While intersection crashes are less common in rural areas with light traffic, they are a major safety concern in cities. In urban regions like the Indianapolis metro area, roughly half of all motor vehicle accidents occur at or near intersections.
When road users report hazardous intersections, transportation officials and law enforcement agencies can respond by increasing enforcement or implementing safety improvements such as adjusted signal timing, clearer signage, or pedestrian infrastructure.
Understanding who controls a roadway is the first step in reporting a dangerous intersection in Indiana.
Who Is Responsible for Roads in Indiana?
Indiana divides responsibility for roads among state, county, and local governments. The agency you contact depends on the type of road where the intersection is located.
State and Federal Roads
Before reporting a dangerous intersection, it helps to know whether the road is controlled by the state or federal government. Indiana assigns responsibility for major highways and routes to the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT). These roads can usually be identified by their numbering systems and signage.
The following types of roads fall under INDOT’s jurisdiction:
- Interstate highways: Easy to identify. Their names begin with “I” or “Interstate,” such as I-70 or Interstate 465, and they are marked with red, white, and blue shield signs.
- State roads: Typically include “IN” or “Indiana” in their designation, such as IN-67 or IN-234. Many also have local street names, which can make them harder to recognize. For example, IN-67 is also known as Kentucky Avenue. State road signs are white rectangles with “Indiana” across the top.
- U.S. highways: Usually include “US” in their name, such as US-31, US-40, or US-52. Like state roads, these highways often share names with local streets. US-52, for instance, is also called Brookville Road. Their signs are white shields.
Concerns about intersections on any of these roads can be reported directly to INDOT through its online reporting page. The site allows users to select the type of issue they are experiencing and provide additional details when needed.
City and County Roads
City and county governments are responsible for local roads. These streets generally do not include route numbers and are identified only by their names. In Indianapolis, the city and Marion County operate under a consolidated government structure.
Traffic concerns for intersections under local jurisdiction can be reported through a single online traffic concern portal serving both the city and county.
What Makes Intersections So Dangerous?
Intersections become dangerous due to a combination of driver behavior and environmental conditions. Most crashes are caused by unsafe driving, but roadway design and traffic patterns can increase the risk of serious accidents.
Common risk factors include:
- Distracted driving, which can lead to missed red lights and rear-end collisions
- Failure to yield, especially during left turns across oncoming traffic
- Poor road conditions, such as rain or ice, that make stopping more difficult
- Heavy traffic, which reduces reaction time and increases the risk of sudden stops
- High-speed cross traffic, making it harder for drivers to judge safe gaps
- Pedestrian activity, particularly in busy areas where visibility is limited
Identifying these factors helps explain why certain intersections see more crashes and highlights issues that may be addressed to improve overall safety.
Reporting Dangerous Intersections in Indianapolis
Many intersection hazards can be corrected once they are identified. By reporting dangerous intersections, drivers and pedestrians help transportation officials identify problem areas and prioritize safety improvements that can reduce crashes and injuries.
If you’ve been injured or are facing a complex legal matter, reach out to Wilson Kehoe Winingham Injury Lawyers to schedule a consultation. Our team serves clients across Indianapolis and throughout Indiana, and we’re ready to pursue the justice and full compensation you deserve.