This week is the most dangerous week for traffic crashes according to the Nebraska State Patrol.
AAA says a lot of those crashes come from distracted driving.
The Nebraska State Patrol and AAA wants to use the holiday season to remind you your life is more important than sending a text or checking an app.
“Anytime you take your eyes off the road, to tune the radio, to look around you are distracted”
The number of deaths associated with distracted driving is increasing in Nebraska and drivers say they are checking their phones more often behind the wheel.
“I’d say probably every 10 to 15 minutes,” said driver Anjilynn Antonelli.
Rose White from AAA says they are seeing more deaths and injuries associated with distracted driving as the popularity of phone apps increase.
“Last year there were nearly 15 hundred people injured in distracted driving crashes,” said Public Affairs Director Rose White.
“12 people killed and overall about 45 hundreds crashes that involve property damages,” White continued.
The Nebraska State Patrol and AAA say it’s this time of year that’s most dangerous for drivers.
“Anytime you use those types of systems when you are in a vehicle driving its creating a distraction for you, which is creating a danger for you, your passenger, or anybody who shares the roadway,” White said.
Even at a stop light White says checking your phone can still cause a crash, so drivers say they are feeling the pressure to just put the phone down.
“Putting it in the center console, turning it off, or putting it on airplane mode,” Antonelli said
“So you don’t hear those notifications,” Antonelli continued.
The Nebraska State Patrols is also encouraging drivers to buckle up.
Their Click It or Ticket campaign begins this week to help travelers safe.
