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Report says Indiana needs 7 new laws to reduce traffic deaths, injuries

Posted at 8:30 PM, Jan 22, 2019
and last updated 2019-01-22 20:32:47-05

INDIANAPOLIS— A new report released Tuesday says Indiana has a lot of work to do to prevent deaths on roadways.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety released its annual Roadmap of State Highway Safety Laws, ranking the best and worst states when it comes to traffic safety laws.

The study says Indiana needs the following highway safety laws:

  • All-rider motorcycle helmet law
  • Rear facing through Age 2 law
  • Booster seat law
  • Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL)- Minimum Age 16 for Learner’s Permit
  • GDL- Stronger Nighttime Restriction
  • GDL- Age 18 for Unrestricted License
  • Ignition Interlocks for drunk drivers and other offenders


Indiana earned a yellow or “needs improvement” rating for having 10 laws related to occupant protection, teen driving, child passenger safety, impaired driving, and distracted driving.

More than 900 people died on Indiana roads in 2017, resulting in a $6.4 billion economic loss to Indiana, the study said.


Rhode Island ranked as the best state for traffic safety, and South Dakota earned the worst spot for its laws.

“Lately there has been a great deal of focus on the flashy driver-less cars of the future to remedy the issues plaguing our roadways, such as impaired and distracted driving and excessive speeding. However, the realization of that potential is a long way off,” said Janette Fennell, President and Founder of KidsAndCars.org.

Consumer Co-chair of Advocates, stated, “And, when we reach the time when driver-less cars are on the roads with traditional cars, tried and true protections like seat belts, motorcycle helmets and child safety seats will remain incredibly important. This is why it is imperative that states take action now on implementing these basic safeguards.”

Click here to read the full report.

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