A 38-year-old man from Auburn suffered a head injury in a two-car crash on County Road 28 in DeKalb County, Indiana, on Saturday afternoon. Officials say the incident involved a Subaru Forrester losing control and striking an oncoming Honda Accord, with alcohol and speed listed as possible factors.

Crash Details Emerge

The accident took place around 4:15 p.m. in the 5200 block of County Road 28, according to local authorities. Tyler Garten, driving a 2006 Subaru Forrester westbound, had his tires catch the road shoulder. He overcorrected, which led to the vehicle fishtailing out of control.

The Subaru then hit a 2003 Honda Accord heading east. After the impact, Garten’s car veered off the road and slammed into a tree. The other driver escaped without injuries, but Garten needed hospital care for his head wound.

Investigators noted the crash site showed clear signs of high speed and loss of control. No other vehicles were involved, and the road stayed open after crews cleared the scene.

Factors Under Investigation

Sheriff’s office reports point to alcohol and speed as likely contributors. Garten’s quick correction after hitting the shoulder suggests he may have been going too fast to handle the situation safely.

No charges have been filed yet, but the probe continues. Blood tests and witness statements could provide more clarity in the coming days.

This fits a pattern seen in recent local crashes, where driver error often plays a big role. Experts stress that even small mistakes at high speeds can turn deadly.

Recent data from Indiana State Police shows DeKalb County had over 200 crashes last year, with speed involved in about 30 percent. Alcohol factored into roughly 15 percent of those incidents.

Impact on Local Community

Residents in the area expressed concern over road safety on County Road 28. One local driver mentioned seeing more accidents there due to narrow shoulders and heavy traffic.

The crash disrupted afternoon travel for about an hour while emergency teams worked. No major backups formed, but it served as a reminder of the risks on rural roads.

Community leaders are pushing for better signage and speed enforcement. In the past month alone, DeKalb County reported several similar incidents, raising calls for action.

Here is a quick look at recent crashes in the county:

This table highlights a busy month for accidents, with varying causes and outcomes.

Broader Trends in Road Safety

Indiana has seen a slight rise in crashes this year, with over 150,000 reported statewide through July 2025. DeKalb County mirrors this trend, especially on highways and county roads.

National figures from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show alcohol-related crashes claim about 10,000 lives annually in the U.S. Speed contributes to one-third of all fatal wrecks.

Local efforts include awareness campaigns and increased patrols. In nearby counties, similar programs have cut accident rates by up to 20 percent.

Tips for Safer Driving

To avoid such incidents, drivers can take simple steps. Always stay alert and adjust speed for road conditions.

Here are key safety reminders:

• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow reaction time.
• Avoid alcohol before driving; use a designated driver or ride service.
• Check tires and vehicle condition regularly to prevent loss of control.
• Obey speed limits, especially on rural roads with narrow shoulders.

These habits can make a big difference in preventing crashes.

What Happens Next

The investigation will wrap up soon, with possible updates from the sheriff’s office. Garten’s recovery remains the focus, and officials hope this serves as a wake-up call for safer habits.

As crashes continue to make headlines, communities look for ways to improve road safety. Share your thoughts on local driving issues in the comments below, and pass this article along to friends who might benefit from the reminders.