Car accidents pose a significant problem in Indiana, with thousands of crashes each year resulting in serious injuries and fatalities. Comprehending these statistics is crucial for drivers, policymakers, and individuals affected by such incidents. In this blog, we’ll explore key data on motor vehicle collisions in the state, including trends in fatalities, causes, and at-risk populations.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an automobile incident, the experienced attorneys at Blackburn Romey can help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Between 2018 and 2022, Indiana saw a concerning trend in traffic fatalities. According to state data, fatal motor vehicle crashes in Indiana increased by 10.3% during this period. In 2022 alone, there were 949 fatalities, reflecting a slight 1.82% increase from 2021, but the overall numbers remain alarmingly high.
Between 2018 and 2022, Indiana experienced a notable increase in traffic fatalities. State data indicates that fatal motor vehicle crashes rose by 10.3% during this period. In 2022, there were 949 fatalities, marking a continued increase over the years and highlighting a troubling trend.
The rise in deaths is influenced by numerous factors, including risky driving behaviors and higher speeds on the road. The state of Indiana’s fact book on crash data highlights that passenger vehicles make up the majority of fatalities, which enhances the importance of addressing specific causes like impaired driving and speeding.
In 2022, 65% of traffic fatalities in Indiana occurred in non-urban areas, while urban areas accounted for 44% of fatalities but 68% of non-fatal injuries. This distribution highlights the unique challenges of driving in Indiana’s non-urban areas, where fatality rates per 1,000 people involved in collisions were significantly higher: 5.4 in suburban areas, 7.0 in exurban areas, and 6.5 in rural areas, compared to just 1.6 in urban areas. Contributing factors include higher speeds, longer emergency response times, and fewer traffic safety features—such as guardrails, signage, and traffic signals—in Indiana’s non-urban regions.
Why is this happening? These areas tend to have longer emergency response times, higher speeds, and fewer road safety measures like traffic lights or guardrails. Drivers in rural areas are also more likely to be involved in single-vehicle accidents, which are more likely to result in fatalities.
These findings emphasize the urgent need for targeted safety measures in rural communities, such as increased public awareness campaigns, improved road infrastructure, and enhanced emergency response systems. Addressing these issues can help reduce fatalities and create safer roadways for all drivers.
Speeding remains a significant factor in the state’s automobile crash fatalities. According to the Indiana Triennial Highway Safety Plan FY2024-FY2026, 290 fatalities in 2022 were attributed to speeding-related crashes, representing approximately 30.56% of the 949 total fatalities. Collisions at high speeds typically lead to more severe injuries due to the greater force of impact.
It also reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the stopping distance, making it harder to avoid a crash. Most speed-related crashes occur on highways and major roadways where drivers typically exceed posted speed limits. The risk of fatal injuries from speeding incidents is amplified in rural areas, where speed limits are generally higher.
Alcohol-impaired driving remains a significant concern in Indiana. In 2022, 152 fatalities, or approximately 16% of all motor vehicle fatalities, involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Despite numerous public awareness campaigns and stricter law enforcement efforts, alcohol-impaired driving continues to be a leading factor in tragedies.
Alcohol impacts reaction times, judgment, and motor skills, making it significantly more dangerous for drivers to operate a vehicle while intoxicated. Law enforcement agencies in Indiana have focused on increased DUI checkpoints and more stringent penalties, but the threat of drunk driving remains pervasive.
Teen and young adult drivers are consistently at a higher risk for collisions. In 2022, drivers between the ages of 15 and 20 accounted for 9% of all car accidents in the area despite only making up a small portion of the driving population.
Why are young drivers at higher risk? Inexperience is a significant factor, but it is compounded by risky behaviors such as speeding, failure to wear seatbelts, and driving while distracted by smartphones. A growing concern is the use of mobile apps and texting, which can radically augment the chances of an incident. Peer pressure may also lead teens to drive recklessly, mainly when other passengers are in the vehicle.
To mitigate these risks, Indiana has implemented Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) laws, which place restrictions on new drivers. For example, young drivers are restricted from driving at night or carrying passengers under 21 unless they meet specific criteria. These laws have been shown to reduce crashes by as much as 20-40% in states where they are enforced, making them a crucial tool in improving safety for young users.
Parents play a key role in reducing accident risks. Setting clear driving limits, discussing the dangers of distracted driving, and using monitoring apps that track their teen driving habits can help ensure their safety on the road. Furthermore, modeling responsible road behavior can have a long-lasting impact on teen drivers.
Sadly, collisions remain a leading cause of death for children in Indiana. In 2022, 26 children under the age of 15 lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes, including 11 children aged 7 and under. Many of these fatalities were linked to improper or non-use of safety seats or seat belts. Car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers, yet improper use remains a critical issue.
Indiana law requires that all children under 8 years old must be in a child safety seat, but many operators still fail to comply. Parents and caregivers should always use age-appropriate restraints to protect their children in the event of an incident.
Work zones present increased risks for drivers in Indiana. In 2022, there were 6,348 work zone collisions statewide, a five-year high and a significant increase from 5,154 in 2021. The fatal collision rate per 1,000 work zone collisions also reached a five-year high of 30.7. Factors such as reduced speed limits, lane changes, and distracted driving contribute to the challenges of navigating these areas.
Drivers should be particularly cautious in these zones, where road conditions are unpredictable, and construction workers are often in close proximity to traffic. Even a small mistake can lead to devastating outcomes.
In 2022, Indiana recorded 206,923 collisions statewide, with Marion County leading with 36,489 incidents. This county also reported the highest number of individuals involved in crashes at 65,616 and accounted for 145 traffic fatalities. On average, Indiana counties experienced 2,249 collisions and 10 fatal crashes annually, highlighting how Marion County’s numbers significantly surpass these figures. These statistics underline the urgent need for enhanced road safety measures across the state, especially in high-risk areas like Marion County.
At Blackburn Romey, we recognize the emotional and financial strain that follows a collision. Understanding Indiana’s car accident statistics is crucial for those affected, as it sheds light on the risks and challenges faced by drivers in the state. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence, we are prepared to advocate on your behalf to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Our dedicated car accident attorneys will tirelessly fight to protect your rights and ensure you are treated fairly throughout the legal process.
Blackburn Romey founding partner Tom Blackburn graduated with honors receiving a degree from Indiana University at the Robert H. McKinney School of Law. Initiating his legal career in 1977, he has been active in practicing law and currently serves as a member of the Indiana State Bar Association on the Ethics and Advertising Committees, the American Bar Association, the American Association for Justice, as a board member at the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, and as an appointed member of the Executive Committee for the State of Indiana for the National Trial Lawyers Association.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Tom Blackburn, who has more than 47 years of legal experience, including over 39 years specializing as a personal injury attorney.
