Hastings Put the Phone Away or Pay

The Hastings Police Department has been awarded a traffic safety grant through the Nebraska Department of Transportation to support enhanced enforcement efforts during the national “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, taking place April 9–13, 2026.

This high-visibility enforcement initiative is coordinated nationally by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the U.S. Department of Transportation. The campaign focuses on reducing distracted driving, with a particular emphasis on drivers using mobile devices behind the wheel.

As part of this mobilization, Hastings Police officers will work additional overtime hours specifically dedicated to identifying and stopping distracted driving violations. The goal is to increase awareness, encourage safer driving behavior, and ultimately reduce crashes and injuries on Nebraska roadways.
Distracted driving continues to be a significant safety concern across the state. Nebraska is home to
approximately 1.53 million licensed drivers and 2.5 million registered vehicles. Traffic crashes occur daily, resulting in nearly 18,000 injuries each year. In 2024 alone, there were 30,803 reported crashes, leading to 252 fatalities and 8,734 injuries. These numbers reflect an increase from 227 fatalities in 2023 and 244 in 2022.

Texting while driving remains one of the most dangerous forms of distraction. Research shows that drivers using their phones are 240% more likely to be involved in a crash. At 55 mph, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds—the average time it takes to send or read a text—is equivalent to driving the length of a football field blindfolded.

Since 2021, there have been 2,243 crashes in Nebraska involving cell phone use. Nationwide, distracted driving claimed 3,275 lives in 2023.

The Hastings Police Department reminds all motorists that no message is worth risking a life. Drivers are urged to put their phones away, stay focused on the road, and help keep Nebraska communities safe.