Motor vehicle related fatalities are rising in the state according to preliminary data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Data for last year shows an estimated 35,200 people died in motor vehicle crashes in the nation compared to 32,675 in 2014.
Rose White, Public Affairs Director for AAA Nebraska, says included in the national traffic fatality toll are Nebraska’s 246 traffic deaths which is up 9 percent over the 2014 total of 225.
White says year-end projections also indicate there will be increases in fatalities for pedal cyclists, pedestrians and motorists. She says there are some simple things you can do to be safer when you drive.
"Distracted driving is a big concern for all Nebraskans especially use of cell phones and texting while driving. Speeding is another issue. And we are also dealing with an increase in impaired driving. That could be alcohol, drugs or even prescription medications. Any of these can cause the person not to have the full ability they need to drive safely. The other issue is always wearing a safety belt. Even though 80 percent of all motorists regularly wear their safety belts, 75 percent of all fatalities aren’t wearing seat belts.”
White says the Federal Highway Administration is reporting a slight increase of 3.5 percent in vehicle miles traveled from 2014 to 2015 which could account for some of the traffic fatalities but doesn’t account for all of them.
She says as of July 11th, roadway crashes are down 11 percent compared to last year at this time.