State traffic fatality toll rises to 219 for year

Twenty-six fatalities were recorded on Nebraska roadways in November, bringing the year-to-date death toll to 219.

According to data released by the Nebraska Department of Roads, fatalities have increased 14 percent over the previous four-year average.

Among the deaths in November, 80 percent of vehicle occupants killed were not using safety belts, up slightly from the year-to-date average of 77 percent

The vast majority of November crashes, 21, occurred in rural locations, and eight were head-on collisions. Five of the fatalities occurred on the interstate, while 16 happened on non-interstate highways and five took place on local roads.

In a media release issued in late November, AAA said Nebraska roadway fatalities are on track to be at their worst level since 2007.

"Fatalities in urban areas in Nebraska are up 46 percent, with the greatest increase occurring on local roads in city limits," the release states. "To avoid distractions that take your mind off of the task of driving safely, AAA advises all motorists to always turn off your cell phone while driving."

While traffic deaths declined nationally in 2014, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported those numbers are climbing throughout the country this year.

"These numbers are a call to action," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a release. "Everyone with a responsibility for road safety – the federal, state and local governments, law enforcement, vehicle manufactures, safety advocates and road users – needs to reassess our efforts to combat threats to safety. USDOT will redouble our efforts on safety and we expect our partners to do the same."

NHSTA research shows that in an estimated 94 percent of crashes, the critical cause is human factor, according to the release.

"While great public attention is focused on safety defects and recalls, and rightfully so, it is time as a nation to reinvigorate the fight against drunk and drugged driving, distraction and other risks that kill thousands every year," NHSTA Administrator Mark Rosekind said, "and time for state and local governments to reassess whether they are making the right policy choices to improve highway safety."