1. Nebraska
  2. Car Crash Statistics

Nebraska Car Crash Statistics

Nebraska has one of the safest roads for motorists in the United States. The 2021 report by IIHS showed that the state was 12th on the list of states with the lowest number of fatal crashes and deaths in the country. However, the high population density and poor road conditions are a major concern in relation to motorist safety.

Driver error is among the major causes of traffic fatalities in the state. Going over the speed limit, driving while under the influence, and distracted driving account for the highest number of deaths in Nebraska. Additionally, poor road conditions and harsh weather contribute to the increased crash fatalities in Nebraska.

Fatal Crashes
192
Deaths
221
Deaths per 100,000 population
11.3
Deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled
1.04
Crash Types
221
Single-vehicle
95
Multiple-vehicle
126
Alcohol Involvement
136killed
Drivers killed with known BAC results
131
Estimated drivers killed with BACs ≥ 0.08
75
Deaths by Road User
Rural vs. Urban Crashes
Source: IIHS, NHTSA

Number of Fatal Crashes

Number of Serious Injury Crashes

Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Nebraska

Though all roads in the state have some crashes, some highways in Nebraska are infamous for high numbers of collisions and fatalities. Here are the top five most dangerous roads in the state:

80
I-80 from Big Springs to Omaha
23 Fatalities/year
30
US-30 from Kimball to Blair
11 Fatalities/year
75
US-75 from Dawson to South Sioux City
10 Fatalities/year
6
US-6 from Culbertson to Omaha
10 Fatalities/year
81
US-81 from Chester to Cedar County
7 Fatalities/year

Key Car Crash Statistics in Nebraska

  1. In 2021, 192 fatal crashes in Nebraska resulted in 221 deaths.
  2. In 2019, 21 deaths resulted from teen driver crashes.
  3. Douglas County, Nebraska, had 9,037 crashes, which was the highest number of collisions in the state in 2020.
  4. In 2020, 1,534 alcohol-related crashes occurred in the state.
  5. In 2019, 197 fatalities in the state involved unbelted vehicle occupants.

What Should I Do After a Car Accident in Nebraska?

Nebraska has established effective procedures to safeguard lives and legal rights for drivers in the event of a car collision. Here are a few actions to take following an accident in the state:

1
Move the car

In case of an accident, motorists should move their vehicles away from the main line and find a safe area to stop near the scene. The high traffic density and harsh weather conditions on the road can be a problem. Driving the car off the road prevents blocking traffic, particularly on a congested highway, which could cause secondary collisions.

2
Remain at the scene

Nebraska laws state that drivers involved in a collision should remain at the scene if it results in property damage, bodily injury, or death. Therefore, stay at the scene.

3
Turn on hazards and put up safety cones

Vehicle operators need to activate their hazard lights and place safety cones at a safe distance from their vehicle to warn other drivers of the potential hazard ahead.

4
Check for injuries

Drivers must ensure that all passengers did not sustain any injuries during the crash. If anyone sustains severe injuries, those at the scene should avoid moving them. Instead, individuals should call for a medical emergency team immediately.

5
Call law enforcement

The state requires drivers to report an accident to law enforcement immediately if it results in anyone sustaining injuries, in case of death, or if there is property damage of $1,000 or more.

6
Exchange information

The state requires drivers to provide information after an accident. This information includes name, address, vehicle registration, and insurance details. Furthermore, if the driver does not possess the vehicle, they must provide the owner's name and address. In the event of a collision with an unoccupied car or motor vehicle, drivers are obligated to leave their information, in writing, either on or in the other damaged vehicle.

7
Document the accident

If possible, vehicle operators should take photos of the scene, including the cars. These photos can assist in establishing the accident's cause or documenting any existing damages on the vehicle.

8
Notify the insurance company

Individuals who want compensation for the accident should notify their insurance company.

9
Keep records of the accident

Individuals should always keep a record of the vehicle crash. The most important documents include the crash report, insurance information, and the police statement.

Nebraska Driving Laws and Facts

Nebraska enforces strict and thorough regulations that govern motor vehicle driving and operations, crucial for safeguarding the safety and well-being of road users. These laws and details encompass:

Driving Under Influence

  • In Nebraska, drivers are prohibited from driving if their Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is .08% or higher.
  • Novice drivers under the age of 21 are not allowed to drive while drunk.
  • It is unlawful for a driver to operate any vehicle in the state under the influence of any controlled intoxicant.

Seat Belt Laws

  • In Nebraska, all drivers and front-seat passengers must consistently use seat belts while in the car.
  • Drivers must secure all children under 18 in the car, no matter their sitting position.
  • Children aged six or below must be secure in a child seat or booster seat when the car is moving.

Using Headlights

  • The state requires motor vehicle operators to turn on their headlights between sunset and sunrise.
  • The state also requires headlight use when weather conditions prevent proper road visibility within 500 ft.

Car Insurance

  • All vehicles in the state must have a minimum liability insurance coverage on the road.
  • Drivers must provide their insurance information, if requested by law enforcement, in case of an accident or when they appear in traffic court.

Teen Driving Laws

  • The legal driving age for teen drivers is 16 years and above, and they must obtain a learner's permit.
  • Teen drivers must log in 80-120 driving hours plus driver education.
  • After one year, and the driver completes the mandated driving hours, they can get an intermediate driving license.
  • Novice drivers are not allowed to drive at night between 9-10 p.m. and 5 a.m.
  • Additionally, teen drivers are only allowed to carry one passenger under 18, except for immediate family members.
  • When driving, all vehicle occupants must always wear a seat belt.
  • Novice and teen drivers are not allowed to drive under the influence of alcohol.
  • Teen drivers cannot use handheld devices while operating a car.

Move Over Laws

  • Drivers must switch to an adjacent lane or reduce speed when approaching a stationary law enforcement vehicle, emergency car, highway maintenance vehicle, tow truck, or public utility vehicle with activated warning lights.
  • When an authorized vehicle approaches, drivers must decrease speed below the minimum speed limit, give way, or change lanes.

Motorcycle Laws

  • The state requires all riders to wear a protective helmet whenever using a motorcycle or a moped.
  • Additionally, all motorcycle or moped passengers should wear a helmet.
  • The state requires riders to carry passengers only if they have seats permanently attached to the motorcycle or a sidecar.

Riding Outside the Vehicle

  • The state prevents individuals from riding outside the car if it is moving.
  • Additionally, drivers should never carry an individual in the cargo bed of a truck if there are vacant seats inside the car.

Distracted Driving Law

  • In Nebraska, using any handheld electronic device to read, write, send text, or browse the internet or social media while operating a car is illegal.
  • Drivers can use hands-free devices to make and receive calls while driving.
  • Teen drivers under the age of 18 are not allowed to use both handheld and hands-free devices while operating a vehicle.

Nebraska Weird Traffic Laws

While most of the traffic laws in Montana are shared by other states, there are a few unique laws that set the state apart.

  1. Livestock have the right of way: Drivers should give way to livestock if they find them on the road. Additionally, drivers are expected to assist in driving cattle or livestock away from public roads if they encounter them.
  2. Riding a horse in Lincoln: Lincoln prohibits individuals from riding horses or other animals in the city at greater speed than six mph.
  3. It is illegal to ride on top of the hood of a car: The state bans individuals from riding on top of the hood of a car while the vehicle is in motion.
  4. Driving on mountain roads: Motor vehicle operators must drive on the right side of the road while driving on mountain roads.
  5. Carrying a gun in your car while drunk. The state allows individuals to transport and carry firearms in a car even when they are intoxicated or under the influence of drugs or controlled substances if the gun is unloaded and kept separate from ammunition.