Indianapolis, IN – The Indiana State Police and the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, with the support of the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, are stepping up traffic enforcement efforts on Indianapolis area highways and city streets. Reckless and dangerous drivers put countless lives in jeopardy every single day, our goal is to strategically enforce traffic laws targeting the most egregious driving behavior. Crash statistics will be utilized not only to determine high crash areas, but the most frequent crash causation factors including speed, following too closely, unsafe lane change and failure to yield.
The Indiana State Police Indianapolis District is comprised of Marion, Hamilton, Hancock, Shelby, Johnson, Hendricks and Boone Counties. Below are some traffic statistics for the Indianapolis District in 2024. It is important to note these statistics are for troopers in the Indianapolis District only, not statewide. There are currently 60 troopers and 9 supervisors assigned to road patrol in the Indianapolis District.
- 91,251 traffic stops for various violations
- 14,104 Crashes on Indianapolis area highways
- 50 fatalities
- 2,265 crashes with injuries
- 11,789 crashes with no injuries
Indiana State Police Indianapolis District Commander, Lieutenant Josh Watson, said. “Very few things affect an entire community like dangerous drivers. Our goal is to reduce the number of crashes on our roadways though strategic targeted enforcement. We will work diligently with other agencies to find ways to efficiently and effectively enhance roadway safety for the millions of people who travel through and within our district. We have seen an alarming increase in road rage incidents in recent years, particularly incidents that begin as a traffic violation and escalate very quickly to deadly violence. Not only do we hope to reduce crashes but also stop road rage encounters before they begin”
Last month, Lt. Watson formed a special traffic enforcement squad for the Indianapolis area. This squad will be responsible for analyzing crash data and targeting high crash areas. Although they will remain available for emergency calls as needed, their primary focus will be traffic enforcement. You will see this squad not only on the busy interstates in Indianapolis, but they will also be working within rural communities throughout central Indiana as a resource for local an county agencies.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has committed to increasing traffic enforcement as well, Chief Chris Bailey stated. “Safer streets start with all of us. Far too many lives are being shattered by preventable crashes and reckless behavior while behind the wheel. The IMPD is committed to doing our part to hold dangerous drivers accountable. We will be out in our neighborhoods enforcing traffic laws with a clear goal of saving lives, preventing tragedies, and making our roads safer for everyone. This is about protecting our families and our community.”
Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears is working very closely with agencies on this issue, he said. “The increase to the speed limit on July 1, is not a free pass for reckless and dangerous driving. We will continue to work with and support our law enforcement partners to ensure those who jeopardize the safety of others on our roadways are held accountable.”
Together, we strive to make our communities safer through various law enforcement efforts, though this permanent traffic enforcement campaign, we hope to reduce the number of crashes and make all of our roads safe for you and your family. We are asking drivers to take accountability for their driving behavior, voluntary compliance of Indiana traffic laws is the most effective way to increase safety.
