The Midwest might not be known for having serious traffic problems, but that doesn’t mean we don’t see our fair share of accidents. Like any other state, there are some roads and intersections in Indiana that tend to appear in the news more often due to things like poor road design or higher rates of traffic congestion. 

So in this article, we thought we’d help our fellow drivers out by highlighting some of the most dangerous roads in Indiana. If you’re ever in an accident on the most dangerous road in Indiana or anywhere else in the Indianapolis metro area, our team of car accident lawyers at Poynter & Bucheri is here to help. We offer free case evaluations and can help guide you through the claims process to ensure the best possible outcome. 

What Are the Most Dangerous Roads in Indiana?

Depending on who you are talking to or what city you live in, there is likely a wide range of roads that people think are the most dangerous in Indiana. That said, Money Geek conducted a study that looked at fatal car crashes between 2018 and 2020, and these were the roads that they concluded to be the most dangerous roads in Indiana:

1. 38th St. from N. Hawthorne Ln. to Cornelius Ave. (Indianapolis): 10 fatal accidents
2. I-80 W from Exit 9 to Exit 3 (Hammond/Gary): 8 fatal accidents 
3. Madison Ave. from E. Murray St. to Lisa Walk Dr. (Homecroft/Indianapolis): 6 fatal accidents
4. Shadeland Ave. from E. 21st St. to Mill View Dr. (Lawrence/Indianapolis): 6 fatal accidents 
5. E. 21st St. from N. Audubon Rd. to Snead Cir. (Indianapolis): 5 fatal accidents
6. I-65 from Exit 9 to Exit 5 (Clarksville/Jeffersonville/Sellersburg): 5 fatal accidents
7. E. 30th St. from Bavarian Dr. to N. Bolton Ave. (Indianapolis): 5 fatal accidents
8. I-30 W. from Tower Rd. to W. 600 N. (Valparaiso): 4 fatal accidents 
9. I-69 from Exit 311B to Exit 316 (Fort Wayne): 4 fatal accidents
10. W. Dunes Hwy. from Furnessville Rd. to N. Mineral Springs Rd. (Chesterton/Porter): 4 fatal accidents

Why is I-70 So Dangerous?

I-70 is another dangerous road in Indiana that is often in the news due to the number of accidents reported. The most dangerous stretch is from Terre Haute to Indianapolis. 

The problem with this road in that particular region is that it is rural. A study conducted by TRIP, a National Transportation Research Nonprofit, showed that rural highways are often more dangerous for several reasons, including:

• Features that reduce safety (narrow lanes, limited shoulders, exposed hazards, steep slopes, pavement drop-offs, etc.)
• Inconsistent design features
• Only have two lanes
• Higher rates of driver fatigue
• Higher rates of negligent driver behavior in rural areas

All of the above-listed issues are problems that I-70 between Terre Haute and Indianapolis experiences. This road is so problematic that school buses have now been restricted from using I-70 along that stretch. 

There is also frequent road work along I-70 that contributes to the hazards that lead to accidents. The Terre Haute region has also been experiencing a lot of growth, which means more traffic in the area and on the highway. 

The Most Dangerous Bridge in Indiana

Roads that cross bridges can also be problematic the same way rural roads are, in that they often have limited lanes and limited shoulder space (if any at all) for cars that need to pull over. In Marion County alone, 946 bridges help drivers cross local canyons, rivers, and creeks. 

Some of the worst bridges in the county include:

• I-65 Northbound bridge crossing East Tenth Street
• I-70 Eastbound bridge crossing East Tenth Street
• 30th Street bridge over White River
• 16th Street bridge over Little Eagle Creek

Stay Safe and Consult an Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyer 

While rural roads, poor road design, and traffic congestion can all contribute to accidents on the roads listed above and throughout Indiana, driver negligence is also part of the problem. By being more mindful of your driving and avoiding things like speeding and driving distractions, you can help cut down on the number of accidents that occur on our roads. 

If you are involved in a car accident on the most dangerous road in Indiana, our team can assist you. At Poynter & Bucheri, we have years of experience helping the people of Indianapolis file their claims and win high-value settlements. We are dedicated to protecting our clients’ rights and ensuring they get the full compensation they deserve. 

Don’t hesitate — an experienced Indiana car accident lawyer can assist you right away. Call 1-800-265-9881 for a free case review.