Traffic fatalities and serious injuries declined in Indiana in 2023, according to a report from Indiana Capital Chronicle, but state and nonprofit leaders say more work is needed to ensure safer roads for all users.
Approximately 894 people died in traffic crashes in 2023, according to the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute, down from 985 in 2022. Serious injuries also dropped to 4,232 from 5,443 the previous year.
To accelerate this downward trend, the nonprofit Health by Design is expanding its Indiana Road to Zero Academy with support from the Institute’s Traffic Safety Improvement Program. Originally launched in 2022, the program is shifting from virtual sessions to two in-person workshops this September — one in northern Indiana and one in the south.
The workshops will focus on the safe system approach, emphasizing safer roads, speeds and road users. They are geared toward municipal staff, engineers, planners, advocates and residents.
“Streets need to be rebuilt every year,” said Andrea Watts, the group’s communications and policy manager in a statement to Indiana Capital Chronical. “We want to rebuild them right — not just car-oriented infrastructure, but safe streets for everyone.”
The expansion also includes a statewide Vision Zero Working Group, inspired by Indianapolis’ adoption of the Vision Zero ordinance last year. Health by Design is providing customized crash data analysis and technical assistance to communities, while continuing school safety initiatives like Safe Routes to School and Bike-to-School Day participation.
Despite challenges from federal funding cuts, Watts said state partnerships are helping the group stay on track.
Source: Indiana Capital Chronicle, Yahoo News
