NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEBRASKA STATE PATROL
www.nsp.state.ne.us
Contact:  Deb Collins 402-479-4985
March 6, 2008   

Troopers Plan High Visibility Enforcement
During Boys State Basketball

(Lincoln, NE) – Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol Headquarters Troop-Lincoln will be conducting several high visibility enforcements in conjunction with the Boys State Basketball Tournament in Lincoln.

Beginning today, Thursday, March 6, and continuing through Saturday, March 8, 2008, troopers will focus on several high traffic areas in Lancaster County in an effort to reduce crashes. 

Special enforcement efforts during the Girls State Basketball Tournament, the previous weekend resulted in 139 contacts, including 49 citations and warnings issued for speeding.

On Saturday, March 1, 2008, the driver of a motorcycle was taken into custody for speeding after a trooper clocked him traveling 112 m.p.h. in a 55 m.p.h. zone eastbound on Highway 2, near Bennett.  23-year-old Charles Cullen of Omaha failed to stop for the trooper and a short pursuit was initiated.  Cullen did eventually pull over and was arrested for Speeding, Flight to Avoid Arrest, Willful Reckless Driving, and no Motorcycle License.   He was lodged in the Otoe County Jail.

Motorists are reminded to obey the posted speed limits, always buckle up, give themselves plenty of time to reach their intended destination and never drink and drive.  Several construction projects remain on Nebraska roadways.  I-80 widening projects between Omaha and Lincoln continue.  Drivers are urged to use caution and remember fines double for speeding in construction zones.

Travelers wanting to check road and weather conditions along their route can do so by dialing 511, the state’s automated weather and road condition hotline.  Anyone who experiences a roadside emergency should call the Nebraska State Patrol Highway Helpline at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on their cellular phone.

###