NSP Highlights Drone Program

LINCOLN- Governor Pete Ricketts held a press conference Thursday at the headquarters of the Nebraska State Patrol to highlight NSP’s innovative drone program.

NSP drone operators performed a live demo at the conclusion of the event. NSP’s drone program launched a year ago. In its first year, drone operators have investigated 98 crashes. Using drones has reduced the average time of road closure for a crash investigation from 2.5 hours to less than an hour. Completing the investigations more quickly limits the time motorists must detour around a crash scene. It also enhances public safety by decreasing the likelihood of a secondary crash. In addition to crash investigation, NSP has deployed its drones to assist with wildfire response.  Aerial drones are able to pinpoint the hottest areas of a fire using thermal imaging.

This data helps emergency managers effectively dispatch fire teams to douse the flames.