Nebraska agencies educate state fairgoers about road safety

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - The Nebraska State Fair is a fun time, but it can also be a time of learning.

The Nebraska State Patrol and the Highway Safety Office is teaching people about the importance of simple safety procedures like wearing a seat belt.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s study reported over half of all car accidents occur within a 5-mile radius of home.

One trooper says no matter the distance, buckle up.

“We actually do try and instill that in people, and reiterate it and reiterate it,” Trooper Charlie Cook said. “It doesn’t matter if you are going one block or one mile, or 25 miles, you always need to wear it whenever you get in the vehicle. Buckle up cause you don’t know when the crash is going to happen, you could be the best driver in the world but somebody else could hit you.”

Mothers Against Drunk Driving is also partnering with the other agencies, and they said there are a few missions that go into their time at the fair.

“It’s raising awareness, it’s having the conversations with the kids who come through, talking about the importance of always driving with a sober driver,” Andrea Frazier said. “With the State Fair, we want to make sure we are talking about underage drinking prevention, and so making sure people that are over 21, aren’t buying alcohol and then giving it to kids that are under 21.”

M.A.D.D, NSP, and the Highway Safety Office will be at the east entrance of the Pinnacle Bank Expo Center for the remainder of the fair.

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