The number of traffic deaths in Nebraska increased by 15% in 2022.
Speeding, distracted driving and the failure to use seat belts were seen as the main culprits of the increase.
The 254 traffic deaths on Nebraska roads were 33 more than what was recorded in 2021. It was the highest total of traffic deaths in the state since 2007.
From 2017 - 2021 Nebraska averaged 232 traffic fatalities annually. The increase of 9.5% above the average was similar to the national trend.
165 of the fatalities were on rural roads. Traffic fatalities in urban areas jumped from 56 in 2021 to 89 last year according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation's Highway Safety Office.
The Nebraska State Patrol reported 938 citations were issued in 2022 to people driving 100 mph or more. It also appears that seat belt use is down another 5%.
The Nebraska Highway Safety Office indicates Nebraska had only about 76% of front-seat passengers buckling up, that figure is down 10% from 2017.
Motorcycle and pedestrian deaths also rose on Nebraska roads in 2022. There wer 30 motorcycle fatalities, an increase of 9 from the previous year. The 24 pedestrian deaths in 2022 were up from 15 in 2021.
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