Columbus, NE – Drivers in Platte County saw an increased law enforcement presence during the Thanksgiving travel week as deputies participated in Nebraska’s statewide “Make It Click” seatbelt enforcement campaign.
According to the Platte County Sheriff’s Office, the High Visibility Enforcement effort ran from November 26 through November 30, focusing on keeping roads safer for holiday travelers. Deputies worked overtime shifts aimed at boosting compliance with Nebraska seatbelt laws. While poor weather conditions limited the number of traffic stops during the period, officials said the added patrols significantly increased visibility for motorists across the county.
Nebraska’s seatbelt usage rate remains among the lowest in the country. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the state’s current rate of 77% lags far behind the national average of 90.4%, placing Nebraska 49th in national rankings. A spokesman for the department emphasized ongoing concerns, noting that “seatbelts do save lives,” and that the agency will continue to stress the importance of consistent seatbelt use.
Sheriff’s officials said Platte County will continue participating in similar statewide enforcement campaigns while maintaining daily seatbelt enforcement as part of routine patrol operations. The Thanksgiving enforcement effort was funded through a grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety.
Residents are encouraged to remain aware of seatbelt requirements as additional safety campaigns are expected throughout the winter travel season.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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