The Nebraska State Patrol and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services want to see a safe Independence Day weekend.
The skies across Nebraska will fill with fireworks as the roads fill with travelers during the busy Independence Day weekend. Troopers with the Nebraska State Patrol will be on patrol across the state, working to keep roadways safe.
“As we celebrate the United States of America, let’s work together to ensure that this weekend isn’t remembered for a roadway tragedy,” said Colonel Bryan Waugh, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol. “From community events, to block parties, to small gatherings, make sure you have a sober driver to get you home safely.”
NSP is joining police agencies across the country in a nationwide campaign focused on impaired driving. The campaign runs from July 3 through July 6. So far in 2025, troopers have made 723 arrests for driving under the influence. That compares to 647 during the first half of 2024.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 40% of deadly crashes around the Fourth of July holiday in recent years involve a drunk driver. From 2019 to 2023, there were 2,653 roadway fatalities nationally around Independence Day.
NSP reminds all motorists to ensure that you have a sober driver. There are many options to find a sober ride, including ridesharing apps, taxis, designated drivers, or programs like AAA’s Tow to Go program, which is available all weekend by calling 855-2-TOW-2-GO.
This effort is made possible thanks in part to grant funding from the Nebraska Department of Transportation – Highway Safety Office.
No matter how you celebrate Independence Day, be sure to stay safe with these safety tips from the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.
Fireworks are meant to be enjoyed, but they can also be dangerous. According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 14,700 individuals were treated in hospital emergency departments for firework-related injuries in 2024.
If you are using fireworks, reduce your risk of serious burns or injury by following these safety tips.
- Purchase all fireworks from reputable sellers.
- Keep a fire extinguisher and a large bucket of water or a hose nearby.
- Light one at a time and keep all flammable items away from children. This includes sparklers.
- Never try to relight or handle fireworks that malfunction or do not go off.
- Do not light fireworks in containers.
- Do not point fireworks at people or launch them toward anyone.
- When lighting a firework, do not stand directly over it. Back up immediately after it is lit.
- After use, spray fireworks with water until soaked to avoid a fire hazard.
Planning an Independence Day barbeque? Keep these grilling safety tips in mind to ensure a safe cookout.
- Only use your grill outside and at least three feet away from siding, deck rails, and eaves.
- Keep a three-foot safety zone around your grill. This will keep kids and pets safe.
- Open your gas grill before lighting.
- Keep raw meat or poultry packed separately and sealed. All perishables, including meat, poultry, and foods with mayo, eggs, or milk products, need to be chilled or on ice until ready to use.
- Do not walk away from your grill, fire pit, or patio torches when they are lit.
- Clean your grill after each use. This will remove grease that could start a fire.
- Place the coals from your grill in a metal trash can with a lid once they have cooled.
Nebraska’s pools and lakes are a popular destination on Independence Day. While water activities are a fun way to cool off, prevent accidents by following these swimming safety tips.
- Always swim with a buddy; do not allow anyone to swim alone.
- Never leave a young child unattended near water.
- Have young children or inexperienced swimmers wear life jackets around water, but do not rely on life jackets alone.
- Assign a “water watcher” to maintain constant supervision and avoid any distractions.
- If you have a pool, secure it with appropriate barriers.
- Have appropriate equipment, such as reaching or throwing equipment, cell phone, life jackets, and a first aid kit.
- Know how and when to call 911 or the local emergency number.
Many Nebraskans spend Independence Day outside with friends and family. When you are enjoying the summer weather, remember to protect yourself from the sun, heat, and bug bites.
- Use a sunscreen that has at least a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 and UVA and UVB ray protection. For the best sun protection, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outdoors and reapply it approximately every two hours throughout the day, or after swimming.
- Use bug spray, specifically EPA-registered repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil, or IR3535.
- Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing to protect yourself from mosquitoes.
- Do frequent tick checks after being outdoors.
- Drink lots of water and do not wait until you are thirsty to drink. Avoid alcohol and limit drinks with caffeine.
- NEVER leave a child or pet alone in a car. The internal temperature of a car can increase by 19 degrees in just 10 minutes. Cracking a window DOES NOT help.
- Prevent backover accidents by walking all the way around your parked car to check for children and animals before leaving a gathering.
