Nebraska Lawmakers Peddling Traffic Safety Measures

Nebraska lawmakers will consider a series of measures aimed at seatbelt violations and texting while driving.

A committee will hear three measures Monday that are intended to reduce highway fatalities. Nebraska reported 211 traffic deaths last year, an upswing after several years of decline.

Omaha Sen. Bob Krist will offer a bill to require all vehicle passengers to wear a seat belt, and allow police to stop motorists solely for seat belt violations. Current law treats violations as a secondary offense, meaning officers can only cite drivers after stopping them for some other reason.

Another bill by Scottsbluff Sen. John Harms would make seat belt violations a primary offense, and increase the fine from $25 to $100. A third bill would make texting while driving a primary offense.