U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Campaign kicks off Distracted Driving Awareness Month

NORFOLK, Neb. -- The month of April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is kicking the month off with a safety initiative. 

The U Drive. U Text. U Pay. Campaign is designed to bring awareness to the act of distracted driving and the dangers it holds.

The campaign began Monday, April 4th, and will run until the 10th.

In Nebraska from 2010 to 2019, there have been 40,946 crashes, 14,098 injuries, and 119 fatalities due to distracted driving, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

The NHTSA is partnering with law enforcement agencies all over the country to promote the campaign including the Nebraska State Patrol. 

"It's important to the safety of all citizens in Nebraska that you use the public roadways. Distracted driving is a causation for crashes. Not only property damage but also personal damage and fatalities," said Sgt. John Mobley of the Nebraska State Patrol.

The penalty for texting and driving is a $200 fine followed by a $300 fine for a second time and a $500 fine for three or more times.

While the campaign is meant to warn of the dangers of distracted driving to all motorists, it takes aim at the younger generation.

According to NDOT, in the last 10 years, Nebraska drivers ages 15-19 have been involved in accidents that involved the use of a cellphone.

"We see more of that younger generation that is tech-savvy. That finds it ok to text and drive, to operate that phone whether they are looking for the next musical selection or even scrolling Facebook or Twitter," Mobley said. 

Sgt. Mobley recommends putting your phone on 'do not disturb mode' while driving as well as waiting to eat food until you're at your destination.

Law enforcement officials will also be working overtime on Nebraska roadways to patrol for dangerous driving.