Nebraska Traffic Fatalities Rise in January 2026

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The Nebraska Department of Transportation reported 19 traffic fatalities in January 2026, an increase from 14 fatalities in January 2025. The fatalities occurred in 15 crashes across the state, with 13 happening in rural locations and 10 on local roads. Eight of the 17 vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seatbelts.

Why it matters

Traffic safety is an ongoing concern in Nebraska, and these rising fatality numbers indicate a need to further examine factors like seatbelt usage, road conditions, and driver behavior to improve public safety on the state's roads and highways.

The details

The 19 fatalities in January 2026 occurred in 15 fatal crashes across Nebraska. Eight of the 17 vehicle occupants killed were not using seatbelts, while seven were using seatbelts. Two had seatbelt usage marked as unknown. Thirteen of the fatalities were in rural locations, with zero on the interstate, nine on other highways, and 10 on local roads. Two of the fatalities were pedestrians, and one crash involved a train. Icy road conditions contributed to one crash resulting in two fatalities.

• The traffic fatality data is from January 2026.
• In January 2025, there were 14 traffic fatalities in Nebraska.