT representatives to engage with and educate youth and parents
about good driving habits at NSAA Championship series.
On October 30, Nebraska, together with states across the nation, recognizes National Buckle Up
Phone Down Day and encourages Nebraskans to remember to put their seat belt on and the phone
down every time they get in the car. To learn more about the NDOT’s Buckle Up Phone Down
Campaign, visit dot.nebraska.gov/safety/buckle-up-phone-down/.
Since Governor Pillen’s administration took office, transformative progress has been made to improve
the safety and efficiency of Nebraska’s transportation system; creating innovative practices that
support responsible investment and protect our travelers.
To date, highlights include:
- Enhanced Safety Practices: implementation of educational initiatives like Buckle Up
Phone Down and Child Seat Safety Checks to help protect the next generation of
Nebraska drivers.
- Innovative Safety Measures: Implementation of the Cable Median Barrier along
Interstate 80, which significantly lowers the chance of a fatal or serious injury from a
crossover crash and the start of the six-lane Interstate 80 expansion to Pleasant Dale,
which will lower traffic congestion and spur economic growth.
- Increased Efficiency: creation of an alternative delivery and innovative finance office to
increase the efficiency of project delivery.
- Signed into law LB 1335, a proposal by NDOT and Nebraska Game and Parks to
balance NDOT’s goal of environmental stewardship with its mission of project delivery.
A step forward in balancing growth with preservation and contributing to sustainable and
responsible economic development.
- Support to Nebraska Communities: Launch of the state’s first intergovernmental
grants office, the Nebraska Infrastructure Hub. Designed to empower public agencies
confidently compete for and navigate the federal discretionary grant process. By
centralizing decision-making, promoting transparency, and fostering collaboration, the
Hub will move forward critical infrastructure projects, boosting transportation systems
and driving sustainable economic improvements across Nebraska.
By improving these systems, NDOT not only enhances connectivity and unifies communities but lays
the groundwork for a sustainable future where infrastructure aligns with the broader vision of ongoing,
effective service from the State down to the local level.
