The number of traffic fatalities on Nebraska roadways in 2019 is up, according to data released Oct. 15, by the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

During September, 25 individuals were killed in traffic accidents. That compares to 29 fatalities during September 2018.

Since January, 186 individuals lost their lives in 158 crashes.

September’s fatality total included 22 crashes, with six taking place on the interstate, 12 on other highways and seven on local roads.

Nine of the 21 vehicle occupants killed were not buckled up.

According to NDOT, 21 of the fatalities happened in rural areas.

Of the 25 fatalities, two were on motorcycles, two involved pedestrians, one included an individual on a skateboard and one happened on an ATV.

“Only 53 of the 153 vehicle occupants killed during 2019 were using safety belts,” reports NDOT.

The January to September fatality count is an increase of 12 people who lost their lives from the same time period in 2018.

NDOT reports that the 2015 to 2018 average for fatalities totals 171 in 153 crashes, an 8.1% increase.