Teen Distracted Driving in Omaha Nebraska | “The Berry Law Safety Brief”

Today, we’re honing in on an issue that’s taken the lives of many and compromised the safety of our roads—distracted driving due to smartphone usage, especially among teenagers. Parents in Omaha, whether your child attends Westside High School, Omaha North High, Omaha South High, Central High School, or Millard West High School, this message is for you. Wake up, take action, and ensure the safety of your loved ones.

The Three Crucial Points to Remember

Lock Up the Phone

As a parent, you must teach your teens the importance of tucking their smartphones away before they even insert the key into the ignition. No call or text message merits the loss of life or severe injury. A conversation with your teen about phone use should be as crucial as the talk about seatbelts and speed limits.

Picture this: Your son or daughter is driving home from a football game at Burke High School, or perhaps they’re coming back from a debate competition at Bryan High School. Their phone buzzes with a message. It takes just one glance, one second of distraction, for disaster to strike.

By safely securing the smartphone in the glove compartment or the back seat, we can reduce the risk dramatically. Teach them the importance of pulling over safely to the side of the road if a call or text is urgent. Nebraska law prohibits the use of handheld wireless communication devices to read, type, or send a written communication while operating a motor vehicle. Defiance of this law is not only illegal but dangerous.

Set Passenger Rules

Teenagers love to drive around with friends. The more, the merrier—but not when it comes to road safety. Each additional passenger exponentially increases the chances of distraction. Parents must set clear rules regarding the number of passengers their teen can have in the vehicle. If you’re driving around Omaha, whether coming from Marian High School or Papillion-La Vista High School, fewer distractions mean fewer risks.

Harness Tech for Safety

In the digital age, there are ways to make technology work for us rather than against us. Various apps block incoming messages or send automated replies to inform the sender that the recipient is currently driving. If your child attends Benson High Magnet School or Millard South High School and is tech-savvy, show them how to use these apps. Turn that smartphone into a safety tool rather than a lethal distraction.

Berry Law Advocates for Road Safety in Omaha

Here at Berry Law, we’ve seen the devastation caused by distracted driving. Our legal team stands ready to assist victims of this negligent behavior. Yet, we hope we won’t have to meet you under such circumstances. Prevention is better than cure.

Remember, negligence on the road can cause irreversible damage. Not only do you jeopardize your life, but you also put others at risk. Nebraska law is strict in this regard, with fines and penalties that can lead to a revoked license for repeat offenders. Even schools like Creighton Preparatory School and Mercy High School periodically run campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving.

We urge parents across Omaha and the entire state of Nebraska to take immediate action. Implement these safety guidelines and transform the way your teens perceive the responsibilities that come with driving. Make it a household rule, discuss it openly, and most importantly, set the example.

By addressing this epidemic head-on, we can hope to keep our teens safe, reduce accidents, and ensure that our roads are a secure place for everyone. Thank you for tuning into “The Berry Law Safety Brief,” and remember, lives are at stake—act now.

Andrew Strotman has extensive experience in both criminal and civil cases, with a particular emphasis in white collar criminal work. Mr. Strotman graduated summa cum laude from Creighton University Law School. He served ten years in the United States Marine Corps, first as an infantry officer and later as a judge advocate. He is of counsel.

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