INDIANA – According to recent research, Indiana faces concerning traffic safety statistics, ranking among the top ten states for both hit-and-run and fatal evening rush hour accidents.
A study by Washington, D.C.-based personal injury law firm Kitchel Law analyzed National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data to determine state rankings. The hit-and-run crash analysis covered data from 2018 to 2022 across all 50 U.S. states, measuring crash rates per 100,000 licensed drivers.
The study found that Indiana holds the tenth spot for hit-and-run crash rates, with 1.95 accidents per 100,000 licensed drivers. This figure is almost 18% higher than the national average of 1.65 crashes. With 2,143,665 licensed drivers in the state, the 5-year average for hit-and-run accidents is 41.8. The year 2021 saw a peak of 46 accidents, while 2018 had the lowest number at 35.
The data highlights that Indiana has the tenth highest hit-and-run crash rate in the U.S. Officials suggested that factors like congested streets, a high number of pedestrians, drivers under the influence, lack of comprehensive insurance, and fear of legal repercussions may contribute to the high rates. The firm advocated for “stringent policies” from state leaders, including stronger laws with increased penalties for offenders, such as longer jail sentences and higher fines.
In a separate analysis, the same research revealed that Indiana also has the ninth-highest fatal evening rush hour crash rate in the U.S.. This study focused on NHTSA data from 2018 to 2022, examining fatal crashes occurring between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.. Crash rates were again measured per 100,000 licensed drivers.
Indiana’s fatal crash rate during the evening rush hour is 6.3 per 100,000 licensed drivers, almost 26% higher than the national average of five fatal crashes per 100,000 licensed drivers. With the state’s 2,143,665 licensed drivers, the 5-year average of fatal rush hour accidents is 134. The highest number of crashes occurred in 2021, with 151, while 2019 had the lowest, at 119.
Regarding the fatal rush hour crash data, the data reveals that Indiana has the ninth highest road fatalities during the evening rush hour. Officials attributed the potential causes to “fatigue from a long day at work and the rush to beat traffic,” leading to “a lack of focus and road rage”. The firm recommended that drivers consider traveling during less congested times, stay hydrated, and take breaks to stay alert and reduce risk.
