Truck Safety in Nebraska Pays Off

By Alison Gonzalez

Published on March 12, 2008

Nebraska is set to receive full federal incentive funding for its efforts to keep the number of trucking accidents down.

From 2002 to 2006, the state cut its rate of fatal crashes involving trucks in half. During the same time period, Nebraska also reported 200 less trucking injuries.

The State Patrol will receive approximately $200,000 in an effort to continue this trend and make sure that trucks and their drivers do not pose a danger on the road.

The funding will be used to carry out more effective inspections of large commercial trucks, including surprise roadside inspections by troopers. During vehicle inspections, the State Patrol checks everything and everyone, from brakes to mechanics, to fatigued drivers and those driving with suspended licenses. Funding will also help to pay for any special equipment needed to assist with the inspections.

Nebraska is one of only eight states, including Kansas, that will receive full federal incentive funding. In order to keep the funding, however, the state must show continued improvement in reducing the number of accidents.

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