Make safety priority on Labor Day

Keep a wary eye on the road this weekend, and not just because of the good chance of getting caught if you're doing something wrong.

Head to Lincoln, and sooner or later you'll be driving on Interstate 80, and that's where the special concern comes in.

So far this year, 42 people have been killed on I-80. That's more than the previous high of 37 -- for an entire year in 1996.

Take Labor Day, the traditional final fling of summer, mix in a Husker football game and the Nebraska State Fair, and you'll see we have a recipe for dangerous travel conditions.

That's why the Nebraska State Patrol is paying special attention to the state's main thoroughfare.

In fact, thanks to a $21,060 grant from the Nebraska Office of Highway Safety, the Patrol will have the equivalent of 59 extra troopers on the road.

And don't leave your safe-driving consciousness behind when you leave the four lane.

Overall, 203 people have died on Nebraska roads this year as of Thursday, compared to 143 a year ago.

"We are committing to doing everything we can to make the roads safe," said Colonel Tom Nesbitt, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.  "But, law enforcement can't do it alone. We need the same commitment from every driver on the road."

Let's do all we can to make the job easier for law enforcement officials at all levels.

Motorists are reminded to carry with them the Emergency Highway Help Line number which is 1-(800) 525-5555 or star 55 on cellular.