Cindy Todd

Omaha Neb.(AAA) -The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety is literally hitting the road with their latest statewide education and awareness campaign to combat drunk driving.  A dozen large delivery service vehicles wrapped with truck-size impactful images, stress the need for citizens to report drunk drivers immediately by dialing 911 or *55 on their cell phone.  The trucks are heading out on roadways traveling to nearly every county in Nebraska. 

With increased awareness about reporting drunk drivers, the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety expects that those who continue to drink and drive will be more conscientious about making the right choice not to get behind the wheel.  Last year 1,822 alcohol related crashes occurred on Nebraskaroadways resulting in 1,185 injuries and 51 deaths.

Nebraskalaw enforcement officers arrested more than 12,000 motorists in 2011 on drunk driving charges.  Tougher driving while intoxicated (DWI) laws and enforcement efforts, an expansion of education and awareness campaigns, and higher conviction rates for DWI offenses, have all contributed to a reduction in alcohol related fatal crashes.

For the past two years, Nebraskahas recorded the lowest alcohol related death rates on record.   AAA says that even with the positive advancements Nebraskahas made towards getting drunk drivers off the road, education and awareness efforts must remain a priority.  Nebraskaneeds to do so since more than one-third of all fatal crashes are alcohol related, says AAA.  By taking this strong message on the road, more citizens will become actively engaged in doing their part to help keep our roadways safe.