Designing and implementing effective traffic safety policies requires data-driven analysis of traffic collisions. To help in the policy-making process, the Indiana University Center for Criminal Justice Research is collaborating with the Indiana Criminal Justice Institute to analyze vehicle crash data from the Automated Reporting Information Exchange System (ARIES), maintained by the Indiana State Police. This marks the fifth year of this partnership. Research findings will be summarized in a series of fact sheets on various aspects of traffic collisions, including alcohol-related crashes, light and large trucks, dangerous driving, children, motorcycles, occupant protection, and drivers. An additional publication will provide information on county and municipality data and the final publication will be the annual Indiana Crash Fact Book. These publications serve as the analytical foundation of traffic safety program planning and design in Indiana.These analyses highlight traffic safety problems that assist stakeholders in making recommendations for effective policies. The data also provide information that allows the state to apply for federal funding to support traffic safety program improvements.
CCJR staff collaborate with several state and federal agencies including the ICJI, Indiana State Police, Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Indiana Department of Transportation, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). In addition, the Governor’s Council on Impaired and Dangerous Driving serves as the public opinion catalyst and the implementing body for statewide action to reduce death and injury on Indiana roadways.
Additional information on Indiana traffic safety issues can be found through the ICJI website.