The Indianapolis Department of Public Works is heightening its resolve to tackle the city's most dangerous intersections with a new mandate for the Fatal Crash Review Team. As reported by FOX59, the team, known for dissecting the circumstances of fatal crashes, will now also probe into the high-conflict zones that seed the conditions for catastrophic collisions.

Ironically, the team is set to kick off this new effort by closely examining six intersections annually, starting with the notorious crossroad at 79th Street and Michigan Road. This expansion of responsibilities aims to substantially to reduce the risk to pedestrians, a major concern across metropolitan areas. Indy DPW described these intersections as hotbeds for "incapacitating" accidents, necessitating thorough investigation and swift action.

In a statement obtained by WTHR, Indy DPW Director Brandon Herget emphasized the proactive nature of the initiative. "By investigating areas with the highest incidence of serious crashes, as well as fatal crashes, we believe we can better utilize the data available to us to identify patterns of conflict and implement both short-term and long-term safety improvements as a result," he said. The department's forward-thinking approach signals a shift from reactive post-mortem analyses to preventative strategies.

The Fatal Crash Review Team, by deploying the Automated Reporting Information Exchange System, will identify not just the sites of the deadliest accidents, but to also detect emerging trends within a two-month study period. This data-driven approach is pivotal for configuring interventions that will potentially save lives before tragedy strikes again.