27 people killed in crashes across Nebraska in October, increase from last year

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Transportation reported Wednesday that 27 people died in crashes across the state in October.

In a press release, state officials said at least 12 of the 21 vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts.

Four motorcyclists were killed, as well as two pedestrians.  Another person was killed in a crash with a train.

Officials said there were 16 traffic fatalities in October 2022.

From January to October this year, there have been 182 people killed in crashes, according to the department.

That’s down from 209 in that same period in 2022.

But October may be the start of an upward trend.

So far in November, there have been 15 fatal crashes, an 88% increase over the average of the previous five years.