Nebraska Department of Transportation sees increase in fatal accidents

According to the NDOT March Traffic Fatality Toll, 29 fatalities were reported throughout the month.

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Transportation has seen an increase in fatal accidents in comparison to previous years.

On Friday, NDOT released its March Traffic Fatality Toll report.  During the month, the department reported 29 fatalities in 23 crashes across Nebraska.

According to the report, five of the fatalities involved the occupant not wearing a seatbelt.

NDOT reported 17 fatalities in rural areas, six on the interstate, 10 on other highways and 13 on local roads.

Icy roads and snow were contributing factors in four of the fatal crashes, according to the department.

From January to March, the department reported a total of 70 fatalities in 59 crashes.  The 2018 to 2021 average for fatalities is 46 in 40 crashes, the department says.

Last year, 11 fatalities were reported in March, the department says.