BEATRICE – Nebraska recorded fewer fatal crashes and fewer fatalities in 2023, than the year before.

The Nebraska Department of Transportation reports there were 209 fatal crashes on roadways the past year, compared with 214 in 2022.  Last year there were 231 people killed in highway, road or street accidents.   That was down from 244 in 2022.

During the final month of the year, December…..19 persons were killed in traffic accidents….compared with 15 in December of 2022.

Transportation safety officials say lack of seatbelt use continues to be a factor in fatal wrecks.