Despite concentrated efforts to decrease car accidents in Indiana, the number of collisions has not significantly decreased. Furthermore, the year 2022 saw the highest number of fatal accidents over the past decade.
Car accidents in Indiana can occur due to distracted driving, aggressive driving, drivers ignoring the speed limit, drivers engaging in risky behavior, and poor road conditions. Indiana car accident statistics reflect general trends and help the Indiana government set policies for driver safety.
Fatal car accidents can change your life forever. If you or a family member has been injured in an accident through no fault of your own, an Indiana car accident lawyer can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Overall Car Accident Statistics in Indiana in 2022
In 2022, there were 206,923 car accidents in Indiana. Of those, 176,805 resulted in property damage only, with no injuries, accounting for 85.4% of all accidents. Of the remaining 30,118 accidents, 29,218 resulted in non-fatal injuries.
The 900 fatal accidents in the state accounted for 0.4% of the total accidents and an average of 10 fatal fatalities per county.
Marion County accounted for the highest number of accidents, with 36,489, of which 140 resulted in fatalities. On the other end of the spectrum, you have Union County, where only 84 accidents occurred, 15 of which resulted in injuries and only two of which were fatal.
Where Are Car Accidents Most Common in Indiana?
The majority of car accidents in Indiana in 2022 occurred in urban areas. This is unsurprising to our Indiana personal injury lawyers given the sheer number of vehicles on the road in cities compared to more rural areas. However, it is important to note that fatal accidents occurred at a higher rate in suburban, rural, and exurban areas than in urban zones.
The rate of fatalities in urban areas was significantly lower than in other locations, with only 1.6 deaths per 1,000 people involved in a collision compared to 5.4 in suburban locales, 6.5 in rural areas, and 7.0 in exurban zones.
Drunk Driving and Collisions in Indiana
The role of drunk driving in fatal collisions in Indiana halved between 2020 and 2022 to a low of 7.5% of traffic death rates involving alcohol in 2022 compared to 15.2% in 2020.
Drivers of motorcycles were far more likely to have a high blood alcohol concentration (BAC) following fatal collisions in Indiana in 2022. In fatal accidents in 2022, motorcyclists were found to have a high BAC in 18.2% of crashes, compared to:
- Passenger vehicles: 10.4%
- SUVs: 6.2%
- Vans: 3.8%
- Pickup truck: 6.4%
Younger Drivers More Likely to Be Involved in a Collision in Indiana
In 2022, the rate of collisions per licensed driver in Indiana was far higher among younger drivers. While inexperience, distracted driving, and the increased likelihood of risky driving behaviors contribute to accidents, another key factor that must be considered is the amount of time these drivers spend on the road.
The number of accidents per 10,000 drivers by age group in 2022 was:
- Age 15-20: 1,123.3
- Age 21-24: 1,027.2
- Age 25-34: 869.4
- Age 35-44: 743.9
- Age 45-54: 627.8
- Age 55-64: 521.5
- Age 65-74: 386.2
- Age 75+: 347.1
While the accident rate consistently drops by age group, the time spent behind the wheel for licensed drivers in these age groups also generally decreases, especially in the 65-74 and 75+ groups.
Speed-Related Accident Statistics in Indiana
Excessive speeding and reckless driving continue to contribute to Indiana car accident statistics and fatalities. Total speed-related collisions dropped to 18,098 in 2022 from a high of 20,209 in 2019.
However, fatal speed-related collisions increased in 2022, rising to 253, continuing an upward trend since 2018.
Motorcyclist Traffic Statistics in Indiana
In 2020, 47.9 of every 1,000 motorcyclists involved in traffic crashes in Indiana were killed. That rate dropped in 2022, with 39.7 out of every 1,000 riders suffering fatal injuries. This marks a reduction in an upward trend from 2016 to 2020.
Seatbelt Use in Indiana
On average, seatbelt usage in Indiana exceeds the national average, with 93% observed compliance. In 2022, 76% of passenger vehicle occupants in collisions wore seatbelts or proper restraints.
Drivers involved in collisions in suburban and exurban areas showed a higher rate of compliance than those in urban and rural areas, with a difference of 80% versus 75%.
Fatality Rates Are Far Higher for Pedestrians Than Vehicle Occupants
Because of the limited protections available to pedestrians in the event of motor vehicle accidents, Indiana car accident statistics show that traffic fatalities for pedestrians are at a far higher rate than vehicle occupants in roadway accidents.
In 2022, 7.6% of car accidents involving pedestrians resulted in the death of the pedestrian. The fatality rate was far lower for bicyclists involved in traffic accidents, with only 3.4% of pedal cyclists being killed. For vehicle occupants, the rate was minimal by comparison, with only 0.2% of vehicle occupants suffering fatalities.
Speak With an Experienced Attorney if You Suffered Damages in a Car Accident
While Indiana car accident statistics are important for understanding the overall dangers of the road, we know that crash victims are more than numbers. If you have been harmed in an accident, the personal injury lawyers at Vaughan & Vaughan can help.
Our team of experienced car accident attorneys can negotiate with insurance companies to get you the financial compensation you deserve for medical bills and lost wages. If need be, we can represent you during legal proceedings in a civil trial.
We have been serving accident victims in Indiana for over 110 years. Contact us today to schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team.
