A deadly two-day period on Nebraska roadways has the Nebraska State Patrol, Nebraska Department of Roads, and their safety partners urging motorists and pedestrians to do their part to reduce serious injury and fatality crashes through voluntary compliance with all traffic safety laws.

10 people were killed in six separate crashes from Wednesday, June 8, through Thursday June 9.  The crashes occurred in Adams, Dakota, Kearney, Lincoln, Merrick and Platte Counties.

Of the 10 motor vehicle occupants killed two were wearing seat belts. Six were not wearing seat belts and restraint use is unknown for two of the fatalities.

“While the circumstances of each crash are unique, one common denominator is the failure to buckle up,” said Field Services Major Mike Gaudreault. “Wearing a seat belt correctly increases your odds of surviving a crash by up to 50%. We encourage all motorists to put the odds in their favor and wear their seat belt every trip, every time.”

To-date in 2016, 85 people have died on Nebraska roadways compared with 105 people on this date a year ago.  Of the 85 fatalities in 2016, 67 have been passenger vehicle occupants, with 49 (73%) unbelted.

Captain Gaudreault said, “During the summer months we typically see increased traffic including more pedestrians and cyclist on our roadways. By watching out for each other, and complying with all traffic safety laws we can all help keep our roadways safe.”