Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Nebraska recorded 1,176 traffic deaths in 1,052 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 12.0 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #27 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths 2020–2024
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Nebraska Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Nebraska Cities to Drive In
All 9 ranked Nebraska cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (2020–2024) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Omaha | 51/100 | 192 | 8.0 |
| 2 | Scottsbluff | 50/100 | 6 | 7.8 |
| 3 | Grand Island | 37/100 | 16 | 6.1 |
| 4 | Lincoln | 29/100 | 78 | 5.3 |
| 5 | Fremont | 26/100 | 7 | 5.0 |
| 6 | Hastings | 19/100 | 5 | 4.0 |
| 7 | Bellevue | 13/100 | 10 | 3.1 |
| 8 | Kearney | 11/100 | 5 | 2.9 |
| 9 | Norfolk | 5/100 | 2 | 1.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Nebraska?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 1,052 fatal car accidents in Nebraska from 2020 to 2024, killing 1,176 people — an average of 235 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Nebraska roads compared to other states?
Nebraska averages 12.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #27 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Nebraska?
Of Nebraska's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 33% involved a drinking driver, 20% involved speeding, and 40% happened in dark conditions.
Which Nebraska city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Nebraska cities, Omaha has the highest Road Danger Score (51/100) at 8.0 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.