Put the Phone Away or Pay - Results
Date:
April 15, 2026
For More Information:
Derek J. Horalek, dhoralek@lancaster.ne.gov
The ‘Put the Phone Away or Pay.’ crackdown is a nationwide effort specifically directed at reducing the number of crashes caused by distracted drivers. The Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office participated in the campaign by increasing the number of deputies working in marked patrol cars. The additional deputies concentrated their efforts on distracted driving violations which specifically included the use of handheld wireless communication devices.
The deputies involved in the saturation patrol contacted 116 vehicles, issued 76 official traffic citations and issued 97 warning/defect cards.
Official traffic citations issued include the following: 2 driving during suspension, 40 speeding, 20 registration and insurance violations, 1 stop sign violation, 2 seatbelt violations, 5 no valid operator’s license violations, and 6 miscellaneous traffic law violations.
In addition to the traffic violations, there was 1 person arrested on an outstanding arrest warrant.
Overtime compensation for the additional deputies working during the campaign was paid through a mini grant funded by the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office.
Back to Media List