Recently, Indiana has really been witnessing an increase in the number of tourists it gets per year. And it’s no wonder. The amazing landscape and the number of outdoor activities you can take up are not something you can easily find elsewhere.
Naturally, its capital is the first place people head to. Indianapolis is a city full of life, with busy streets but also scenic trails, and neighborhoods where people walk, bike, and drive every day. It’s basically the perfect blend of serenity and chaos(positive chaos).
With such a high number of residents and tourists, it’s important to remember that safety comes first. With more people in the city, that also means more vehicles and, of course, more chances for accidents to take place.
Whether you’re commuting to work, running errands, or just out enjoying the city, try to be mindful of others and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Let’s take a closer look at this together and see which are the most common accidents that take place in Indianapolis and how it’s possible to avoid them. Stay tuned for our safety tips!
For Pedestrians: Walk smart and stay visible
Walking is one of the best ways to get around downtown Indy and many neighborhoods like Broad Ripple, Fountain Square, and Mass Ave. But pedestrians must remain aware of their surroundings and take proactive steps to protect themselves.
With more than 7.500 pedestrian accidents per year, staying safe is no joke.
Use crosswalks and obey signals
Always use marked crosswalks when crossing the street and follow pedestrian traffic signals. Avoid darting between cars or crossing at unmarked points, especially on busy streets like Washington Street or Keystone Avenue.
Indianapolis is a blooming city, and there’s a lot of construction around, so you need to be careful of how you roam the city. Unfortunately, some of these construction sites are often not marked properly, and there are many instances of obstructed paths or tools lying around, which can easily result in slips and falls.
Naturally, in such cases, you’re entitled to fair compensation and contacting an Indianapolis personal injury lawyer is the best way to ensure you’ll actually get one.
Don’t let your phone distract you
Looking at your phone while walking, especially when crossing the street, can be dangerous. Keep your head up and your eyes on your path. Distractions can cause you to miss important cues, like a car making a sudden turn or a cyclist approaching.
We’ve unfortunately developed the habit of constantly looking at our phones so try to at least shake off that nasty habit when walking.
For cyclists: Ride responsibly and gear up
Indianapolis has made huge progress and has become more bike-friendly, with dedicated bike lanes along parts of Michigan and New York Streets and access to the scenic Indianapolis Cultural Trail.
Still, even cyclists face real risks when sharing the road with larger vehicles.
Wear a helmet always
Even a short ride around the block can turn dangerous without a helmet. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury significantly in the event of a fall or collision.
The helmet is there for a reason and it’s really life-saving in certain situations, so make sure you don’t leave your home without it.
Avoid sidewalks downtown
It’s illegal to ride on sidewalks in parts of downtown Indianapolis, and doing so puts both cyclists and pedestrians at risk. Stick to bike lanes or the street unless you’re in a residential area where sidewalk riding is allowed.
Sidewalks get too crowded, increasing the risk of accidents. That’s why it’s best to always stick to your dedicated lane if one exists.
For drivers: Stay alert and share the road
Driving in such a growing city means being prepared for all kinds of movement. It also means you need to equip yourself with a lot of patience.
Being a responsible driver isn’t just about obeying the law; it’s about being aware of others and helping make the roads safer for everyone. However, if you take a look at the news report, you’ll see that many fail to make the roads safe and do the opposite.
Slow down in high-pedestrian areas
Downtown Indy, near college campuses and city parks, is a busy area full of pedestrians. When driving by, lower your speed, stay off your phone, and be prepared to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks—even if they’re crossing slowly or unexpectedly.
Pedestrians sometimes pop up out of nowhere but if you’re already driving slowly, it’s going to be much easier for you to come to a full stop and brake on time.
Respect bike lanes and don’t block them
As a driver, you have your own lane. That means there’s no reason to occupy someone else’s lane. Drivers often park wherever they can, completely disregarding the fact that not all areas are actually parking zones.
With more than 2 billion parking spaces intended for vehicles, we’re pretty sure you can find a suitable parking place.
Bike lanes are not loading zones, parking spaces, or passing lanes. Blocking them forces cyclists into traffic, creating a dangerous situation where many of them can get hurt and injured. Be mindful and keep bike lanes clear, especially in areas like downtown or near the Canal Walk.
The bottom line: Staying safe in Indy
Exploring Indianapolis on foot or commuting to work doesn’t need to (and shouldn’t) be a stressful everyday activity. To ensure a safe environment for everyone, we all must stay mindful of others’ needs.
Every pedestrian, cyclist, and driver has the same responsibility, and they all need to work together to create a city where people feel confident and comfortable getting where they need to go.
By following these tips and staying mindful of one another, we can all help reduce accidents and make Indianapolis a safer place for everyone to move, work, and live.
