PCSO participating in nationwide distracted driving enforcement effort

COLUMBUS, Neb. -- The Platte County Sheriff’s Office will be one of several law enforcement agencies across the state participating in the nationwide, “U Drive. U Text. U Pay.” traffic enforcement effort.

From April 4th through April 10th, extra law enforcement officers from across the state will be out on patrol enforcing texting and distracted driving laws.

Nationwide 3,142 deaths have been linked to distracted drivers, or almost 9% of all fatalities in 2019.

“Distracted driving has become a leading cause of vehicle crashes on our roads, and much of this distraction is attributed to texting while driving”, the Platte County Sheriff's Office said in a press release issued Friday. “Many people know that texting and driving is dangerous and illegal, but selfishly allow themselves a personal exemption to do it anyway. This behavior unfairly puts others at risk. Beginning April 4th if you text and drive you will pay."

The sheriff's office said it is seeking the public's help, asking people to report any distracted drivers they see on the road. The sheriff's office advises having passengers place the call to log the complaint.

The Nebraska Office of Highway Safety has provided a grant to fund the upcoming enforcement effort.