(Newswire.net — September 9, 2018) — Across the United States, there were a shocking 34,439 fatal motor vehicle crashes in in 2016 in which 37,461 deaths occurred. This translates to 11.6 deaths per 100,000 people and 1.16 deaths per 100 million miles traveled. In the State of Indiana alone there were 768 fatal accidents resulting in 821 deaths. On September 2, the latest victim in Indiana was killed after being struck by a vehicle traveling on I-65 early Sunday morning.
Indiana has been contending with these startling accident figures which have been on the rise since 2015. The latest effort to curb traffic accidents and fatalities came in the form of new laws that went into effect on July 1, 2018. The legislation is intended to restore increased safety to all those traveling on Indiana’s roads.
The Indiana Crash Facts 2016 report, released in 2017, analyzed 2016 accident data from across the state, and was used as a reference in legislating the new laws. The report revealed that 223,733 collisions occurred in 2016. From those crashes, there were 821 fatalities and 52,591 non-fatal injuries. The study looked at what was defined as the major factors contributing to collisions including inexperienced drivers, seat belt use, alcohol-impaired driving, and speed-related collisions. The findings of the study as well as suggested initiatives to reduce the number of crashes were taken into account when drafting the new laws.
Aspects of the new law, Senate Enrolled Act 266, relate to the color of headlights, signal lights and brake lights of vehicles. As of July 1, the headlights of all vehicles, including motorcycles, may only produce white or amber-colored light while other colors of lights including red, blue, green are not permitted on the front end of vehicles; rear signal lamps must only use red or amber lights; and all vehicles (with the exception of those manufactured before January 1, 1956) and motorcycles must be equipped with two red brake lights.
Part of the reasoning behind the legislation of this law is that “historically, in Indiana, and other states as well, colored lights are designated for emergency vehicles and so, we want to eliminate any confusion on the roadways,” explained Indiana State Police Trooper John Perrine.
Indiana personal injury attorneys Langer & Langer also explain that as of July 1, 2018, “Indiana car owners can voluntarily have their vehicles tested for carbon monoxide leaks at their local fire departments.” The short 10 minute test, which is free of charge, is another effort that state authorities hope will save lives on the roads.