Fifteen people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Nebraska during May, according to the latest figures released by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
NDOT reported the fatalities occurred in 14 separate crashes. Thirteen of the deaths happened in rural areas of the state.
Of the 11 vehicle occupants killed, eight were not wearing seat belts, one was properly restrained, and seat belt use was unknown for two others. State officials note that only 23 of the 68 vehicle occupants killed in Nebraska traffic crashes so far in 2026 were known to be wearing seat belts.
Four of May's fatalities occurred on interstate highways, six happened on other state highways, and five took place on local roads. One fatal crash involved a train.
The May toll also included three motorcyclists, one pedestrian, and one person operating a golf cart.
Nebraska has recorded 81 traffic fatalities in 2026 through the end of May, compared with 85 during the same period in 2025 and 104 in 2024. There were 17 traffic deaths reported in May 2025.
NDOT maintains a daily traffic fatality count that is available online at ndot.info/tollcompare.