Final answer:
The major factors contributing to serious crashes in Nebraska include driver error due to alcohol impairment or distractions such as cell phone usage. Both these factors compromise driving abilities and can lead to fatal accidents. Emphasizing safe driving practices is crucial to mitigating these risks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major contributing factor in Nebraska crashes resulting in death and/or serious injury is often attributed to driver error, which encompasses a range of behaviors. Critical factors include being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, which can impair a driver's cognitive functions and reaction times, leading to an increased risk of accidents. Moreover, driver distractions, such as the use of cell phones, can take a driver's focus away from the road, which is equally hazardous.
Studies have shown that alcohol can contribute to a lack of coordination, blurred vision, and poor judgment, all of which significantly increase the likelihood of road accidents. In fact, according to statistics, up to 50 percent of road accidents can be related to alcohol overconsumption. Additionally, distractions from cell phone usage can lead to a failure in noticing critical cues on the road, escalating the probability of collisions. Therefore, both alcohol impairment and distractions are major factors in serious crashes, emphasizing the importance of safe driving practices to avoid such tragic outcomes.