By Allison Peck | North Platte Post/Sandhills Post
Lincoln, Neb. - The Nebraska Department of Transportation says 17 people were killed in traffic crashes across the state in October, according to newly released data.
The deaths occurred in 15 separate crashes. Of the 12 vehicle occupants killed, only two were confirmed to be wearing a seatbelt. Five were not buckled, and seatbelt use was unknown for the remaining five victims.
Thirteen of the fatalities happened in rural areas. NDOT reports two deaths occurred on the interstate system, eight on other state highways, and seven on local roads. The month also saw two pedestrian deaths, two motorcyclist fatalities, and one person killed while riding an electric tricycle.
While any loss of life is significant, October’s total is lower than the 25 fatalities recorded during the same month last year.
Looking at the year-to-date numbers, 182 people have died in Nebraska traffic crashes from January through October. That marks a 21% decrease from the 221 deaths reported during the same period in 2024. NDOT says just 47 of the 143 vehicle occupants killed so far this year were wearing a seatbelt.
For daily updates on Nebraska’s traffic fatality count, visit NDOT’s online tracker at ndot.info/tollcompare.
The report includes data available through Oct. 14, 2025. For more information, contact the NDOT Communications and Public Policy Division at 402-479-4316.