Indiana truck wreck fatalities on the rise

In 2021, across the state of Indiana, 167 people lost their lives in crashes involving large trucks. That number was up 49% from the benchmark recorded 10 years earlier in 2012, according to the Institute for Safer Trucking.

In a previous blog post, I discussed the nationwide increase in large truck collisions and fatalities. Let’s look at what is going on in Indiana.

Breaking down the numbers

Indiana’s increase in fatalities — from 112 to 167 in a decade — is part of a nationwide upward trend. Data from the Institute for Safer Trucking helps us break down the numbers in our state.

Here are the five Indiana counties with the most truck crash deaths in 2021:

1. Marion, 14 deaths
2. Lake, 9 deaths
3. Porter, 9 deaths
4. Elkhart, 8 deaths
5. Bartholomew, 7 deaths

I have written before about the dangers of construction zones. Three years ago in Indiana, 70% of fatal work zone crashes involved a large truck. Compared to the rest of the states, Indiana has the eighth highest percentage, putting it above 42 states in terms of large truck-related work zone danger.

Construction zones in Indiana

Let’s look at Indiana construction zones and what makes them so dangerous.

The Indiana Department of Transportation is beginning several road construction projects this year, some with major impacts on traffic flow and road safety. In recent weeks, for example, I-465 southbound was closed between I-70 and I-65. Beginning July 12, the northbound portion will begin construction.

Here are some other work zones to watch out for this year:

• I-69 Finish Line between Indianapolis and Evansville
• Sherman Minton Bridge repairs
• Ohio River bridge construction

For more information on these projects and their timelines, visit our construction rundown.

As thousands of drivers swarm the roads around Indianapolis every day, re-routing during rush hour, it can be easy to feel a bit of road rage. No one likes being inconvenienced, but frustration leads to recklessness. Despite long lanes of traffic, remember: Patience can save lives.

So, what causes so many construction zone wrecks in Indiana? And why do most of them involve large trucks?

• Blind spots: Semis have huge blind spots. In tight traffic, this means you might be invisible when driving beside them. Wait until you can pass the truck quickly and efficiently to minimize the time you spend in its blind spots.
• Tailgating: Work zones cause traffic. Traffic causes braking. If you don’t leave enough distance between your vehicle and the car ahead of you, you’re likely to rear-end it.
• Distracted driving: We know it can be hard to find the quickest route when you can’t drive the same roads as usual, but put down your phone when you’re driving. Keeping your eyes on the road ensures that you make safe decisions and that you can guard against others’ reckless behavior.
• Speeding: Driving 30 miles per hour slower than you normally do is no fun, but it’s required by law in construction zones. Speeding makes it unsafe to change lanes, drive on uneven roads, and avoid obstacles.

What to do if you’re hit by a large truck in Indiana

Even when you follow speed limits and maintain safe following distances, a large truck driver’s negligence can affect you. If you are the victim of a serious accident involving a semi, bus, truck tractor, or any other commercial motor vehicle, you’ll need experienced personal injury attorneys.

Here at Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC, we have handled cases from personal injury to wrongful death and have fought for our clients against large insurance companies. Our clients’ safety and well-being are our top priorities.

Contact us at (317) 434-3520 or through our website.

 David W. Craig sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys (which requires the board certification in truck accident law). He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families, written to help people navigate a terrible situation by answering questions that come after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow Indiana law safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.