Troopers and Communication Specialists with the Nebraska State Patrol will put in overtime hours during the Boys State Basketball Tournament March 7-9 in Lincoln, as part of a special enforcement effort designed to reduce the potential for serious injury and fatality crashes.

Troopers will conduct high visibility patrol on the Interstate and highways leading to Lincoln beginning on Thursday March 7 and continuing through Saturday, March 9.

“State Basketball is a fun and exciting time, but it is also a time when traffic volumes can be extremely heavy on roadways into and out of the Capital City,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “By increasing enforcement and raising awareness, we hope to increase voluntary compliance of all traffic safety laws.”

A $9,340 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) will help to pay for the special enforcement efforts.

Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limits, always wear their seat belt and never drive impaired or distracted.  Weather and road construction can play a factor in travel plans. Fans headed to state tournament games are reminded to check road and weather condition reports by utilizing 511, Nebraska’s Advanced Traveler Information System at < www.511.nebraska.gov >  the 511 Mobile Traveler Site at < http://www.ndortraveler.mobi > or by dialing 511 (800-906-9069) from any landline or cellular phone for information.