Last Updated 3 days by Amnon J. Jobi | Amnon Front Page

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Pedestrian fatalities in Indiana have increased in the first half of 2024, according to a report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.

However, central Indiana has seen a decline in such fatalities, with Marion County leading the decrease.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Planning Organization reported that fatal pedestrian and bicyclist crashes in Marion County and seven surrounding counties dropped from 55 in both 2022 and 2023 to 50 in 2024, marking a 9% decrease for the region.

Marion County itself experienced a 22% decrease, with fatal crashes falling from 45 in 2022 and 2023 to 35 in 2024.

“The majority of those incidents are going to be in Indianapolis,” said Arika, Axios Indianapolis reporter.

The city adopted a Vision Zero ordinance last year. This created a Vision Zero Task Force, which will create a plan to reduce pedestrian fatalities to zero by 2035.

“They’re looking at strategies they can implement such as road diets, how do we slow traffic down, and make the city more safe for pedestrians,” Herron explained.

The Governors Highway Safety Association report tracked data from the first half of 2024.

It said that during that time in Indiana, statewide fatal pedestrian crashes were up over 25% from the previous year, but the country saw a decrease in these deaths.

“I think it says that we have a lot to learn, but some places are figuring it out,” Herron said. “But we have places I think we can look to to see what’s working there.”

Herron said it is important for pedestrians to watch out given these high numbers.

“Unfortunately, the onus is on the pedestrian right now to just really be aware of your surroundings. I think you really can’t trust drivers to see you,” Herron said.

The Vision Zero Task Force has until July 1 to create a plan, after which the city will need to implement changes to improve safety.