LINCOLN, Neb. (North Platte Post)- Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol (NSP) issued 189 citations and warnings for seat belt violations and 19 child restraint citations and warnings during the nationwide “Click It or Ticket” campaign. The special enforcement designed to encourage driver safety through seat belt usage encompassed the heavily traveled Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

There was one fatality recorded over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Arlyne Borja, 66, of Chicago, IL was killed Saturday, Nov. 26, when the eastbound vehicle she was riding in rolled on I-80 near the Minden Interchange in Buffalo County. The one fatality in 2011 compares with two fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2010.

Troopers and Communications Specialists with the NSP worked overtime hours during the “Click It or Ticket” campaign thanks in part to a $15,000 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS).

The following statistics are a reflection of statewide activity by the Nebraska State Patrol during the enforcement period Nov. 21-27.

189- Seat Belt Citations & Warnings

19- Child Restraint Citations & Warnings

40- Driving Under the Influence (DWI)

44- Driving under Suspension

1,117- Speeding

38- No Proof of Insurance

16- Outstanding warrants

284- Motorists Assists

Nebraska’s Seat Belt law is a secondary law meaning drivers can be cited for non-compliance only if stopped for a separate violation. Violation of Nebraska’s seat belt law carries a $25.00 fine for each offense.