Accident Hotspot: How Dangerous Is I-65 in Indiana?

Drivers can face notable dangers when driving on I-65 in Indiana. While Interstate 65 doesn’t usually show up on shortlists of the nation’s most deadly highways, if you live or work in Indiana, you are almost certainly aware of the serious dangers this highway poses.  It’s so bad that area drivers have even created a Facebook page to alert others about injury-causing and fatal car accidents on I-65. It’s called “I-65 Highway of Danger.” You can learn more about these hazards from an Indianapolis I-65 interstate accident lawyer.

What Makes I-65 an Accident Hotspot?

Hundreds of people were killed in fatal accidents on I-65, according to Teletrac, which analyzed the most dangerous roads in America. More crashes occurred in October than in other months. For example, from September through December 2021, fatal car accidents along I-65 in Indiana have included a:

• Pileup, aka multi-vehicle accident
• Wrong-way crash
• Collision with a parked semi-truck
• Head-on collision with a moving tractor-trailer
• Debris from a previous I-65 crash fatally wounded a person in a later accident at the same location

Collisions on I-65 have slowed down in recent years. In fact, a new study reveals SR-37 and SR-67 as Indiana’s deadliest highways. However, the road remains dangerous for travelers. If you’re driving on I-65, stay alert and drive defensively.  In the event of a collision, you can get help from an Indianapolis car accident lawyer. An attorney can explain your options and share more information about this accident hotspot and how dangerous I-65 is in Indiana. 

I-65 Indiana Crash Hotspots

I-65 crosses the heartland of America, north to south. In Indiana, the most treacherous stretch of the highway may be the northern 60 miles between Indianapolis and Lafayette. I-65 is almost 900 miles long and stretches from Lake Michigan to the Gulf of Mexico, with its south end in Mobile, Alabama, and its north end in Gary, Indiana. About 430 people died in I-65 accidents between 2016 and 2019. The I-65 city with the most deadly crashes is Nashville. The most common type of deadly crash on I-65 is a vehicle v. vehicle accident. The second most frequent type is fatal pedestrian hits, followed by rollovers.

Most Dangerous Local Stretches of I-65

Locally, the nastiest part of I-65 is from Lafayette to Crown Point. In addition, over the last several years, severe and deadly I-65 crashes have taken place in DeMotte, Lowell, Rensselaer, Fair Oaks, and Merrillville. The worst I-65 crashes frequently occur on or near exit and entry ramps. In recent years, there have been fiery, traumatic collisions with cars and semi-trucks at the I-65 on/off ramps for:

• Rensselaer-Remington
• Fair Oaks
• DeMotte-Roselawn

An Indianapolis personal injury lawyer can help if you end up in a crash in any of these areas.

Highway Safety Improvements for I-65

The Indiana Department of Transportation has made many safety upgrades to I-65 by adding and widening lanes. North Split project upgrades at the I-65/70 interchange in downtown Indianapolis eased many issues. These improvements have the potential to significantly improve I-65 safety. The roadway is very busy and will likely see even more traffic in the future. I-65 is a major trucking route that connects manufacturers with southern states. There is no parallel freight line to this highway that would alleviate truck transportation. Major manufacturers that rely on I-65 to move their products include Cummins Inc., Eli Lilly, Toyota Motor Company, and Allison Transmission.

Does I-65 in Indiana Need More Changes?

Drivers say INDOT must improve deadly stretches of I-65 that rise and bend. These sections limit visibility and make it challenging to see stopped traffic in enough time to avoid a chain-reaction crash. Improved signage could also help. Additionally, Indiana is home to two of America’s most loathed highways. One of these roads is I-65, due to the congestion frequently seen on this interstate. A lawyer can tell you more about accident hotspots and how dangerous I-65 is in Indiana. For crashes involving large commercial vehicles, speaking with an experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyer can be especially important to ensure you recover the full compensation you deserve.

We Understand I-65 Car Accident Fault

When negligent drivers cause car accidents on I-65 – or anywhere else – it is essential that victims fully understand their right to compensation for medical expenses and losses. Vaughan & Vaughan is Indiana’s trusted personal injury law firm. Our car accident attorneys have the experience and local knowledge to get you the justice you deserve. We serve all of Indiana with offices in Lafayette, Kokomo, Anderson, Carmel, Indianapolis, and Muncie. As a personal injury law firm established in 1913 in Indiana, we have witnessed a significant number of accidents on I-65 over the years.

Talk to Us After an Accident on I-65

So, how dangerous is I-65 in Indiana as an accident hotspot? Even with recent improvements, this stretch of road still has many accidents and congestion.  If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an I-65 wreck with another car, truck, or motorcycle, contact Vaughan & Vaughan for a free case consultation. A member of our legal team can explain how the law applies to you as well as your legal options.  There is no obligation. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can investigate your accident and build a strong case for maximum compensation. Call, email, or chat online with us today to schedule your free case consultation and learn more about how Vaughan & Vaughan helps Indiana accident victims.