Despite jump in December, Nebraska traffic deaths fell in 2023

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska Department of Transportation reported Tuesday that 19 people died in crashes last month.

In a press release, state officials said at least seven of the 16 vehicle occupants killed were not wearing seat belts.

Two pedestrians and a bicyclist were also killed in December.  Officials said icy roads were a factor in one crash.

SEE ALSO: Washington County official killed in crash on eastern Nebraska highway

Traffic deaths were up 26% from December 2022, when 15 people died.

But for 2023 as a whole, fatalities decreased.

There were 231 people killed in crashes last year, a 5% decrease from 2022.

Only 49 of the 189 vehicle occupants killed in 2023 were wearing seat belts, officials said.

SEE ALSO: ‘Seat belts save lives’: Four Nebraskans killed in crashes this week weren’t buckled up