On February 20, 2026, a student, Chase Bennett, tragically lost his life on SR 163 between Clinton and Lyford — a road that is dangerously unprotected.
I contacted the Indiana Department of Transportation to push for guardrails, and this is the response I received:
“INDOT reviewed the crash history along this segment of SR 163 and identified five reported crashes since 2010. In addition to the recent fatality, one crash involved mechanical issues, two involved medical emergencies, one was weather‑related, and one had no clearly identified cause.
Guardrail systems, while effective in certain environments, can also introduce additional hazards if conditions do not warrant their use. Based on the limited crash history, the absence of previous documented concerns, and the potential risks associated with installing guardrail at this location, INDOT does not plan to pursue guardrail installation at this time.
When SR 163 is scheduled for reconstruction in the future, the project will include updates to the shoulders to provide an improved clear zone for vehicles that depart the roadway.”
Even after a preventable fatality, INDOT has decided not to act immediately.
Over 1,000 people have already signed this petition demanding guardrails be installed NOW, but we need more voices. Every signature is a step toward preventing another tragedy.
Sign and share this petition today: