The Nebraska State Patrol is conducting a new type of monitoring when it comes to bad drivers.
NSP and the Nebraska Trucking Association start "Trooper in a Truck." A sergeant will ride with a semi driver and identify drivers who are following too closely to the truck, or making unsafe lane changes among other things. They then signal a marked cruiser to stop the driver. Friday, the program is enforced on Interstate 80 between Omaha and Lincoln.
Troopers say some of the most dangerous areas on the interstate are when driving around 18-wheelers.
"The majority of crashes that involved large trucks involve moving violations that occur in and around trucks so it's very important that we get out here and get our safety message spread around,” said NSP Lt. Kurt Von Minden.
NSP wrote dozens of citations and warnings on Friday, but also busted some of them driving on suspended licenses or without insurance.
NSP says the trucking company donated their time, rig, and gas to help with the program. They hope to do this type of enforcement every few weeks.
