Safety

Road safety in Nebraska is more than just a priority — it’s a collaborative, community-driven mission. The National Safety Council’s Nebraska Chapter (formerly the Nebraska Safety Council in Lincoln, NE) is leading the way with award-winning defensive driving programs and driver education for individuals and corporate fleets. In 2021, the chapter earned the prestigious National Safety Council Driver Safety Program Award.

Also playing a key role is the Nebraska Safety Center, part of the University of Nebraska’s Innovation Campus. With locations in Kearney and Lincoln, the center provides hands-on education in driver’s ed, defensive driving, CPR, and first aid.

Lincoln is also home to the Nebraska Department of Transportation, which supports these efforts with ongoing safety initiatives and roadway expansion projects designed to make travel safer across the state. With proactive institutions and state-level support, Nebraska continues to build a culture of safety behind the wheel.

Environmental sustainability in Nebraska is driven by both public and private efforts that protect the state’s natural beauty and resources. Ranked No. 11 for Natural Environment and No. 13 for air and water quality nationally, Nebraska is one of the best places for clean, healthy living. The Nebraska Department of Environment & Energy leads two Water Quality Programs that safeguard both surface and groundwater across the state.

Beyond government initiatives, Nebraska’s business and nonprofit community are stepping up, too. Companies like Firespring and Verdis Group are certified B Corporations, meaning they meet rigorous standards for environmental impact, social responsibility, and transparency. Meanwhile, the global nonprofit Arbor Day Foundation — headquartered in Lincoln — has planted more than half a billion trees in over 60 countries over the past half-century.

From conservation to corporate accountability, sustainability is a shared value in the Cornhusker State.

Peace of mind comes easier to Nebraska residents, where crime rates are lower than the national average. In fact, the state ranks No. 18 in the U.S. for crime and corrections. Factors like The Good Life having one of the top economies in the nation, dedicated law enforcement and the state’s ranking as one of the best for job opportunities contribute to low crime rates. Proactive efforts like those led by the Office of Violence Prevention also promote safer communities.

Looking for a good place to raise children? Nebraska cities such as Seward, Plattsmouth, Beatrice, Papillion, Norfolk, Kearney, and Chadron are often noted as some of the safest cities to live in the state. For those drawn to metro life, suburbs like Bellevue and La Vista offer clean, secure neighborhoods with close-knit communities. No matter your stage of life, you’ll find proud Nebraskans across the state who look out for one another and actively give back to keep Nebraska safe, welcoming, and thriving.