Reducing the number of motor vehicle crashes at a high-crash, high-volume intersection

The Coalition is working to find ways to reduce the high number of crashes at the intersection of 82nd Street and Allisonville Road, a congested area located in the northeast corner of Indianapolis. After learning that the intersection was deemed the "costliest in the State of Indiana", and that a large number of EMS runs occur at this intersection, the group decided to investigate and search for solutions. The Coalition studied crash reports for vehicles involved in wrecks at or near the intersection. Fortunately, they determined that the majority of the crashes do not involve serious bodily injury. However, there is a considerable amount of property damage occurring, and the real problem is that many of these could be avoided. A large number of these wrecks involve drivers failing to yield the right of way to others on the roadway. Many of the collisions appear to be associated with red light running as well. The group plans to conduct an educational campaign to remind drivers that their behavior contributes to these crashes, and that the consequences can be serious. They are also surveying people who live and work in the area to obtain their opinions about the intersection, whether they believe that physical improvements have helped and what else can be done to reduce the number of crashes.

Reduce the number of bicycle injuries in a high-injury area of Marion County

A needs assessment conducted during the Coalition's first funding year yielded data from a variety of sources. Included was injury data from the Immediate Care Centers of Indianapolis. They provided valuable information that showed, among other things, that there are a disproportionate number of bicycle injuries to children, ages 5-14, in the northeast quadrant of Marion County. In an attempt to help prevent and reduce these injuries, the Coalition plans to conduct a bicycle safety course in five elementary schools in the high-injury area. The safety course includes several educational "stations", which cover topics such as the importance of using bicycle helmets and the proper way to wear them, bicycle selection and inspection, recognizing road signs and general rules of the road. During the last stage of the safety course, the participants demonstrate what they have learned by riding a bicycle on a mini course. The Coalition intends to also work with neighborhood associations in the high-injury area to coordinate an awareness campaign to reach as many residents in the area as possible.

Project to Reduce the Number of Teens Who Drink and Drive

Nearly 73% of Indiana youths under age 21 have used alcohol at least once, so it is no surprise that there are approximately 100 crashes every year in Marion County involving teens and alcohol. Because there are still many young people deciding to consume alcohol and then get behind the wheel, the Coalition decided to get involved in helping reduce these numbers. After discussing several ideas, they decided to offer an educational campaign that shows the realistic outcomes of these wrong choices. The program, called Dare to Care, consists of a slide presentation that depicts real motor vehicle crash scenes, along with the victims. Trauma nurses present the slide show and explain what is happening in each slide. Two trauma nurses developed Dare to Care, and it is a particularly good program because it illustrates what actually takes place in the emergency room once victims arrive. The program underscores that the wrong choice can mean paying a price that lasts a lifetime. Interested high schools and other teen groups can request a presentation by calling the Project Manager at 278-7620.