Omaha Residents Push for Speed Control Measures Amid Growing Safety Fears

Residents of North Omaha, particularly along 24th Street, have had enough of speeding cars making their neighborhood unsafe. One resident describes the street as a hazard zone, especially for families and children.

Cars seem to fly through, disregarding speed limits and putting lives at risk. It's not just an inconvenience—it's a safety issue and a common cause of serious and fatal car accidents. With the recent rise in traffic on 24th Street, many worry it's only a matter of time before someone gets hurt.

Brianne Johnson, who owns Bri's Brainiacs daycare in North Omaha, deals with the dangers of speeding every day. When she takes children for their regular walks, she's extra cautious about crossing streets. Johnson says the rules are strict: she waits for the roads to clear entirely before even thinking about crossing.

Speeding cars put families and children at risk

"Going on our morning walks ... I don't even cross the street. I let the car cross before we even go. So the streets have to be clear before we cross the street." said Johnson. She's implemented a buddy system for the kids, and they don't step into the road until she gives the green light. For her, it's about safety first, but even that doesn't erase the fear of speeding cars.

Johnson believes drivers just aren't paying attention. "I don't think people are aware that they need to slow down. You know, they just think, 'I'm late for work, or I need to get my kids to school, so I can get to work.' I just think they're in a rush…and people just need to slow down," she said. It's a familiar story for many in the neighborhood, who feel like commuters and residents often ignore the speed limit in favor of shaving a few minutes off their drive.

Can speed control measures help?

Johnson suggests that the city could take action by installing speed bumps or permanent speed monitors in the area. So far, the Omaha Police Department has placed temporary speed monitors on parts of 24th Street that alert drivers when they're going too fast. However, according to a city spokesperson, there are no plans for a permanent solution.

The city plans to deploy additional speed monitors to collect more data and better understand the extent of the speeding problem. While that may be helpful in the short term, many residents hope for a more lasting fix to keep their neighborhood safe. For now, they remain vigilant, hoping the city will step up its efforts to protect pedestrians and slow down traffic in the area.

Why is speeding so dangerous?

Speeding is one of the leading causes of serious car accidents, and it puts everyone on the road at risk. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they have less time to react to sudden changes—whether it's a pedestrian stepping into the street, another vehicle stopping abruptly, or a sharp turn ahead.

Higher speeds also increase the force of impact in a crash, leading to more severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and even fatalities.

For pedestrians and cyclists, speeding cars are especially dangerous. A driver going just 10 mph over the speed limit significantly reduces their ability to stop in time to avoid a collision. The faster the vehicle, the greater the likelihood of a life-altering or fatal accident.

At its core, speeding is reckless behavior. It's a decision to prioritize getting somewhere quickly over the safety of everyone else on the road. When accidents happen as a result, the consequences can be devastating. If you've been injured by a speeding driver, our experienced Omaha car accident lawyers are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Let us fight for your rights while you focus on healing

Speeding can turn a routine drive into a life-changing disaster in seconds. If you've been involved in a car accident caused by a speeding driver in Omaha, you need a strong legal advocate on your side.

The experienced and compassionate attorneys at Ausman Law Firm P.C., L.L.O. have been helping crash victims obtain the compensation they deserve since 2007. We know how to hold negligent drivers accountable and demand justice for victims of crashes. Some of our victories include:

• $1.855 million to the family of a victim who sustained a traumatic brain injury after a car accident.
• A $600,000 settlement for a man injured in a T-bone collision at an intersection.
• A six-figure mediation settlement for a man rear-ended by a semi-truck on Interstate 80.

Our legal team will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. No matter where your accident happened—on a highway or a local road—we're ready to help. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation. Visit our Omaha office or give us a call. We'll discuss your case, lay out your options, and help you move forward.