Nebraska Panhandle Car Accident Statistics

The Nebraska panhandle is a rural region in the western part of the state comprising 11 counties, including Box Butte, Banner, Scotts Bluff, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Sheridan, and Sioux. Nebraska panhandle car accident statistics reveal there are approximately 9,847 injury crashes and 217 fatal crashes annually in the state.

The western panhandle is an incredibly beautiful part of the state, and it attracts thousands of tourists each year. Many visitors choose to drive along the scenic highways in this part of the state, including US Highway 20 and 385. Tourism may lead to increased traffic accidents.

If you find yourself involved in a car accident in the Nebraska panhandle, you may be feeling stressed and unsure of how to proceed. An experienced attorney can help carry the burden and provide guidance and peace of mind. The experienced legal team at Island Law Office, PC, LLO, can offer assistance if you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in western Nebraska.

County-Level Car Accident Statistics

Each year, the Highway Safety Section of the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) collects data and statistics on traffic crash trends. NDOT uses information submitted by local and state law enforcement agencies to create a detailed Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report. The rate of injury and fatal accidents that occurred in the panhandle counties of Nebraska are detailed below:

• Banner County: 1 fatal crash; 6 injury crashes
• Box Butte County: 1 fatal crash; 40 injury crashes
• Cheyenne County: 4 fatal crashes; 35 injury crashes
• Dawes County: 1 fatal crash; 28 injury crashes
• Deuel County: 3 fatal crashes; 10 injury crashes
• Garden County: 1 fatal crash; 5 injury crashes
• Grant County: 1 fatal crash; 2 injury crashes
• Kimball County: 3 fatal crashes; 19 injury crashes
• Morrill County: 2 fatal crashes; 20 injury crashes
• Scotts Bluff County: 6 fatal crashes; 192 injury crashes
• Sheridan County: 0 fatal crashes; 22 injury crashes
• Sioux County: 0 fatal crashes; 4 injury crashes

Factors Associated With Car Accidents in Nebraska

Of the total 383 injury crashes that occurred in panhandle counties, 94 involved alcohol. More Nebraskans over 18 reported driving after having too much to drink than Americans on average. The national average of individuals reporting driving after having too much to drink in the past month was 1.7%, compared to 2.5% of Nebraskans.

Statewide in 2023, law enforcement identified drug-impaired drivers as a result of training through the Drug Evaluation Classification Program. There were 177 incidents of cannabis involvement, 91 polycategory cases, 85 cases with depressants, 76 cases with stimulants, 3 with hallucinogens, and 43 with narcotic analgesics.

Distracted driving is another factor associated with car accidents. Texting while driving can increase the risk of being involved in an accident by 23%.

Work With a Personal Injury Attorney

The outcomes of a serious car accident can be devastating and may impact your physical and emotional health. The talented team at Island Law Office, PC, LLO, can help explain your options if you were injured as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Contact our office to schedule a consultation.