Indiana Intersections

Indiana’s busy highways and scenic rural roads can make drivers feel at ease, but hidden dangers put motorists at serious risk. From the urban streets of Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and South Bend to high-speed rural corridors, a routine drive can turn dangerous in seconds. Crash data from 2018 to 2024 highlights key corridors where fatalities and serious collisions occur most frequently.

In this guide, we identify Indiana’s most hazardous roads, explain what factors make them high-risk, and outline the steps to take if you or someone you love is injured in a crash. If you’ve been hurt in an Indiana car accident, call Local Accident Reports at 1 (888) 567-1460. We’ll help you obtain your free police crash report and connect you with a trusted Indiana personal injury attorney.

The 20 Most Dangerous Traffic Spots in Indiana

1. I-465 at I-69 Interchange – Indianapolis

The I-465/I-69 interchange in Indianapolis is one of the city’s busiest and most hazardous points. From 2018 to 2022, the area recorded 17 fatal crashes, resulting in 20 fatalities. Congestion is constant, and short ramp distances combined with weaving traffic create frequent sideswipe and rear-end collisions. Winter ice, fog, and rain further reduce visibility, turning minor errors into major accidents.

2. US-30 & Lima Road – Fort Wayne

The junction of US-30 and Lima Road sees high-speed traffic intersecting with local streets, resulting in 15 fatal crashes and 17 deaths between 2018 and 2022. Lane changes, aggressive driving, and frequent stops near commercial access points lead to repeated rear-end and angle collisions.

3. US-41 & Diamond Ave – Evansville

US-41 at Diamond Avenue in Evansville recorded 14 fatal crashes and 15 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. The corridor runs through a commercial district with strip malls, restaurants, and gas stations, generating high pedestrian and vehicle conflict.

4. SR-37 & Smith Valley Rd – Greenwood

The SR-37 and Smith Valley Road intersection in Greenwood is a growing suburban hub that experienced 13 fatal crashes and 14 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Residential expansion has outpaced the road infrastructure, resulting in frequent rear-end crashes and unsafe pedestrian interactions at unsignalized crossings.

5. I-70 near Keystone Ave – Indianapolis

The stretch of I-70 near Keystone Avenue recorded 13 fatal crashes and 13 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Aging infrastructure, potholes, and faded lane markings confuse lane discipline, while merging traffic from nearby ramps creates friction. Speeding and tailgating are frequent, especially during peak hours, and limited enforcement allows risky driving behavior to continue. Winter weather exacerbates the hazard, creating slippery conditions that turn minor incidents into multi-vehicle crashes.

6. US-31 & SR-38 – Westfield

At US-31 and SR-38 in Westfield, 12 fatal crashes and 12 fatalities were reported from 2018 to 2022. Rapid suburban development has increased traffic without adequate upgrades to road design. Lane shifts, uneven pavement, and minimal pedestrian infrastructure create ongoing risks. Left-turn collisions and red-light running are common, and signal timing often fails to manage peak traffic. Drivers unfamiliar with the area may misjudge turning gaps, resulting in frequent rear-end or angle crashes.

7. I-74 & SR-267 – Brownsburg

The I-74 and SR-267 interchange in Brownsburg is a high-speed corridor with 12 fatal crashes and 12 deaths from 2018 to 2022. Merging traffic from fast ramps and frequent fog reduces reaction times. Nearby logistics centers increase truck volumes, and limited lighting and poor drainage worsen nighttime hazards. Run-off-road crashes and rear-end collisions dominate, particularly during inclement weather. Drivers often miss curve signage, raising the potential for severe incidents.

8. US-20 & SR-19 – Elkhart

US-20 at SR-19 in Elkhart recorded 11 fatal crashes and 11 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. High-speed travel along a corridor dotted with retail entrances creates conflict points. Sudden stops and turning vehicles frequently lead to rear-end and angle collisions. Snow and ice during the winter months increase skidding risk, and inconsistent signal timing causes backups into travel lanes. Pedestrian crossings lack proper markings, further elevating danger.

9. I-65 near SR-32 – Lebanon

The I-65 segment near SR-32 in Lebanon experienced 10 fatal crashes and 11 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Narrow shoulders, construction zones, and speed differentials between trucks and cars create ongoing hazards. Temporary lane shifts with poor signage confuse drivers, while winter conditions increase rear-end and sideswipe collisions. Long straight stretches encourage speeding, adding to driver fatigue and crash risk.

10. Washington St & Emerson Ave – Indianapolis

Washington Street at Emerson Avenue recorded 10 fatal crashes and 10 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. This urban arterial has frequent bus stops, mid-block pedestrian crossings, and inconsistent signal timing, creating erratic driving patterns. Left-turn collisions are common, and dim lighting at night reduces visibility. Aggressive lane switching during peak hours further increases the chance of serious accidents.

11. I-69 & IN-37 Interchange – Bloomington

The I-69/IN-37 interchange in Bloomington saw 11 fatal crashes and 13 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Indiana University student drivers mix with commercial traffic, creating complex lane merges and last-second lane changes. High speeds, temporary construction lane shifts, and event-driven traffic surges worsen crash risk. Rural lighting conditions reduce nighttime visibility, and congestion can delay emergency response.

12. US-30 & Parker Street – Warsaw

US-30 at Parker Street recorded 10 fatal crashes and 11 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. The commercial corridor has high-speed through traffic and frequent turning vehicles, creating repeated rear-end and angle collisions. Retail entrances, fast-food driveways, and inadequate lane markings confuse drivers. Nearby schools increase pedestrian presence, and peak shopping hours intensify congestion and accident potential.

13. Keystone Avenue & 96th Street – Indianapolis

At Keystone Avenue and 96th Street, nine fatal crashes and nine fatalities occurred from 2018 to 2022. Short signal cycles cause backups and risky red-light running, while heavy commuter traffic and nearby shopping centers add turning conflicts. Pedestrian crossings are poorly synchronized, and winter conditions worsen hazards. Police monitoring is frequent due to the high crash history.

14. US-41 & Veterans Memorial Parkway – Lafayette

The US-41/Veterans Memorial Parkway corridor reported eight fatal crashes and nine fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Signal timing lags behind traffic demand, while industrial parks increase truck volumes. Storm-related poor drainage leads to hydroplaning, and construction zones alter traffic patterns. Visibility is low at dusk, and high speeds make collisions severe.

15. I-465 & Pendleton Pike – Indianapolis

The I-465/Pendleton Pike interchange saw eight fatal crashes and 10 fatalities from 2018 to 2022. High-speed merging, limited shoulders, and outdated ramp designs contribute to frequent sideswipe collisions. Truck traffic, rush-hour congestion, and short sight distances create an environment prone to rear-end crashes. Law enforcement presence is increased, but risk remains high.

16. SR-3 & SR-38 – New Castle

At SR-3 and SR-38, seven fatal crashes and eight fatalities occurred from 2018 to 2022. This rural intersection mixes local and pass-through traffic with limited signal visibility. Poor lighting, obscured signage, and agricultural vehicles moving slowly increase frustration and accident risk. Angle collisions are commonplace.

17. I-70 & SR-9 Interchange – Greenfield

The I-70/SR-9 interchange recorded seven fatal crashes and eight fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Confusing ramp layouts and high-speed interstate merges create hazards. Traffic spikes during weekends and holidays, while limited acceleration lanes increase risk during merges. Poor signage and abrupt lane changes heighten the likelihood of severe collisions.

18. US-231 & SR-162 – Jasper

US-231 at SR-162 in Jasper experienced seven fatal crashes and seven fatalities from 2018 to 2022. High freight traffic and limited passing zones create unsafe overtaking situations. Sharp curves and poor nighttime lighting reduce reaction time, while nearby industrial traffic generates stop-and-go waves. Rural shoulders are limited, leaving little room for error.

19. Emerson Avenue & Southport Road – Indianapolis

Emerson Avenue at Southport Road recorded six fatal crashes and seven fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Frequent lane changes, mid-block pedestrian crossings, and inconsistent signal timing create ongoing hazards. Drivers often run red lights during peak hours, and poor drainage leads to slick conditions. Large roadside signage reduces visibility, making this urban corridor particularly risky.

20. I-64 & SR-37 Interchange – Dale

The I-64/SR-37 interchange in Dale saw six fatal crashes and six fatalities from 2018 to 2022. Abrupt speed transitions from highway to local roads, sharp off-ramp curves, and poor lighting contribute to crashes. Wildlife crossings, construction detours, and driver fatigue compound danger. Nighttime driving in this rural area is hazardous due to faded lane markings and limited emergency access.

Common Causes of Indiana Car Accidents

Indiana experiences a wide range of accident causes that reflect its diverse landscape. Urban areas see frequent rear-end and angle crashes due to stop-and-go congestion, red light running, and aggressive lane changing. In rural areas, speeding, wildlife crossings, and run-off-road incidents dominate. Distracted driving is common across all geographies, often involving mobile phones or in-vehicle technology.

Weather significantly contributes, particularly in winter when ice and snow reduce traction and visibility. Fog in spring and fall further complicates travel in open areas. Rain makes city streets slick, especially where drainage is poor. Drivers often fail to adjust speed to match these conditions, leading to severe collisions.

Road design flaws are also a significant issue. Many intersections lack protected left turns, adequate signage, or clear lane markings. Aging infrastructure, including crumbling pavement and outdated traffic signals, contributes to confusion and delayed reaction times. Construction zones often lack proper warnings and rerouting signage, increasing the likelihood of collisions.

Finally, alcohol and drug impairment, although declining, still play a role in fatal crashes. Impaired drivers are likelier to speed, ignore signals, and fail to yield. Public safety campaigns and checkpoints have helped curb these incidents, but they remain a threat on Indiana roads.

Get in Touch with a Trusted Car Accident Lawyer in Indiana

Understanding where Indiana’s most dangerous traffic locations are and why they are so risky is a powerful tool for staying safe on the road. From urban interchanges to rural highways, each high-crash zone presents its own unique set of challenges. With knowledge and caution, drivers can minimize their chances of becoming another statistic.

INDOT, local law enforcement, and safety coalitions are working to address these issues through road improvements, better signage, and targeted enforcement. However, change takes time, and individual responsibility is still the front line of defense. Every safe decision made behind the wheel contributes to safer communities statewide.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a traffic collision in Indiana, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We connect crash victims with experienced Indiana personal injury attorneys, provide access to official accident reports, and offer guidance during difficult times.

Call 1 (888) 657-1460 now to speak with a trusted advocate who can help you take the following steps toward recovery and justice.