Indiana highways see countless accidents every year that change lives forever. Families face emotional and financial hardships when crashes occur on our busy roadways. You might think accidents only happen to other people until you suddenly deal with insurance claims and medical bills. Learning about the most common causes behind car wrecks can help you protect yourself and your loved ones when traveling throughout the state.
Look out for these road safety hazards
Driving through Indiana presents challenges that vary from crowded city streets to rural highways where dangers are not always obvious. Recent statistics from the Indiana state government showed that these factors frequently contribute to serious collisions:
- Distracted driving: Glancing at your phone to read a text or answer a call pulls your attention away at critical moments when seconds matter most on busy highways.
- Impaired driving: Having a few drinks before getting behind the wheel slows your reactions and clouds judgment, creating dangerous situations for everyone sharing the road.
- Speeding: Racing to your destination might save minutes but dramatically increases stopping distance and crash severity if something unexpected happens.
- Aggressive driving: Weaving between lanes, tailgating slower vehicles, and running yellow lights creates unpredictable situations that often end with crumpled metal and injuries.
- Weather conditions: Rain-slicked roads in spring, summer fog patches, and winter ice require adjustments many drivers fail to make until it’s too late.
These dangers often work together, making ordinary drives unexpectedly hazardous during holiday travel seasons or daily commutes through construction zones.
How to protect yourself on Indiana roads
Recognizing these risks empowers you to make smarter choices whenever you travel on Indiana highways.
- Focus completely on driving without checking notifications
- Arrange alternative transportation after drinking
- Build extra time into trips so speeding becomes unnecessary
- Keep calm when faced with traffic delays
- Slow down during rain, snow or fog
- Schedule regular brake and tire inspections
- Watch for erratic movements from nearby vehicles
Staying alert and making conservative driving decisions helps shield you from others who might not be as careful on the road.
Watching for these danger signs and adjusting your driving habits can save you from becoming another accident statistic. Should another driver’s carelessness leave you injured, speaking with a knowledgeable Indiana injury attorney can help protect your family’s financial future.