Lincoln, Neb. — Fifteen people lost their lives in traffic crashes across Nebraska during May, according to the latest fatality data released by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.
The agency reports that the 15 deaths occurred in 14 separate fatal crashes during the month. Thirteen of those fatalities happened in rural areas of the state, highlighting the continued safety challenges on Nebraska’s rural road network.
Of the 11 vehicle occupants killed in May crashes, eight were not wearing seat belts. Only one occupant was confirmed to have been restrained, while seat belt use was unknown for two others.
The fatal crashes occurred on a variety of roadways, including four deaths on interstate highways, six on other state highways, and five on local roads. One of the fatal crashes involved a train.
Motorcyclists accounted for three of the fatalities during the month. One pedestrian was killed, and one fatality involved the operator of a golf cart.
Through the first five months of 2026, Nebraska has recorded 81 traffic deaths in 73 fatal crashes. That is down from 85 fatalities during the same period in 2025, a decrease of approximately 5 percent.
The year-to-date total remains well below the 104 fatalities recorded through May of 2024 and below the 2022-2025 average of 91 deaths.
NDOT also noted that only 23 of the 68 vehicle occupants killed in Nebraska traffic crashes so far this year were wearing seat belts.
State transportation officials continue to urge motorists to buckle up, avoid distractions, obey speed limits, and drive sober to help reduce traffic deaths on Nebraska roadways.