Indiana is among the most dangerous states when it comes to motorist safety. In 2021, a report by IIHS revealed that the state was ranked 18th among states with the highest number of fatal crashes in the country. With the state’s vast road infrastructure, motorist safety has become a growing concern to ensure the preservation of life.
Alcohol-related crashes are among the leading causes of fatal crashes in the state. Secondly, distracted driving also plays a crucial role in Indiana’s fatal crash rates. Though the state has a vast road network, the high traffic volume is a huge issue, leading to increased crash rates.
While most of Indiana’s roadways have seen several collisions, some are notorious for having many collision fatalities.
The following highways are among the riskiest in Indiana:
Here's a summary of critical car crash statistics in Indiana, highlighting the trends and changes over recent years:
Drivers should carefully move their vehicles from traffic to a safe spot. This reduces blockage and potential secondary accidents, particularly on high-traffic routes.
Drivers must remain at the crash site until they are authorized by the necessary authority to move.
Drivers should turn on their hazard lights and set up traffic control devices to alert approaching drivers of potential danger.
It is crucial to check if anyone was injured in the crash. If anyone is seriously injured, an emergency medical team should be called immediately to the scene.
Though it is not mandated that an accident should be reported immediately, drivers must report any accident that results in body injury, death, or property damage worth $1,000 or more within 10 days.
The state requires all parties involved in a traffic incident to provide information. Names, addresses, car registrations, license numbers, and insurance information should all be provided.
Individuals should take photos of the scene. These images may aid in determining the accident's cause and serve as crucial evidence in legal proceedings or insurance claims.
In an accident, drivers should consider seeking an attorney's help to protect their rights in case of legal or insurance issues.
If a driver wishes to file an insurance claim, they should call their insurance company as soon as possible for an investigation to be launched.
To protect their interests, drivers must maintain a comprehensive file of essential documentation. This file should include crash reports, witness statements, and detailed records of insurance coverage.
Every driver must understand the state’s traffic laws to protect other motorists on the road. Some of these laws include:
Hands-Free Law
Using handheld devices like tablets or smartphones while driving is not permitted unless the vehicle is parked or stopped. However, the state allows drivers to use hands-free devices like headsets, speakerphones, or Bluetooth while driving.
The state prohibits drivers under 18 from using hands-free devices.
Vehicle
ModificationIndiana law prohibits equipping vehicles with muffler cutouts, bypasses, or modifications. Operating, selling, renting, or leasing a vehicle with an emission control device tampered with is illegal.
Move Over LawIndiana’s laws require all drivers to move across lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles and police cars while their warning lights are flashing.
Additionally, if the lane is not clear to pass, drivers should reduce their speed to 10 mph below the speed limit and proceed with caution when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle.
Teenage Driving Laws
The minimum driving age in the state is 15 years old. Minor drivers must take a vision and written test to establish their legibility for the license.
A probationary driver’s license will be issued to any novice driver after holding a learner's permit for 180 days under the supervision of a licensed adult 25 years or older. This license expires after 30 days following the 21st birthday.
For teenagers to hold a probationary driver’s license, they need to have a clean traffic record while holding a learner’s permit.
Until drivers reach 18 years of age, they are not allowed to drive on Saturday and Sunday between 1:00 a.m. and 5 a.m., on Sunday to Friday from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Minor drivers in the state are prohibited from carrying any passenger unless accompanied by a licensed supervisor at least 25 years or older.
Seatbelt LawIndiana mandates all occupants in a vehicle to wear safety belts when the car is operated.
All children aged eight to 16 must be securely restrained in the car, no matter their sitting position.
Likewise, children under eight years should always be fastened in a booster or safety seat.
Carrying
Passengers in the Cargo BedThough there are no specific laws against passengers riding the cargo bed of a truck, the law states explicitly that every passenger should be secured using a seatbelt when the car is in motion.
Lane Camping
Indiana drivers on multi-lane roadways must stay on the right side of the road unless overtaking. All vehicles on the left lane should travel faster than those on the right.
MotorcyclistsAll individuals under 18 must wear helmets when operating a motorcycle, UTV, or ATV on the road.
Riders with a learner's permit are prohibited from carrying any passengers.
Minor drivers are only permitted to ride motorcycles during daylight hours.
Passengers on a motorcycle are required to wear the same level of protection as the rider.
Vehicle
Registration and InsuranceIn Indiana, all drivers must ensure that their vehicles have at least the minimum liability insurance coverage while on the road.
Impaired DrivingIf a driver's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds .08%, the state of Indiana prohibits them from driving or controlling any motor vehicle.
There is zero alcohol tolerance for underage drinking (below 21 years) and driving in the state.
Furthermore, people should not be under the influence of any controlled substance or intoxicant.
Indiana has some surprising and unique traffic laws that people should know about while driving. These are some of the weirdest traffic laws in Indiana:
No coasting to save gas
It is illegal for drivers to coast
downhill while their transmission is
on neutral. Additionally, disengaged transmission prevents trucks
and commercial vehicles from coasting downhill.
Riding a farm wagon on the highway
Indiana prohibits
individuals from operating farm wagons on the highway. However, farm
wagons are allowed to cross streets or highways.
Moving poultry or livestock on the highway
If not adequately
secured during transportation, drivers cannot carry livestock or poultry, including
their waste. Individuals are prohibited from operating a vehicle on the highway if
the car's contents are leaking,
dripping, sifting, or escaping from the car.
Transporting a dead animal
In Indiana, it is illegal to transport
a dead animal along a street if any part of the
animal is visible. Dead animals shall be enclosed in a tight box
while transported through city streets or alleys.
It is illegal to sell a car without a windshield wiper
It is
illegal to sell a car
that does not have a windshield due to the adverse weather
conditions in the state.