As the third-largest city in the United States, Chicago is home to nearly three million residents and sees millions of visitors every year. With so many people on the road, it’s not shocking that there are thousands of car crashes every year on Chicago roadways.
What might come as a shock to some is that despite the coronavirus pandemic, stay-at-home orders, and social distancing, there was actually an increase in car crash fatalities. Let’s take a closer look at Chicago car accident statistics.
Chicago Car Accident Statistics
According to preliminary data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, there was a significant increase in speeding in 2020. Officials believe that the lack of cars on the road was a major factor in this change in driving behavior.
The majority of crash fatalities occurred on city streets and many were caused by excessive speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.
Cook County, where Chicago is located, was the deadliest county for Illinois drivers. Other 2020 Chicago car accident statistics that show us that every driver must exercise caution include:
- There were 361 fatalities in Cook County, an 18% increase from 2019
- Nearly 30% of all Illinois car accident fatalities occurred in Cook County in 2020
- There was a 14% increase in speeding
- As of March 19, 2021, there have already been 49 fatalities in Cook County
- The majority of fatal car accidents involved semi-trucks
The Illinois Department of Transportation has not yet released all of its 2020 findings on Chicago car accident statistics. However, based on what it has published, what we do know is that Chicago streets have become more dangerous despite the pandemic.
Deadliest Counties for Illinois Drivers
The Illinois Department of Transportation released the list of the deadliest counties for Illinois drivers. Overall, Cook County sees the most car accidents and traffic fatalities every year.
- Cook County
- Will County
- Lake County
- DuPage County
- Madison County
- St. Clair County
- Kane County
- Winnebago County
- Sangamon County
- Peoria County
What were the main causes of car accidents in Chicago?
According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation, the following driving behaviors are all major contributors to high numbers of accidents and fatalities:
- Following too closely
- Running red lights
- Failure to yield
- Inclement weather conditions
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Excessive speeding
- Distracted driving
- Accidents involving large trucks
Chicago residents can play an important role in preventing another car accident fatality from becoming a statistic. All drivers can contribute to making streets safer for everyone, including bicyclists, pedestrians, and other motorists.
Drivers should exercise caution at all times while on the road, reduce distractions such as cell phones and loud music, and obey all road rules and regulations.
Every Chicago resident should be aware of the high volume of car accidents, injuries, and deaths that occur every year in their hometown. Despite the pandemic, traffic deaths have been on the rise.
Langdon & Emison Is Here to Help
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Chicago car accident, it’s crucial that you take certain steps following the crash. Once you have sought medical attention, it’s time to call a car accident lawyer in Chicago who can represent you in your fight for justice.
Langdon & Emison is committed to fighting for victims impacted by the reckless and negligent driving of others. We have the track record to prove it, winning millions on behalf of car accident victims.
Contact our office today at (312) 872-3389 to schedule a risk-free case evaluation. We look forward to speaking with you.