Press release from the Indiana State Police:
Less Crashes and Fatalities in Fort Wayne District in 2010 than in 2009
(January 3, 2011) – The Indiana State Police in Fort Wayne have announced that they saw fewer rural crashes and fatalities in 2010 than they did in 2009. These crashes and fatalities are those reported by all law enforcement agencies within the 11 county Fort Wayne District with the exception of the Fort Wayne Police Department.
Fort Wayne District Commander Lieutenant Rob Townsend provided the following statistics:
- Crashes – 6,955 in 2009 down to 6,488, 2010
- Fatalities – 38 in 2009 down to 35 in 2010
2010 ended with the month of December, one of the three busiest with weather-related crashes, seeing only 184 rural crashes, 23 of which resulted in personal injury and one resulting in a fatality. In contrast, December 2009 saw 338 rural crashes, 70 of which resulted in personal injury and one resulting in a fatality. The primary causation factors for these crashes were drivers operating their vehicles at a speed too fast for the weather conditions. “We will continue to stress to motorists that their driving behavior is the primary cause of vehicle crashes, not the weather” said Townsend who also reminds motorists to observe the following safety tips:
Drive according to road conditions:
- Allow extra time to get to your destination.
- Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof, head lights and tail lights.
- Beware of bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
- Slow down to increase traction; don’t use cruise control on slick roads.
- Avoid abrupt stops and starts, slow down gradually and keep wheels turning to avoid losing traction.
- Use low beam headlights to decrease glare from ice.
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