A Nebraska State Patrol initiative designed to help reduce serious injury and fatality crashes involving teen drivers resulted in 26 seat belt safety presentations at high school football games across the state.

During the 2013 “Friday Night Lights” initiative, troopers utilized the agency’s Seat Belt Convincer and Rollover Simulator to provide high school football fans the opportunity to experience firsthand how seat belts save lives.  Safety messages and t-shirts were also provided during the first half of each football game.

“Our troopers reached almost 14,000 people with a seat belt safety message during this special initiative,” said Colonel David Sankey, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.  “We want to thank all the schools who allowed us to be a part of their sporting events and we look forward to continuing this initiative in the years to come.”

The “Friday Night Lights” initiative was made possible thanks in part to an $8,250 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety (NOHS) and a partnership with AAA Nebraska/Cornhusker Motor Club Foundation.