The 5 Most Dangerous Stretches Of Highway In Indiana During Holiday Travel

Indiana Holiday Travel often brings worries about road safety. More accidents happen on Indiana highways during holidays, especially near busy cities like Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

This guide shows you the five most dangerous stretches of highway, from I-65 construction zones to icy roads on I-70, with simple tips to keep your trip safe. Find out which routes to watch and how Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country can help you travel with peace of mind this season.

Key Takeaways

• Interstate 65 and I-70 are busy with holiday travelers. They become very dangerous because of heavy trucks and bad weather.

• U.S. Route 41 has sharp curves and low visibility, causing accidents. It's important to stay alert here.

• State Road 37 is extra risky due to poor lighting and narrow lanes. It has seen many deaths in recent years.

• Safe driving tips include planning your route, preparing your car for winter, and avoiding peak travel times.

• Having a reliable vehicle matters a lot for safety during holiday trips in Indiana. Regular maintenance helps avoid breakdowns.

  
  

Why Holiday Travel Can Be Risky on Indiana Highways

Holiday travel in Indiana brings more cars and trucks onto busy roads. Icy highways, sudden snow, and tired drivers can make trips between places like Ohio, Kentucky, and northwest Indiana even riskier for everyone behind the wheel.

Increased traffic during the holiday season

Over 1.9 million Hoosiers hit the road during major holidays like July Fourth. AAA reports that about 1.7 million drive, making highways such as Interstate 65 and I-70 busier than normal.

The busiest travel day tends to be the Sunday of the holiday weekend, with Indiana State Police reporting more crashes at this time due to high congestion and driver stress.

Peak traffic builds up along routes through northern Indiana, Harrison Ohio, Milan Indiana, and stretches near popular places like Brown County State Park or Indiana Dunes National Park.

Traffic often slows around construction zones on dangerous highways and busy truck routes such as U.S. Route 41 or Interstate 69.

Traveling early in the day can help you avoid heavy I-70 traffic and reduce your chance of delays, says Harry Tepe of Tom Tepe Autocenter.

With so many people traveling between places like Kentucky, Elkhart County, Michigan City, and Aurora, Indiana, safe driving tips become even more important for anyone planning a trip across Midwest roads during peak times.

Weather-related hazards

Snow, ice, and heavy rain raise the danger on Indiana highways during the holidays. Accidents spike as storms hit busy stretches like Interstate 65 and Interstate 70. Preparation is key since the weather in places like Nappanee can change quickly.

State Road 37 gets even riskier with poor lighting mixed with winter fog or black ice. Turkey Run State Park and Mount Baldy see slick roads that slow down drivers headed to festive events such as Santa visits.

Police reports show a sharp rise in crashes tied to snowy or icy conditions after late November each year. Icy bridges form faster than main lanes, which surprises many travelers leaving Minnetrista for family gatherings.

Unpredictable Midwest cold fronts turn easy drives into tough trips within minutes; always check seasonal forecasts before starting out, especially near popular sites across Indiana’s backroads and interstates.

Driver fatigue and distractions

Driver fatigue slows reaction times and weakens decision-making. Drowsy drivers put everyone at risk, especially during busy holiday trips on Indiana highways. Take a break every two hours to stay alert behind the wheel.

Distractions like texting or reaching for food make crashes more likely. Over 800 people die each year on Indiana roads from negligent driving.

Indiana State Police push for safer habits, urging all travelers to avoid distractions while driving. Every person in the vehicle should wear a seat belt; this simple step cuts injury risks if an accident happens.

At Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country, our team stresses safe habits and reliable vehicles for your holiday journeys.

The 5 Most Dangerous Stretches of Highway in Indiana

Holiday travel often brings more cars and weather hazards to Indiana roads, making some areas especially risky. Drivers should pay close attention to these key routes to stay safe as they plan their trips.

Interstate 65: High traffic volume and construction zones

Interstate 65 is known for heavy traffic, especially during the holiday season. Over 30% of vehicles on I-65 are large trucks, adding to the risk. More than 2,000 crashes happened on this highway in 2022 alone.

Construction zones appear often along its 261-mile stretch from Gary to Clarksville. These work areas can confuse drivers and slow down traffic.

Accidents increase near Lafayette, Indianapolis, and south of Seymour. Speeding and distracted driving become even more dangerous because lanes shift or narrow suddenly near construction sites.

Bad weather, like snow or rain, also makes I-65 risky for travelers. Parts of this route are ranked as some of Indiana’s worst highways and among America’s top 100 most disliked roads by drivers.

Interstate 70: Frequent accidents and icy conditions

Stretching from Terre Haute into Ohio, I-70 is Indiana’s deadliest highway. This stretch averages about 7.35 deaths per 100 miles each year. Many crashes happen because of high traffic and fast speeds.

Trucking giants like FedEx and UPS use this road a lot, adding to the risk.

Icy winter roads make things even worse on I-70 during holiday travel. Weather changes quickly in Indiana, so ice forms with little warning. The combination of heavy vehicles and slick roads often causes serious crashes.

Indiana's interstates have some of the highest fatality rates in the U.S., especially on major routes like I-70. Drivers should know that both volume and bad weather play a big part in these accidents each season.

U.S. Route 41: Limited visibility and sharp curves

U.S. Route 41 is known as a dangerous highway in Indiana. The road runs about 300 miles from Chicago to Evansville and ranks 25th in the nation for fatality rates. About ten people lose their lives each year on this route in Indiana alone.

High traffic, sharp curves, wet weather, and limited visibility make driving risky here.

Heavy vehicles crowd U.S. 41 daily. Many intersections slow down travel and cause sudden stops or turns. Aggressive behaviors like speeding and tailgating add to the danger drivers face.

Indiana State Police stress alertness, especially during holiday travel along this stretch of road. Safe driving can help prevent accidents on these hazardous sections of Route 41.

Interstate 69: Heavy truck traffic and speeding concerns

Interstate 69 runs from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne and is a key north-south highway in Indiana. The stretch between Indianapolis and Anderson sees high traffic every day, especially during the holidays.

Large trucks fill these lanes, making it tough for cars to change lanes or slow down quickly. High speed limits lead many drivers to push their luck with fast speeds.

Accidents often happen because of both heavy truck loads and fast vehicles weaving through dense traffic. During bad weather like snow or rain, poor road conditions increase crash risks even more.

This route has earned its spot as one of Indiana’s most dangerous highways for holiday travel due to congestion, speeding issues, and frequent severe crashes.

Up next is State Road 37, where problems like poor lighting and narrow lanes raise safety concerns for all travelers.

State Road 37: Poor lighting and narrow lanes

State Road 37 remains a dangerous highway in Indiana, based on a recent study. The road saw 42 deaths from 37 fatal crashes between 2018 and 2022. In its worst year, 2022, there were 14 recorded fatalities.

Poor lighting makes this route hard to see at night or during bad weather. Narrow lanes leave little room for error, adding to the danger.

Many studies highlight State Road 37's need for better safety measures and more public awareness. On average, it has about 8.4 deaths per year over five years. Its high risk puts it among Indiana’s top five deadliest routes during the holiday travel season.

Caution is vital when choosing cars for these roads; safer vehicles help reduce risk on tough stretches like State Road 37.

Tips for Safer Holiday Travel on Indiana Highways

Watch for road signs and check your navigation app before leaving home. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle and keep your phone charged.

Plan your route and check traffic updates

Plan your trip in advance. Map out the safest way to travel across Indiana highways, especially during holidays when delays are common. Use 511IN.org to check road conditions, closures, or restrictions before you leave.

Review live traffic updates for real-time accident reports and weather alerts that may change your route.

Focus on high-traffic areas like Interstate 65 or Interstates with ongoing construction zones. Be aware of sudden lane changes and extra travel time around busy stretches. Monitor seasonal weather forecasts since snow and ice can slow you down fast in December and January.

This careful planning helps keep travel smooth for Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country shoppers heading out this season.

Prepare your vehicle for winter conditions

Ask a mechanic to check your antifreeze, battery, brakes, and tire health before winter. These steps lower the risk of breakdowns or accidents on icy highways. If you need new tires, put them on early so you have better grip in the snow.

Store an emergency kit inside your car. Include blankets, first aid supplies, non-perishable food, water bottles, a flashlight, jumper cables, flares, and a basic tool set. Carry an ice scraper and tire chains, too.

Use an ice brush for fast windshield cleaning if it snows during travel.

Slow down below the posted speed limit when roads are snowy or slick. Always keep more space between cars in winter conditions since stopping takes longer when roads freeze or get wet.

Avoid driving during peak travel times

Holiday travel means more cars on Indiana highways, especially during peak times like the Fourth of July. Traffic jams increase stress and make crashes more likely. Data shows that avoiding these busy travel hours can cut your risk of getting in an accident.

Planning your route ahead helps you dodge heavy traffic. Busy stretches like Interstate 65 or I-70 get even riskier when roads are packed with travelers. Stay alert and pick less crowded times to travel for a safer trip.

“The best way to stay safe is to steer clear of those high-traffic hours,” says Harry Tepe, dealer principal at Tom Tepe Autocenter.

Always pay close attention if you must drive during busy holiday rushes on Indiana’s

dangerous highways.

Stay alert and avoid distractions

After avoiding peak travel times, focus on staying alert behind the wheel. Keep your eyes on the road and hands off your phone or other gadgets. Distractions like texting or eating can delay reaction time and cause accidents, especially in heavy holiday traffic found on highways such as Interstate 65 and State Road 37.

Always wear your seatbelt and never drive if you feel tired or impaired. Take a short break every two hours to fight fatigue. Skip long drives at night due to higher drowsiness risks during those hours.

Leave plenty of space between vehicles so you can stop quickly in an emergency. Use defensive driving skills to spot hazards early and stay safe throughout Indiana’s busiest travel corridors this season.

Why a Reliable Vehicle Is Essential for Safe Travel

A dependable car helps you avoid breakdowns and problems on the road. It gives peace of mind, especially during busy holiday travel in Indiana.

Importance of regular maintenance

Regular maintenance keeps your car safe and ready for holiday travel. Checking fluid levels, tire condition, brakes, lights, battery, air conditioning, belts, and hoses helps prevent breakdowns on busy highways like Interstate 65 or State Road 37.

Scheduling oil changes, tire rotations, and inspections lowers your risk of getting stranded in cold weather.

Ignoring warning lights can lead to serious problems such as engine damage or a dead battery. A mechanic’s inspection before winter can catch problems early and stop accidents from mechanical failure.

Simple steps like topping off fluids or replacing worn wipers make a big difference when roads are slick or visibility drops on U.S Route 41 or I-70. A well-cared-for vehicle gives you confidence while traveling with family during the holidays.

Benefits of driving a dependable car or truck

A dependable car or truck lowers the chance of accidents from mechanical breakdowns, which is key during busy holiday travel seasons. Careful vehicle checks before a long trip can prevent breakdowns on highways like I-65 or I-70, where help may take time to arrive.

A well-maintained vehicle handles ice and snow better in Indiana’s winter, keeping your family safe even when roads turn slippery.

Driving a reliable vehicle gives peace of mind as traffic grows and conditions worsen. Safe vehicles also use fuel more efficiently, saving money mile after mile. Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country offer many reliable choices for drivers who want to travel safely this season.

See how we can help you find the best fit for your holiday plans next.

Explore Reliable Vehicles for Safe Holiday Travel

My team and I invite you to see our trusted cars, trucks, and SUVs built for safe trips. Visit Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country to find a vehicle ready for the road this holiday season.

Wide selection of reliable vehicles at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country

Shoppers find over 200 used vehicles across three locations at Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country. The lot includes pre-owned trucks from Ram, family SUVs by Toyota, and popular cars from Ford and Nissan.

New Chevrolet models fill the showroom as well, like the 2025 Silverado, Equinox, Trailblazer, Traverse, and affordable Trax. Drivers looking for work-ready power can choose heavy-duty Silverado 2500 or 3500 HD trucks.

Options suit every need: small crossovers for city driving in Indiana or Ohio; roomy three-row SUVs for big families; sturdy pickups for towing boats or campers during the holidays. Shoppers on a budget spot deals under $10,000 among reliable pre-owned choices. 

Your safety starts with choosing a vehicle you trust.

Expert staff to help you make the best choice for holiday travel safety

At Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country, you will find a team that treats each customer with respect. Staff members answer all your questions about car safety for holiday trips. Expert technicians can check or fix popular models like the Chevrolet Equinox, Tahoe, or Silverado 1500 before winter travel.

The sales and service teams offer clear guidance on which vehicle fits your family’s needs and budget.

You get honest support during the buying process because the staff values transparency in both sales and financing options. Customers receive step-by-step help to secure safe vehicles for holiday travel, including tips on upgrades that improve safety.

Support continues after purchase with advice for regular maintenance checks to keep cars dependable throughout the season.

Financing options to secure your reliable vehicle

Expert help gives you safety tips for your road trip. The next step is paying for your reliable vehicle. Flexible financing options fit most shoppers, even first-time buyers and those with bad credit.

Apply online before visiting to save time at the store.

Leasing and financing specials can make monthly payments lower. Choose from new or used car loans matched to your budget needs. Our finance department works with each customer one-on-one to find a payment plan that fits best, always on approved credit, and for qualified customers only.

You can trust Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country to make getting a safe holiday ride easy and clear.

Consider trading in your current vehicle for added peace of mind

Trading in your current vehicle can help you secure a safer and more dependable ride for winter and holiday travel. Many customers use their trade-in value as part of their down payment, making it easier to upgrade to a newer or more reliable car or truck from Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country’s inventory.

This step often leads to added savings or special incentives on new or pre-owned vehicles for qualified customers. A reliable vehicle reduces the chance of breakdowns on busy highways like Interstate 65 or State Road 37, especially during harsh Indiana weather.

A dependable car brings peace of mind when road conditions are uncertain, says Harry Tepe.

Expert staff guide shoppers through the process with clear advice and simple financing options, always focusing on safety and customer needs. Trading in helps many families travel with confidence during the holidays while keeping budgets steady.

Conclusion

Safe holiday travel starts with being prepared and alert. Indiana’s highways can get risky, especially during busy seasons. Know which stretches to watch out for and take steps to keep your family safe.

Choose a dependable vehicle from Tom Tepe Autocenter or Car Country before you hit the road. Our team is ready to help you enjoy every mile this holiday season.

FAQs

1. What are the 5 most dangerous stretches of highway in Indiana during holiday travel?The article highlights five stretches drivers should treat with extra caution during holiday travel: Interstate 65, Interstate 70, U.S. Route 41, Interstate 69, and State Road 37. These roads combine heavy traffic, frequent truck use, construction zones, sharp curves, and poor lighting, which can increase the risk of serious crashes during busy travel periods.

2. Why do these highways become more dangerous during the holidays?These highways become more dangerous because traffic volume spikes, weather often turns snowy or icy, and driver fatigue and distractions increase as people rush to see friends and family. When you combine crowded lanes, higher speeds, and winter road conditions, even a small mistake can lead to a serious accident.

3. How can I prepare my vehicle before driving on these roads?Before you head out on I-65, I-70, U.S. 41, I-69, or State Road 37, schedule a pre-trip checkup. Have a trusted service team inspect your brakes, tires, battery, fluids, lights, and wipers, and consider winter-ready tires if you’ll be driving in snow and ice. At Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country, our service department can help you get your car, truck, or SUV ready for holiday travel so you’re not worrying about avoidable breakdowns on busy highways.

4. What driving habits will help keep my family safer on these dangerous stretches?Key safe-driving habits include:

• Planning your route and checking traffic and weather ahead of time.

• Avoiding peak travel times when possible to reduce stress and congestion.

• Slowing down in bad weather, even if you’re still under the speed limit.

• Staying alert, taking breaks every couple of hours, and never driving drowsy.

• Putting the phone away and minimizing in-car distractions.These simple steps can dramatically lower your risk, especially on high-risk routes like I-65, I-70, and State Road 37.

  
  

5. How can Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country help me get a safer vehicle for holiday travel?Tom Tepe Autocenter & Car Country offers a wide selection of dependable cars, trucks, and SUVs that are well-suited for Indiana’s winter roads. Our team can help you choose a vehicle with the safety features and reliability you want for long highway trips. We also offer vehicle inspections, maintenance services, and financing options on approved credit for qualified customers, so you can upgrade or trade in your current vehicle with confidence before the next holiday road trip.

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Harry Tepe, Owner and Dealer Principal, Tom Tepe Autocenter

Harry Tepe is a seasoned automotive expert and the owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, a leading vehicle dealership serving the Midwest states of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. With a lifelong passion for automobiles.

Over the years, Harry worked his way up through various roles, absorbing valuable insights into sales management and dealership operations until he became the youngest GM Dealer Principal and owner of Tom Tepe Autocenter, expanding the business to include multiple locations and a standalone reconditioning center.

Under Harry's leadership, Tom Tepe Autocenter and Car Country in Aurora and Harrison, Ohio, have grown exponentially, selling over 2000 vehicles annually and generating over $50 million in revenue. His active involvement in the industry is further evidenced by his participation in the NADA 20 Group and his influential role on the Board of Directors for the Indiana Auto Dealers Association, even serving as its President in 2016.

Harry's journey embodies the essence of expertise, authority, and trustworthiness. His insights and experiences are not just stories of personal growth and business success; they are testaments to his deep understanding of and commitment to the automotive industry.