Factors that Contribute to Fatal Indiana Head-On Crashes

The National Center for Statistics and Analysis and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that head-on accidents are disproportionately represented in deadly crashes on two-lane highways. These two-lane roadways make up a substantial percentage of the highway network in the country; Indiana alone has nearly 30,000 miles of road. Thus, motorists must take steps to avoid highway crashes, especially since many of these crashes are head-on.

Many organizations and safety advocates have researched to help curtail head-on crashes. However, these accidents continue to occur. While the rate of head-on accidents is not as high as other types of accidents, these crashes tend to result in the most severe outcomes.

For instance, local news sources reported a fatal Knightstown, Indiana crash. According to the Sheriff’s Office, a driver was killed when he veered into the center line while heading south toward 1-70. He slammed into a northbound driver in an SUV and eventually came to a stop in a ditch. The driver was trapped in his vehicle and died from his injuries before an emergency helicopter arrived. The SUV’s driver’s vehicle ignited and came to a rest in another ditch. Emergency responders transported her to a regional hospital for treatment.

Despite considerable improvements to head-on crashworthiness, frontal accidents still make up a harrowing number of front-seat occupant deaths. One study focused on the association between head-on accident severity and likely causal factors. Some factors that may contribute to a potential head-on accident include geometric characteristics of the road, weather conditions, road surface conditions, and the day and time of the accident. According to certain data sets, wet roadway surfaces and narrow highway segments significantly correlated to the severity of an accident. The width of the roadway and pavement was a consistent factor, perhaps because a wider road presents more opportunities to avoid a head-on accident. Furthermore, a vehicle’s braking ability is critical to preventing a crash.

In any event, crashes are not always accidents, and a person or another entity’s negligence or recklessness may be responsible for the damages that arise. In these cases, injury vicitms or their loved ones should consult with an attorney to determine their rights and remedies after any Indiana accident.

Have You Suffered Injuries in an Indiana Car Accident?

If you or someone you know has suffered serious injuries or died in an Indiana car accident, contact Padove Law. Attorney Padove has nearly 40 years of experience representing Indiana injury vicitms in their claims for damages against negligent motorists, companies, and governmental entities. In addition to Indiana car accident cases, the firm handles personal injury claims arising from auto accidents, trucking collisions, defective products, wrongful death, and medical malpractice. He has secured significant amounts of compensation for damages related to medical expenses, pain and suffering, non-economic losses, and lost wages. Contact Padove Law at 219-836-2200 to schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your Indiana accident lawsuit.