Indiana Injury Lawyer Blog

Those of us who have lived in Indiana, or other locations throughout the Midwest, for any number of years are aware that the fall months of September, October and November constitute peak harvest season for grain farmers across Indiana. In order to access their fields, farmers often times must make use of Indiana roadways with their agricultural machinery. Agricultural machinery such as combines and tillage equipment are several times larger than normal cars, SUVs and pickup trucks. Consequently, they take up a greater portion of rural Indiana roadways, which can be more narrow compared to other roadways to begin with.

This lack of space can create challenges for all drivers, but with caution and awareness Indiana motor vehicle operators can safely share the roadway with our state's grain farmers. The Chicago Tribune recently reported that the Indiana State Police are urging drivers to stay alert for slow moving machinery and should be prepared to make immediate stops when quickly coming upon agricultural machinery in the roadway. The article also advises drivers to stay patient and to make certain the agricultural machinery you are attempting to pass is not making, or about to make, a left hand turn.

Click here to read the Chicago Tribune article "Indiana Motorists Urged to Watch for Farm Machinery."

As Indiana drivers gear up for the winter months ahead, it is important all drivers keep in mind the additional challenges winter driving in Indiana can present. In the winter months, Indiana roadways can turn from bad to worse in a short amount of time. Strong winds, significant temperature changes in short periods of time, and snow or other forms of mixed precipitation are all contributing factors.

When the necessary conditions are present, Indiana drivers should be on the lookout for black ice. Black ice is dangerous because it is clear and from a drivers vantage point, it appears the same color as the roadway surface on which it lies. Black ice is created by freezing rain or other forms of precipitation occurring around the freezing temperature. Bridges and overpasses are prone for black ice for the reason that while the temperature of other roadway surfaces may be above freezing with no ice, bridges and overpasses are susceptible to cold air above and below its surface, resulting in colder surface temperatures and the formation of black ice.

If you realize or suspect that you are driving on black ice this winter, remember the following tips:
1. Refrain from giving the car more gas, with the ultimate goal being to slow the speed of the vehicle;
2. It is best not to slam on the brakes, but instead tap the brakes lightly;
3. If your vehicle begins to skid or slid in one direction or another, turn your wheel in the direction of the skid; and
4. Always remember to wear your seatbelt.

According to researchers at the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, pedestrian fatalities involving children are 4.5 times the level on Halloween than other nights. Restricted to children under the age of 15, the study shows more of an increase of fatalities in darkness rather than daylight.

Halloween is a time for children to expand their imaginations through costume choices and to explore a sense of independence while trick-or-treating. By taking safety precautions, parents can keep their child’s Halloween tradition while creating new memories. Below are a few tips to follow on Halloween:

• Plan costumes that are bright and reflective or consider adding reflective tape
• Secure emergency identification discreetly within costume or on a bracelet
• Obtain flashlights with fresh batteries
• Teach children their home phone number and how to call 911 if they have an emergency or become lost
• Do not permit children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard
• Remind all household drivers to remain cautious and drive slowly through out the community
• Stay in a group, walk slowly and communicate where you are going
• Only trick-or-treat in well-known neighborhoods and at homes that have a porch light on
• Remain on well-lit streets and always use the sidewalk
• If no sidewalk is available, walk at the farthest edge of the roadway facing traffic
• Never cut across yards or use alleys
• Obey all traffic and pedestrian regulations
• Always walk. Never run across a street
• Only cross the street as a group in established crosswalks
• Remove any mask or item that will limit eyesight before crossing a street, driveway or alley
• Don’t assume the right of way. Motorists may have trouble-seeing Trick-or-Treaters. Just because one car stops, doesn’t mean others will