Nebraska State Patrol at an accident scene, Brian Neben, Central Nebraska Today
NEBRASKA — During the month of January 2026, nineteen people were killed in traffic crashes on Nebraska roadways, according to data collected by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
- These 19 fatalities occurred in 15 fatal crashes.
- Eight of the seventeen vehicle occupants killed were not using seatbelts, seven were using a seatbelt, and two had seatbelt usage marked as unknown.
- Thirteen of the fatalities were in rural locations*.
- There were zero fatalities on the interstate, nine on other highways, and ten on local roads.
- Two of the fatalities were pedestrians.
- One of the fatality crashes involved a train.
- Icy road conditions contributed to one fatality crash resulting in two fatalities.
- There were 14 fatalities in January of 2025.
- Only 7 of the 17 vehicle occupants killed during 2026 were using seatbelts.
*The Federal Highway Administration definition for urban is an area with a population of 5,000 or more.
This report includes information available through February 12, 2026 from the Highway Safety Section, Traffic Engineering Division, Nebraska
Department of Transportation. For additional information, contact NDOT Communications and Public Policy Division at (402) 479-4316.
