Lincoln Police will be stepping up enforcement efforts on ‘O’ Street over Memorial Day weekend. Public Information Manager Erika Thomas says they will conduct a high-visibility traffic enforcement detail during the evenings of May 22, 23 and 24.
“Additional officers will monitor “O” Street between 17th and 84th streets focusing on dangerous driving behavior, trespassing on private property and closed business lots, littering, excessive noise, and alcohol-related violations.”
Thomas says Memorial Day weekend has traditionally attracted large gatherings to “O” Street, particularly between 44th and 52nd streets, to show off and admire customized and specialty vehicles. “As the evening continues, LPD has routinely observed an increase in hazardous driving activity, including excessive speed, reckless driving, and other violations that create safety concerns for both motorists and spectators,” Thomas says.
Four years ago a fiery crash near 51st and ‘O’ killed two young women and injured 19 bystanders when a vehicle slammed into a crowd. The enforcement project is funded by a grant from the Nebraska Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office.
“LPD encourages everyone attending the festivities to act responsibly, follow traffic laws, and be considerate of those around them. The goal is to ensure residents and visitors alike can enjoy a safe and positive holiday weekend in Lincoln,” Thomas says.