- One out of every ten car fatal accidents in Nebraska and throughout the country may be directly related to distracted driving, and they could, therefore, have been avoided or minimized in severity
- Statistics reveal that some car makes are involved in many more fatal collisions in Nebraska than others
- Drivers can follow helpful driving tips to stay safe on the road regardless of the type of vehicle that you are driving
Many people do not realize that they are getting behind the wheel for the last time before tragedy strikes or that factors like the safety ratings of vehicle makes can play a role in fatalities.
Many fatal car accidents in Nebraska could have been prevented. For example, some deaths are the result drivers or passengers not wearing a seatbelt as required by law.
Other deaths may be attributed to unsafe or distracted driving behaviors. Because some makes of vehicles in Nebraska are linked with significantly more fatal accidents, it is important to understand how this could affect risk on the road.
While some makes have higher safety ratings than others, some vehicles are simply involved in more car accidents in this state because the brand is popular and there are many more vehicles from that brand on the road.
Nebraska’s fatal car accidents could be categorized as either sudden death or eventual death accidents. Make sure you are covered with our free quote tool above! Just enter your zip code and get your free quote today!
A sudden death fatal incident involves an immediate death at the scene of the accident, and this type of accident is usually associated with little or no suffering on the part of the victim as well as minimal or no medical expenses.
An eventual death fatality, on the other hand, means that at least one of the people involved in the accident died later away from the scene, and this could have been after receiving days or weeks or medical attention and enduring incredible pain and suffering.
Distracted Driving in Nebraska
Approximately 10 percent of all fatal car accidents in the United States is caused by distracted driving, which is an entirely preventable behavior.
Because Nebraska’s roadways are generally straighter and flatter than in many other areas of the country, it may be particularly easy for drivers to get their attention diverted to other things while driving.
You should be aware of the common types of driving distractions as well as the steps that you can take to avoid these behaviors when you are behind the wheel.
The three primary types of distractions that you may be affected by while driving in Nebraska are cognitive, manual, and visual, and some distractions may be classified in two or more categories.
A cognitive driving distraction steers the driver’s attention away from the action of driving, such as if he or she is having a conversation on the phone while driving.
A manual distraction takes at least one of your hands off of the wheel, such as when using a cell phone or eating a burger. A visual driving distraction involves pulling your eyes off of the road and the vehicles around you, and it may include reading a map or GPS directions.
Top 10 Vehicles Involved in Fatal Crashes in Nebraska
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Because the make of vehicle that you drive may play a role in your safety level behind the wheel as well as your insurance rates, you need to understand which vehicles in Nebraska are more closely linked to fatalities.
Altogether, there were 223 fatal car accidents in Nebraska in 2016, and more than 67 percent of those accidents were associated with the top 10 makes listed below.
#10 – Buick/Opel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UA-I-cN9mh8
Established: 1899
Vehicles Involved: 8
Since 1899, Buick has been working hard to impress its valued customers with high-quality vehicles. This was one of the world’s first automakers, and it continues to have its headquarters in Detroit.
Its primary vehicle types are SUVs and sedans, and the brand has increasingly appeal to a younger target audience because of the manufacturer’s focus on innovation and style.
As you cruise down Nebraska’s roads, you may spot Buick models such as the LaCrosse, the Enclave, the Regal, and several others.
#9 – Jeep/Kaiser-Jeep/Willys-Jeep
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0p1cF89NU4w&feature=youtu.be
Established: 1941
Vehicles Involved: 9
Established in 1941 at the beginning of World War II, Jeep originally manufactured a wide range of military vehicles. However, when the war ended, this company remained open and shifted its attention to the consumer market.
Many consumers have chosen to buy Jeep products over the years because of the brand’s reputation for durability and reliability as well as for the unique look that many Jeep vehicles are known for.
Nonetheless, Jeep has transitioned its focus to sophisticated SUV models in recent years, and this is evident in the popularity of the Grand Cherokee, the Cherokee, the Compass, and the Liberty, to name a few.
#8 – Datsun/Nissan
Established: 1933
Vehicles Involved: 11
Nissan is a Japanese automaker that was established in 1933, and the company has been successful in its attempts to branch out on a global scale over the decades. In fact, Nissan is the fourth largest automaker in the world today, and it has the lead position in Mexico, Russia, and China in terms of auto sales.
Historically, Nissan is known for stylishly appealing models as well as for reliability. With the popularity of the Leaf as the world’s best-selling electric vehicle in 2016, the brand is also getting attention from green consumers today.
In addition to the Leaf, other vehicles made by Nissan include the Maxima, the Altima, the Titan pickup truck, and the Rogue SUV.
#7 – GMC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C34GwFotx2Y
Established: 1911
Vehicles Involved: 12
GMC is another American automobile manufacturer that has a headquarters in Detroit. This popular brand sells coveted models in markets around the world, and it has special appeal for consumers who are willing pay a little extra for quality and innovation in their vehicle.
GMC is not a luxury brand, but it is known for sophistication and excellence. Some of the current GMC models available include the Acadia, the Yukon, the Canyon truck, and the Envoy.
#6 – Pontiac
Established: 1926
Vehicles Involved: 14
When the Pontiac brand initially was introduced to American consumers, it was under the GM umbrella. However, the company soon broke away and stood independently for decades until Pontiac closed its doors in 2010.
Despite the fact that Pontiac has not made new vehicles in many years, you may still find popular models on the road today because of their overall durability and appeal.
Popular Pontiac models in Nebraska include the Firebird, the Sunbird, the Aztec, and the Bonneville sedan.
#5 – Honda
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1JtB6S4GD4&feature=youtu.be
Established: 1946
Vehicles Involved: 15
Established in 1946, Honda is much more than an auto manufacturer. This reputable Japanese company makes a wide range of motorized items, including motorcycles, planes, lawnmowers, lawn equipment, and more. It also controls the elite Acura brand.
Honda cars have maintained a steady reputation over the last few decades for being dependable, high-quality vehicles with broad appeal in the marketplace. Some Honda vehicles that you may see while driving on Nebraska’s roads include the Odyssey, the CR-V, the Civic, the Insight, and the Accord.
#4 – Toyota
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjUPpYvYqj0&feature=youtu.be
Established: 1937
Vehicles Involved: 17
Toyota is the largest automobile manufacturer in the world, and its facilities produce more than 10 million vehicles under the Toyota label each year. Additional vehicles are produced under the modern Scion brand and the luxurious Lexus brand.
The Toyota name equates to quality and value, and many buyers are drawn to these stylish vehicles because of their innovative features. The Tundra truck, the Prius hybrid vehicle, the Corolla, and the Camry are some of the top-selling Toyota models today.
#3 – Dodge
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-WQoMWyhd0&feature=youtu.be
Established: 1900
Vehicles Involved: 26
Dodge was founded only a year after Buick was, making it one of the oldest automobile companies in the United States and in the world.
For most of its history, Dodge has been a coveted American brand that is known for value and reliability.
Recently, it has also gained attention for its innovative features found in many models. The Viper, the Ram pickup truck, the Challenger, and the Durango SUV are among the more popular models of Dodge vehicles found on Nebraska’s roads.
#2 – Ford
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6YmBAyUvXk&feature=youtu.be
Established: 1903
Vehicles Involved: 45
Ford is one of the first automakers that gained national popularity, and this is because it innovated the assembly line method of mass production with its Model T. This method for manufacturing is now used in many industries worldwide.
While the Model T stopped being produced decades ago, other Ford models are popular with Nebraska’s drivers. These include the F-150 truck, the Focus sedan, the Fiesta, the Mustang, and several others. Ford is the parent company for Motorcraft and Lincoln.
#1 – Chevrolet
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9iB8hn7bLw&feature=youtu.be
Established: 1911
Vehicles Involved: 66
Perhaps one of the reasons why so many of Nebraska’s fatal car accidents involve Chevy vehicles is because of the incredible popularity of this brand.
Between the Tahoe, the Camaro, the Suburban, the Silverado, and several other vehicles, you can easily find Chevrolet models on local roads.
Many of these stylish vehicles are priced affordably in comparison to other makes, but they also have innovative safety and technology features.
Tips to Avoid Fatal Car Accidents in Nebraska
Driving across Nebraska’s roads is usually an uneventful experience, and this can create a false sense of security with many drivers. After all, when you see miles of straight roads stretching in front of you, it is easy to become distracted by other things.
The dull driving conditions in Nebraska are only one factor to consider when identifying potential risks drivers face. Keep in mind that Nebraska is located in Tornado Alley, and this means that the area is susceptible to tornadoes and other severe storms that could make driving dangerous at times.
Wildlife is also common, and you may see animals dart in front of you from time to time with little notice. The good news is that there are multiple steps that you can to avoid being involved in a fatal car accident in Nebraska or in any other location.
- Eliminate all forms of distracted driving behavior. Avoid eating, drinking, smoking, using a cell phone, and more while you are driving so that you can keep your attention on the road.
- When traveling to a new location, obtain driving directions and plan your route before you get behind the wheel. If you get lost along the way, stop driving before you look at a map or at your GPS system.
- Only drive when you are fully awake and alert. Avoid driving while you are fatigued or under the influence of medications or alcohol. Consider steps that you can take to stay awake while driving long distances, such as by listening to ambient music at a low volume.
- When possible, avoid driving when road conditions are bad are at night. It is safer to drive when good road conditions are present and when the roads are fully illuminated by sunlight.
- Ensure that all passengers in your car are properly fastened in a seatbelt or a child car seat before driving the vehicle.
- Always observe and obey posted traffic signs, including speed limit signs. Turn your cruise control on if you feel that a lead foot is causing your speed to increase unintentionally.
- Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s maintenance suggestions by completing regular service. In addition, check the tread and air pressure on your tires regularly.
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