Report: Brown County Ranked One Of Best Places For Safe Driving Around Schools

A new report ranks Brown County as one of the safest places in Indiana for driver safety near schools.

The study comes from Zendrive, which uses smartphone sensors to measure driver behavior. The study covered 90 percent of the country’s schools, and looked at unsafe driving events in the area.

The data says Indiana as a whole is one of the 10 worst states in the country for safe driving near schools. It also says city roads near schools are four times more dangerous than rural ones.

Marion County, which is largely urban, ranked 90th out of 92 counties in Indiana. But Brown County, known for its rural tourist destinations, is the second safest, according to the study.

Brown County Schools Superintendent Laura Hammack says she’s not surprised by the district’s A+ ranking. But she says Brown County has many narrow, gravel, and steep roads, so drivers need to be vigilant.

"I think just because the way in which Brown County roads are so unique, having a transportation department that’s able to respond to those needs in an ongoing way has really translated well for us,” Hammack says.

Although rural areas tend to be safer for kids, the study shows nine out of the 10 most dangerous schools are in rural areas near busy roads.

Monroe County ranked 78th out of 92 counties for driver safety. In an email, MCCSC officials say the safety of students is a top priority, and it’s important for drivers to be aware of bus stop signs and flashing lights.

Earlier this month, a driver in northern Indiana hit and killed three children when they were crossing the highway to board a school bus. The accident has led legislators and school leaders to call for making school bus safety a priority.