Fatal Crashes Only
This report covers fatal crashes only, from the NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System — the federal census of every crash on a US public road that killed someone within 30 days. It does not include injury or property-damage-only crashes, and its totals are not comparable with the all-severity crash reports published elsewhere on this site.
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YEAR-OVER-YEAR CRASH REPORT · INDIANA · SEPTEMBER 2023
Purpose: Machine-readable JSON endpoint for AI agents, LLMs, researchers, and programmatic consumers. Returns all underlying crash data and AI-generated commentary without HTML.
Authentication: None required. Public endpoint.
GET: https://thatcarhitme.com/api/crash-data/reports/data/indiana/fatal/statewide/september-2023-report
Monthly Traffic Safety Analysis
80 CRASHES IN
INDIANA
SEPTEMBER 2023
In September 2023, Indiana experienced 80 fatal crashes, an increase of 6.67% compared to 75 fatal crashes in September 2022. Total fatalities rose by 10% from 80 to 88, while injuries decreased by 18.64% from 59 to 48. A significant year-over-year shift was observed in DUI-related fatal crashes, which more than doubled from 12 to 25.
80
▲ 6.7%was 75
Total Crash Events
88
▲ 10.0%was 80
Persons Killed
48
▼ -18.6%was 59
Persons Injured
5
Hit-and-Run Crashes
Note: "Persons Killed" (88) counts individual fatalities across all crash events. "Fatal" in the severity table below (80) counts crash events where at least one fatality occurred. A single crash can result in multiple fatalities.
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Aggregate counts from crash, person, and vehicle records
Trend Summary
Fatal crash incidents in Indiana increased year-over-year, rising by 6.67% from 75 fatal crashes in September 2022 to 80 in September 2023. This upward trend is also reflected in the number of fatalities, which saw a 10% increase from 80 to 88 over the same period. Conversely, the number of injuries reported in these fatal crashes decreased by 18.64%, from 59 to 48.
5
Hit-and-Run Crashes — September 2023
▼ 0.0% vs prior (5)
The number of hit-and-run fatal crashes remained stable at 5 in both September 2022 and September 2023. The hit-and-run rate slightly decreased from 6.7% of all fatal crashes in the prior period to 6.3% in the current period.
Vulnerable Road User Casualties
8
Pedestrians Killed
3
Cyclists Killed
77
Motorists Killed
0
Pedestrians Injured
0
Cyclists Injured
48
Motorists Injured
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Mode classified from person records (driver/passenger → motorist; pedestrian; bicyclist → cyclist; in-line skater / unspecified → other)
When Crashes Happen
The peak day for fatal crashes remained Sunday in both periods, with 15 fatal crashes recorded, and Saturday also saw 15 fatal crashes in September 2023, up from 14 in September 2022. The peak hour for fatal crashes shifted from 3 PM in September 2022 (8 fatal crashes) to 5 PM in September 2023 (8 fatal crashes), representing a doubling of fatal crashes at 5 PM from the prior year's 4.
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash date field aggregated by weekday
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash time field aggregated by hour (0-23)
Road & Environmental Conditions
Fatal crashes under clear weather conditions increased from 53 in September 2022 to 72 in September 2023, while cloudy condition fatal crashes decreased from 15 to 7. There was a notable shift in lighting conditions, with fatal crashes occurring in "Dark - Not Lighted" conditions increasing from 16 to 26, and those in "Dark - Lighted" conditions decreasing from 16 to 8. Additionally, fatal crashes during dusk increased from 1 to 5.
Weather
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Weather condition at time of crash
Lighting
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Lighting condition field
Vehicles & Demographics
The total number of vehicles involved in fatal crashes slightly increased from 114 in September 2022 to 116 in September 2023. Chevrolet vehicles involved in fatal crashes increased from 11 to 19, making it the top make in both periods. Ford also saw an increase from 11 to 17, while Harley-Davidson saw a slight decrease from 11 to 10.
Top Vehicle Makes (116 vehicles)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Vehicle unit records
2 persons with unknown or unrecorded age excluded from age chart.
Sex Distribution (163 persons with recorded sex)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Person-level records linked to crash events
Speed Limit Zones
Fatal crashes occurring in 55 mph speed zones decreased from 30 in September 2022 to 27 in September 2023. Conversely, fatal crashes in 40 mph speed zones more than doubled, increasing from 4 to 9 year-over-year. Fatal crashes in 70 mph zones also doubled, rising from 2 to 4.
Fatal crashes by zone: 25 mph: 2 of 2 (100%) · 30 mph: 7 of 7 (100%) · 35 mph: 9 of 9 (100%) · 40 mph: 9 of 9 (100%) · 45 mph: 9 of 9 (100%) · 50 mph: 6 of 6 (100%) · 55 mph: 27 of 27 (100%) · 60 mph: 4 of 4 (100%) · 65 mph: 2 of 2 (100%) · 70 mph: 4 of 4 (100%)
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Posted speed limit at crash location
Manner of Collision
The most dominant manner of collision in fatal crashes for both periods was "The First Harmful Event was Not a Collision with a Motor Vehicle in Transport," which increased from 42 fatal crashes in September 2022 to 52 in September 2023. Angle collisions remained constant at 16 fatal crashes year-over-year. Fatal crashes involving a "Front-to-Front" collision decreased from 11 to 7.
Manner of Collision
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Vehicle Type
The most common vehicle body types involved in fatal crashes in September 2023 were 4-door sedans (23) and Light Pickups (21). Light Pickup involvement saw a significant increase from 8 in the prior year to 21. Conversely, Two Wheel Motorcycles involved in fatal crashes decreased from 20 to 15, and Truck-tractors (large trucks) decreased from 12 to 8.
Vehicle Type
Showing top 9 of 24 reported. 15 additional (20 total) not shown: Single-unit straight truck or Cab-Chassis (GVWR range 10,001 to 19,500 lbs.), Golf Cart, Large Van-Includes van-based buses (B150-B350, Sportsman, Royal Maxiwagon, Ram, Tradesman,...), ATV/ATC [All-Terrain Cycle], Medium/Heavy Vehicle Based Motor Home, Van-Based Bus GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs., 3-door/2-door hatchback, 5-door/4-door hatchback, Convertible(excludes sun-roof,t-bar), Medium/heavy Pickup (GVWR greater than 10,000 lbs.), Motor Scooter, Three-wheel Motorcycle (2 Rear Wheels), Unknown body type, Utility station wagon (includes suburban limousines, Suburban, Travellall, Grand Wagoneer), 2-door sedan,hardtop,coupe.
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Vehicle unit records
Rural vs Urban
In September 2023, 52 fatal crashes occurred on rural trafficways, an increase from 42 in September 2022, while urban fatal crashes decreased from 33 to 28. Rural areas accounted for 65% of fatal crashes in the current period, up from 56% in the prior period. This elevated rural share indicates that rural roads continue to carry a disproportionate share of fatalities.
Rural vs Urban
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Roadway Functional Class
In September 2023, Major Collector and Other Principal Arterial roadways each accounted for 17 fatal crashes, making them the leading functional classes for fatalities. Fatal crashes on Local roads increased significantly from 10 in September 2022 to 16 in September 2023. Interstate fatal crashes remained stable at 8 in both periods.
Roadway Functional Class
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Roadway Ownership
State Highway Agencies continued to oversee the highest number of fatal crashes, with 39 in September 2023, a slight increase from 38 in the prior year. Fatal crashes on County Highway Agency roads saw a notable increase from 12 to 18. Conversely, fatal crashes on City or Municipal Highway Agency roads decreased from 24 to 21.
Roadway Ownership
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Person Type
Drivers remained the most frequently involved person type in fatal crashes, increasing slightly from 114 to 116 year-over-year. The number of passengers involved in fatal crashes significantly decreased from 55 to 38. Pedestrian involvement also decreased from 10 to 8, while bicyclist involvement increased from 1 to 3.
Person Type
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Person Injury Severity
The number of persons sustaining fatal injuries (K) increased from 80 in September 2022 to 88 in September 2023. Conversely, persons with serious injuries (A) decreased from 38 to 28, and those with no injuries (O) decreased from 43 to 29. Minor injuries (B) remained stable at 18 persons in both periods.
Person Injury Severity
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Occupant Safety Equipment
The number of persons reported using Shoulder and Lap Belts in fatal crashes decreased slightly from 61 in September 2022 to 59 in September 2023. The count of persons for whom no safety equipment was used or was not applicable also decreased from 60 to 53. This indicates a slight reduction in both restraint use and non-use among those involved in fatal crashes.
Occupant Safety Equipment
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Person-level records linked to crash events
Point of Impact
The "12 Clock Point" remained the most common point of impact in fatal crashes, though its count decreased from 68 in September 2022 to 64 in September 2023. Notably, "Non-Collision" incidents as a point of impact increased significantly from 5 to 14. Fatal crashes with impact at the "11 Clock Point" also saw an increase from 2 to 7.
Point of Impact
"Other" combines 7 smaller categories (12 records): 3 Clock Point (3), 6 Clock Point (3), 1 Clock Point (2), 7 Clock Point (1), 4 Clock Point (1), Cargo/Vehicle Parts Set-In-Motion (1), Left (1).
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Vehicle unit records
Vehicles Per Crash
Single-vehicle fatal crashes increased notably from 39 in September 2022 to 49 in September 2023. Conversely, fatal crashes involving two vehicles decreased from 33 to 26. Fatal crashes with three vehicles increased from 2 to 5, while those with four vehicles decreased from 1 to 0.
Vehicles Per Crash
Source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · Federal fatal-crash census · 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30 · Crash-level records
Data Sources & Methodology
Primary Data Source
All crash data in this report is sourced from NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes), accessed programmatically via the NHTSA FARS Open Data API (SODA). This dataset contains official police-reported motor vehicle traffic crash records maintained by the reporting jurisdiction's law enforcement agency. Records are published to the open data portal by the municipality and are subject to the portal's terms of use.
Data Retrieval
- Access method: NHTSA FARS Open Data API (SoQL queries)
- Data format: Structured JSON via REST API
- Record types queried: Crash events, person records, and vehicle unit records
- Date filter applied: 2023-09-01 through 2023-09-30
- Report generated: August 5, 2026
Data Coverage
- Reporting period: 2023-09-01 through 2023-09-30 (30 days)
- Geographic scope: Indiana
- Total crash records analyzed: 80
- Total persons involved: 165
- Total vehicles involved: 116
Analytical Methodology
- Severity classification: Uses the KABCO injury scale (K=Fatal, A=Incapacitating injury, B=Non-incapacitating injury, C=Possible injury, O=No injury/property damage only), the standard classification in U.S. Model Minimum Uniform Crash Criteria (MMUCC). Severity is assigned per crash event based on the most severe injury in that crash. A single fatal crash (K) may involve multiple fatalities; therefore the "Persons Killed" count in the headline KPIs may differ from the "Fatal" crash count in the severity breakdown.
- Contributing factors: Reflect the officer-determined primary contributory cause recorded at the time of the crash report. These are preliminary determinations and may not reflect final investigation findings.
- Hit-and-run classification: Based on the hit-and-run indicator field in the official crash report, as determined by the responding officer at the scene.
- Temporal analysis: Day-of-week and hour-of-day distributions are computed from the crash date/time timestamp in each record.
- Demographics: Age and sex distributions are drawn from person-level records linked to each crash event. A single crash may involve multiple persons.
- Vehicle data: Make information is drawn from vehicle unit records linked to each crash event.
- AI commentary: Narrative sections are generated by Google Gemini (large language model) based on the structured data. Commentary is descriptive, not predictive, and should not be interpreted as expert opinion.
Limitations & Disclaimers
- Only crashes reported to and documented by law enforcement are included. Minor incidents, unreported crashes, and near-misses are not captured in this dataset.
- Data reflects conditions at the time of the initial police report and may be subject to subsequent corrections, reclassifications, or supplements by the reporting agency.
- Open data portal records may experience a publication lag - recently occurring crashes may not yet appear in the dataset at the time of report generation.
- AI-generated commentary is produced by a large language model and is intended to highlight patterns in the data. It does not constitute legal, medical, or professional analysis.
- Percentages are calculated from reported data and are subject to rounding.
Non-Affiliation Disclosure
This report is produced independently by ThatCarHitMe.com (Injuria.ai). It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in partnership with any law enforcement agency, municipal government, state department of transportation, or the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Data is sourced from publicly available government open data portals.
Data License
The underlying crash data is provided under the municipality's Open Data Terms of Use and is made available to the public for unrestricted use. This analysis and report is © 2026 Injuria.ai and may be cited with attribution using the suggested citation below.
Corrections & Feedback
If you believe any data in this report is inaccurate or have questions about our methodology, please contact: data@injuria.ai. We are committed to accuracy and will issue corrections promptly.
Suggested Citation
ThatCarHitMe.com (Injuria.ai). "Indiana Crash Intelligence Report: September 2023." Published August 5, 2026. Reporting period: 2023-09-01 to 2023-09-30. Data source: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes), NHTSA FARS Open Data. Available at: https://thatcarhitme.com/crash-data/indiana/fatal/statewide/september-2023-report
About the Publisher
ThatCarHitMe.com is a crash data intelligence platform developed by Injuria.ai, a legal technology company specializing in traffic safety analytics. We aggregate and analyze publicly available government crash data to produce structured intelligence reports for communities, researchers, journalists, and legal professionals. Our reports combine programmatic data retrieval from official open data portals with AI-assisted narrative analysis.
Questions about this report's data or methodology: data@injuria.ai
ThatCarHitMe.com · An Injuria.ai Company
ThatCarHitMe.com
An Injuria.ai Company
Crash Data Intelligence
Data: NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crashes) · NHTSA FARS
Period: 2023-09-01 – 2023-09-30
Generated: August 5, 2026 · All rights reserved
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