Pedestrian fatalities on the rise in Nebraska and nationally

A new report shows that the United States now has the highest number of pedestrian deaths in nearly three decades.

That increase also being felt in Nebraska, along with 24 other states and the District Of Columbia in 2018.

A new study by the Governors Highway Safety Assoc. says, 21 people were killed on Nebraska roadways last year, that’s the highest number since 1991, when 24 people were killed.

Another 2,200 were injured last year.

Nationally, more than 6,200 people died from these accidents, that’s the highest number since 1990.

But the association is offering some insight into some of the causes behind the increase.

Jonathan Adkins, the Executive Director of GHSA, said, “We’re in bigger vehicles, we’re going faster and the role of alcohol is playing a big role–not only are drivers many times having have had too much to drink behind the wheel, sometimes pedestrians as well.”

They say cellphones are also a major factor, including texting and driving.

The GHSA says the numbers can go down with better infrastructure and more awareness.

The report pointed to local streets as the most dangerous and where one-third of fatalities occur.

They also warn about dimly lit areas.