Traffic deaths on Nebraska roadways in March were more than double the numbers seen in 2013.

The Nebraska Department of Roads reports 18 traffic deaths in March of 2014.  Last Year, there were seven.

NDOR provided that following stats:

• The 18 fatalities occurred in 17 crashes
• Eleven of the 14 vehicle occupants killed were not using safety belts
• Three fatalities occurred in the Interstate, seven happened on non-Interstate Highways and eight took place on local roads
• Thirteen of the fatalities occurred in rural areas
• Seven of the fatalities occurred in vehicle rollovers
• Seven of the fatalities were age 24 or younger
• Two of the fatalities were pedestrians
• One fatality was a motorcyclist
• One fatality was a bicyclist

There have been a total of 47 fatalities so far this year, compared to 48 this time last year.

Law enforcement officials strongly encourage all vehicle occupants to wear seatbelts.