SCOTTSBLUFF, Neb. The Nebraska State Patrol is reminding the public that even though the coronavirus pandemic is in full swing, troopers and personnel are working in full force.

When it comes to NSP changes, staff had to obtain extra PPE equipment including gloves, sanitizers, and masks.

The National Guard was gracious enough to donate materials for their needs.

Staff is making sure that their units, equipment and radios are sanitized constantly.

Staff just has to take extra precautions with disposal of gloves and masks.

If local hospitals or doctor’s offices are in need, staff says to contact them.

Staff is practicing social distancing, staying out of large crowds and many personnel are working from home.

NSP is also maintaining high visibility on roadways and enforcing traffic laws.

As troopers are on the roadways, they are noticing a huge increase in excessive speeding, reckless and careless driving.

The Nebraska State Patrol states from March 19th to April 20th, they have written about 95 citations for drivers traveling over 100 miles an hour or more.

“Even though more people are trying to social distance and stay home, there may not be as much traffic on the roadways,” said Lieutenant Brian Buxbaum, Nebraska State Patrol. “With the traffic that is out there, we are still out patrolling. Unfortunately and apparently, they believe that they can drive but we are stopping them, we are addressing the issues and maintaining enforcement actions.”

Fines are set by statute so it will not be adjusted if you receive one.

Other than speeding, NSP has not seen an acceleration in any major crimes.

Lieutenant Buxbaum says the states of Nebraska and Wyoming are lucky to not see high caseloads.

“Nebraska has been pretty lucky in cases like the state of Wyoming,” said Lieutenant Buxbaum. “We haven’t had a lot of cases like some other states so I think the people in this state are using a lot of common sense.”

Lieutenant Buxbaum reminds the public to remain following the Governor’s health measure guidelines.

Troopers cite 100 speeders for 100 MPH in 35 Days

While traffic volume has decreased on Nebraska roadways, excessive speeding has been on the rise during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As Nebraska State Troopers continue to patrol roads, highways, and interstates throughout the state, they’ve reported an increase in excessive speeding over the last month.

Since March 19, when the first Directed Health Measure was issued by Governor Ricketts, Troopers have cited 100 motorists for speeding at more than 100 miles per hour. That figure compares to 61 during the same period in 2019.

“Excessive speeding is dangerous, not only for the driver, but also for anyone else on the road,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “Our troopers continue to work across the state to keep Nebraska roads safe. That effort is especially important now with the tremendous volume of critical supplies, such as food, medical equipment, cleaning supplies, and more being transported by truck during the pandemic.”

Overall, the number of speeding citations issued by NSP has dropped with the reduction in traffic volume during the pandemic, but excessive speeding violations have increased across much of the state. Those 100 speeders stopped for traveling in excess of 100 miles per hour were located in 21 different Nebraska counties.

Additionally, 210 motorists have been cited for driving between 90 and 99 miles per hour during the last 35 days. The Nebraska Department of Transportation reports that traffic volume on Nebraska’s interstates and highways has dropped by about 35 percent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Any motorist who observes an impaired or dangerous driver can call the NSP Highway Helpline at *55 or 800-525-5555 and make a report directly to an NSP dispatcher.