Lucky driver seemingly uninjured after tree slams onto her car
A driver in Pennsylvania walked away seemingly unhurt after a dead tree fell straight onto her car during traffic.
Nebraska has long lagged behind other states in seat belt use, with rates consistently lower than the national average.
In 2024, the state’s seat belt use rate was 80.2%, up from 77.3% the year before, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation. However, the national rate was 91.2% in 2024, and Nebraska’s rate was 85.9% as recently as 2017.
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Nebraska’s seat belt use rate of 77.3% in 2023, the most recent year with available data, ranked 49th out of the 50 states, a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report says.
Do you have to wear a seat belt in Nebraska?
The law in Nebraska requires seat belts to be worn by each front-seat occupant in the vehicle and all children between 6 and 18 years old. It’s a secondary law, which means it’s only enforced if the driver is cited or charged for another traffic violation or some other offense. The penalty is a $25 fine.
How many traffic deaths are there in Nebraska?
A total of 251 people died in traffic crashes last year in Nebraska, up from 227 in 2023, according to a news release from the state Department of Transportation. Of the 194 vehicle occupants who died in 2024, only 56 were using seatbelts.
What states have the highest rates of seat belt use?
These states had the highest rates of seat belt use in 2023.
Hawaii: 98.4%
Oregon: 97%
Iowa: 96.9%
California: 96.2%
Alaska: 95.2%
What states have the lowest rates of seat belt use?
These states had the lowest rates of seat belt use in 2023.
Nebraska has added a secondary commitment to the 2027 class, safety/cornerback Brennan Drummond. Drummond, from Charlotte (N.C.) Providence Day School, made an official visit to Nebraska on June 12 and to Georgia this weekend. He is a three-star recruit and the No. 118 safety in the country, according to the Rivals Industry ranking.
Drummond’s style of play in the secondary is a great fit for Nebraska’s new defensive coordinator, Rob Aurich. Drummond wants an aggressive defensive approach that will bring pressure from multiple spots on the football field.
“This Nebraska staff wants to attack blocks, stop the run, and create confusion with pressure, movement, and multiple fronts, and my game is a natural fit,” Drummond said.
Another reason Drummond is a great fit for Aurich’s defense is his versatility. Drummond played cornerback last season, which he admits is out of position, but he does have the ability to cover, which could lead to getting a look at nickel as well as safety.
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“I’m a downhill, physical strong safety who can play near the box, support the run, and rotate into coverage when needed,” Drummond said. “My strengths are versatility and physicality. I played out of position last year at corner, but it helped with my coverage ability.”
Drummond is the 20th commitment for the Huskers in the 2027 class. Nebraska has commitments from four-star safeties Tory Pittman of Millard North in Omaha (Neb.) and Corey Hadley of Sandy Creek in Tyrone (Ga.).
The Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division (DOR), reminds property owners that the Nebraska Homestead Exemption Application, Form 458, and all required forms and documentation must be filed with their county assessor on or before June 30, 2026.
The homestead exemption provides relief from property taxes by exempting all or a portion of the taxable value of the residence.
The State of Nebraska reimburses counties and other governmental subdivisions for the property taxes lost due to homestead exemptions.
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In Nebraska, a homestead exemption is available to the following categories of property owners:
Persons age 65 or older before January 1, 2026;
Qualified disabled individuals; or
Qualified disabled veterans and their surviving spouses.
Some categories are subject to household income and residence valuation limitations. The income limitations are on a sliding scale based on filing status and homestead exemption category.
Homestead exemption forms and information are available at revenue.nebraska.gov/PAD/homestead-exemption. For more information on the homestead exemption program, please contact your county assessor or DOR at 888-475-5101.
