INDIANAPOLIS — Turkey and dressing, pumpkin spice, football…Thanksgiving and fall are upon us; however, family gatherings and holiday shopping are not the only things for which we need to prepare. Wet falling leaves, colder temperatures, and increased holiday travel make driving hazards more unique to autumn than other times of the year.
According to the Institute of Highway Safety, autumn typically brings a sharp increase in car versus animal insurance claims, most of which involve deer. These claims usually peak in November and decrease through December and January. In 2022, over 6,000 car versus deer crashes were reported in Indiana during this same three-month period. Over 140 of those crashes resulted in injuries, and four were fatal.
Increased travel over the 2022 Thanksgiving travel period also had a huge impact on Hoosier travel statistics. Between Wednesday, November 23, and Sunday, November 27, 2022, authorities investigated over 2300 crashes. 381 of those were listed as injury crashes, and seven fatal crashes resulted in ten fatalities.
The Indiana State Police remind motorists to drive safely. Do not text or drive distracted; obey posted speed limits; and always drive sober. In addition, giving yourself extra travel time and keeping a safe distance are a must.
