LINCOLN, NE — Nebraska is on pace to surpass its five-year record for pedestrian crash fatalities, with 17 deaths already reported statewide in 2025. Nearly a quarter of those fatal accidents occurred in Lincoln, prompting police to step up enforcement efforts aimed at preventing more tragedies.
Pedestrian Fatalities On The Rise
Of the 17 pedestrian deaths this year, four took place in Lincoln, representing about 24 percent of the state’s total. Lincoln Police Department (LPD) officials said three of those deadly crashes showed the drivers were not at fault. In those cases, conditions made it nearly impossible for motorists to react in time.
“There is no time to react or the visibility as such that they would not have been illuminated by headlights in time,” said Sgt. Sara Genoways, Traffic Unit Supervisor for LPD. “It would not be reasonable to say that they could have seen and done something about it.”
Causes And Contributing Factors
LPD noted that some cases involve pedestrians misjudging the position of vehicles or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Despite Lincoln’s smaller size compared to Omaha, the city has already seen 92 pedestrian-related incidents through the end of September. That number puts Lincoln on track to match or exceed last year’s total of 115.
Pedestrian injuries in these crashes range from minor bruises to broken bones, head trauma, or death.
Police Response And Prevention Measures
To address the issue, Lincoln Police have increased patrols downtown, where many incidents occur. Nightshift bike officers have been especially active in stopping unsafe pedestrian behaviors, such as crossing outside designated areas…