INDIANAPOLIS— Car crashes have dropped 27% in Indianapolis as fewer drivers hit the road amid COVID-19 restrictions, according to data obtained by Call 6 Investigates.
In March 2019, Indianapolis Metro Police received 2,156 total crash reports including 489 injuries and 8 fatalities.
In March 2020, IMPD reported 1,569 crashes including 409 injuries and 3 fatalities— a drop in car accidents, injuries and deaths.
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“There’s less people out and about,” said Genae Cook, spokeswoman for IMPD. “People are listening to our Governor and our mayor.”
The stay-at-home order means many people are working from home, not visiting friends and family, and are only leaving the house to go to the grocery store.
IMPD wants to remind drivers that when they drive for nonessential things, they’re putting police and first responders at risk.
“If there’s a fender bender or some type of auto accident while they’re out and about, then they’re bringing the first responders to them,” said Cook. “It still comes back to keeping first responders healthy and keeping us safe by obeying the traffic rules and regulations.”
Drivers may be tempted to go faster with more room on the road.
“Keep obeying the traffic laws and don’t use it as an excuse to go as fast as you want,” said Cook.
Call 6 Investigates has requested similar data from Indiana State Police.
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