Police encourage drivers to be more aware

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by Dara Newson

Story Created: Aug 16, 2012 at 5:54 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 16, 2012 at 6:58 PM CDT

Two fatal accidents involving two toddlers have Hastings Police cracking down on people who speed. In Hastings, last month a two year old was hit by a car and killed.

And on Sunday another toddler was hit by multiple vehicles and died at the scene.

There is no additional law enforcement out on the streets. At every school there is at least one officer that normally patrols the area.

But one thing Hastings Police is doing, creating more awareness and encouraging families and neighbors to do the same.

As Officer Brent Eigenberg cruises down the road he has his eye on one thing.

"Kids out walking to see what they're doing where they're trying to cross the roads at," said Eigenberg.

The main objective is to stand out.

"A lot of what I'm doing is for officer presence and being visible especially around with the school zones," Eigenberg said.

At least one police officer is assigned to one school.

"We do patrol of the school especially during the first few days of school because people start adjusting and getting used to the speed zones," said Eigenberg.

After two fatal incidents involving toddlers, Eigenberg believes the community is being more alert.

"This is not a normal occurrence to have two deaths this quickly of the same age group its very, very uncommon and very unfortunate," Eigenberg said.

In fact, this year Nebraska increased its fine for drivers that fail to stop for a school bus while the arm is extended.

"It's very common to have people that really don't pay attention much further than the block ahead of them of what's going on or much more than what's right outside their car," said Eigenberg. "My biggest objective is to educate the people in the community that they need to slow down they need to pay attention, just try and keep everyone safe."

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