National vs Chicago Fatal Car Accident Statistics

Motor Vehicle Death Rates in Chicago, IL, and the United States

National vs. Chicago fatal car accident statistics demonstrate that motor vehicle deaths are on the rise across the United States, including in Illinois. However, the city of Chicago has made progress in vehicle safety, providing an example of how to reduce these preventable deaths. 

If your loved one has been fatally injured in a motor vehicle crash, our compassionate Chicago wrongful death attorneys can help. Contact us today for a free consultation about your legal options following a fatal car crash. 

National Landscape: A Look at US Fatal Crash Statistics

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) uses the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) to collect data on motor vehicle crash deaths across the United States. According to these statistics, there were 18.08deaths per 100,000 registered drivers in 2022. 

Increasing Fatalities by State

The number of fatal car crashes in each state has risen notably over the past several years. Between 2018 and 2022, the US saw a 16% increase in deadly accidents, escalating from 36,835 fatal accidents in 2018 to 42,795 in 2022.

Fatality Rates and Survival Factors

In 2021, there were approximately 6.1 million police-reported vehicle accidents, 39,508 of which resulted in fatalities, causing an effective deadly car crash rate of 0.7%. 

Specific circumstances, such as seat belt usage, influence survival rates. According to the National Safety Council, seat belts reduce the risk of death by 45% for front-seat passengers. Speeding, a factor in 29% of all car accident deaths in 2021, also plays a critical role in crash outcomes.

High-Risk Groups and Time Factors

According to the Centers for Disease Control, motor vehicle crashes remain the leading cause of death among young adults. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that though teens drive fewer vehicle miles than other age groups, their risk of being fatally injured in a motor vehicle accident is three times higher than for drivers 20 years of age or older. 

IIHS suggests that schools should take a graduated approach to driving lessons and should emphasize vehicle safety, including not texting while driving or driving while intoxicated. 

In 2022, more people over 75 died in motor vehicle crashes than in other age groups, while the lowest rate of motor vehicle fatalities was in children under 5 years old. 

Despite the fact that only 25% of driving is done at night, more than half of motor vehicle deaths take place after sundown. In 2022, most motor vehicle fatalities occurred on the weekend, with Saturday being the deadliest day of the week. 

Alcohol Involvement in Fatal Crashes

Alcohol-impaired driving is a substantial contributor to motor vehicle deaths. Approximately 32% of fatal motor vehicle crashes in 2022 involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or more. This is up from 31% in 2021, despite the increased availability of rideshare services that can prevent these tragedies. 

Chicago in Focus

In 2023, there were 167 motor vehicle deaths in Chicago, which is significantly down from 201 deaths in 2022. While the total number of motorists killed in Chicago itself has decreased, Illinois as a whole has seen its death rate increase. 

Increase in Fatalities in Illinois Since 2019

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, fatalities in 2023 were 25% higher than in 2019. Specifically, there were 1,269 fatalities in 2023, compared to 1,010 in 2019. 

Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation demonstrates that 2021 was the deadliest year in recent memory. 

Increase in Dangerous Roadways Since the Pandemic

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, Chicago’s roads have become increasingly hazardous, evidenced by an increase in bicycle accidents over the past decade and significant upticks in fatal incidents involving trucks, motorcycles, and pedestrians. 

As cycling accidents increase dramatically, effective safety protocols need to be implemented and strengthened immediately. In addition to advocating for more bicycle awareness, those injured in biking accidents should contact a bicycle accident attorney to seek justice for their injuries. 

Additionally, fatal car, truck, and motorcycle accidents across Illinois were higher in 2023 than in 2019. 

Illinois Car Accident Ranking in 2023

Illinois has the eighth-most fatal car crashes in America, recording 1,210 fatal car accidents and 1,334 deaths. Several factors contribute to this high number of accidents. 

First, Illinois has the sixth-highest population in the US, which naturally increases the volume of vehicles on the road. Urban areas, particularly Chicago, often experience heavy traffic congestion, which increases the chance of collisions. It’s estimated that Chicago sees 100,428 average daily vehicle trips, making it the busiest travel spot in the Midwest. 

Illinois is a crucial nexus for transport and commerce, resulting in increased occurrences of traffic-related issues stemming from the influx of commercial vehicles and drivers from other states crossing its boundaries. 

Recognizing this influence is critical when devising efficient measures to improve roadway safety and reduce the frequency of accidents.

Chicago Car Accident Risks Compared to Other Cities

Despite its size, Chicago ranks 45th among the 50 riskiest cities for drivers in the United States in a recent US News and World Report study. It is joined by other cities like Washington, D.C., Boston, Massachusetts, New York City, New York, and Minneapolis, Minnesota.

US News and World Report developed this ranking based on several key factors, as outlined below. 

Fatal Car Accidents

From 2016 to 2020, the number of fatal car accidents in Chicago, when measured per capita, points to a relatively lower risk compared to many other major cities. This statistic accounts for 35% of the overall risk assessment.

Involvement in Fatal Motor Vehicle Crashes

Another crucial factor is the number of people involved in fatal accidents per capita during the same period, also weighted at 35%. Chicago’s numbers in this category again reflect a less risky driving environment compared to many of the largest metropolitan areas in the country.

Fatality Rate per Miles Traveled

Evaluating the average fatality rate per 100 million miles traveled from 2019 to 2021, a metric from The Road Information Program, is vital to understanding regional risks. This factor contributes 10% to the overall risk calculation.

DUI Arrests

The frequency of DUI arrests per capita, as reported by the FBI from 2017 to 2019, provides another perspective on driving risks. This statistic is weighted at 10%.

Car Thefts

Lastly, car theft statistics per 100,000 people, compiled by the National Insurance Crime Bureau from 2019 to 2021, account for the final 10% of the risk assessment. 

Overall, the data highlights that Chicago, despite being a large and bustling urban center, has a comparatively safer driving environment than many other major U.S. cities.

Possible Reasons for the Increase in Accidents

To effectively address this concerning trend, it is essential to delve into the possible reasons for the rising number of accidents.

Post-Pandemic Traffic Shifts

The Center for Transportation Studies found that the COVID-19 pandemic drastically altered traffic patterns, resulting in significant disruptions to regular travel routines. 

Without lockdown restrictions and with a subsequent increase in mobility, the roads have seen a surge in traffic volume. This shift has contributed to an uptick in accidents as drivers readjust to pre-pandemic levels of congestion and travel frequency.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speeding and reckless driving have become more prevalent issues, contributing to the rise in accident rates. Chicago speed limits are 30 mph for streets and 15 mph for alleys (§9-12-070), but many people exceed these limits. 

Despite legal challenges like Keating v. City of Chicago, the city continues to use speed cameras that automatically issue tickets for speeding. Since 2013, these cameras have generated $879 million from 9,132,409 tickets issued. 

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving remains a significant factor in the rising number of accidents. The use of cell phones and other technology has led to a marked increase in accidents involving distracted motorists. 

Texting while operating a motor vehicle is illegal in Illinois and can result in a felony charge if someone is fatally injured (625 ILCS §5/12-610.2). Statutes around this issue have continued to evolve since 2007, when the first task force to study driver distraction began.

Despite the state’s long history of banning this dangerous behavior, many motorists continue to break the law. In 2022, the Illinois State Police issued over 7,200 citations and nearly 10,500 warnings for distracted driving, highlighting the persistent challenge of keeping drivers focused on the road. These distractions can impair reaction times and lead to a higher incidence of accidents.

Driving Under the Influence

Being under the influence significantly increases the risk of motor vehicle crash deaths. Drunk driving accidents often happen at higher speeds and involve erratic behavior, such as weaving in and out of traffic or endangering pedestrians on sidewalks. As such, discouraging motorists from getting behind the wheel after a few beers is essential to protecting motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. 

Like most states, Illinois has a strict limit of 0.08% BAC and a no-tolerance policy for intoxicated drivers. However, an individual can still be charged with a DUI even if their BAC is lower than 0.08%. The Illinois Vehicle Code applies the term “DUI” quite liberally, identifying it as being under the influence of any chemical that makes the person incapable of driving safely (625 ILCS §5/11-501). 

Surprisingly, Chicago was not in the top ten for DUI arrests in 2022 despite being the most populous area of the state. This is likely because motorists have many other transportation options available, including rideshares and the CTA’s transit system. 

Next Steps

While the Fatality Analysis Reporting System and other sources can provide statistics on motor vehicle deaths, they do not demonstrate how every life lost impacts a whole community. Motorists, passengers, bikers, and municipalities all have a role to play in preventing motor vehicle crash deaths, including the following. 

Staying Alert and Avoiding Distractions

It is critical that drivers remain vigilant and free from distractions. Mobile devices, in-car entertainment systems, and even eating can significantly impair a driver’s ability to respond to changes in traffic. 

Put your phone on “do not disturb” while you’re driving, and use hands-free devices if you need to look up directions. If you feel tempted to look at your phone while driving, you should place it in an inaccessible place, such as the center console or glove box.

If you must make a phone call or answer a text, pull off to a safe place. Take frequent breaks to avoid getting overwhelmed and stop driving if you feel overly tired. 

Passengers also have a role to play. They can avoid distracting the driver, answer text messages or phone calls, and suggest taking a break if the driver appears fatigued. 

Obeying Traffic Statutes

The rules of the road are a fundamental aspect of vehicle safety. Speed limits, traffic signals, and road signs are designed to regulate traffic flow and ensure the safety of all road users. Consistently following these regulations is part of following the law and helps prevent collisions and other traffic incidents.

Always Buckling Up or Wearing a Helmet

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration notes that wearing a seat belt is the single most significant safety decision that a person can make. Of all motor vehicle deaths in 2022, the NHTSA estimates that at least 50% of victimswere not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident. Furthermore, the department states that wearing a seatbelt saved at least 14,955 lives in 2017 alone.

For motorcyclists and bicyclists, wearing helmets is a crucial way to prevent deaths or lifelong impairments. 

Chicago Vision Zero

Chicago Vision Zero is both a commitment and an approach aimed at eliminating death and serious injury from traffic crashes. Vision Zero initiatives focus on engineering safer streets, enforcing traffic ordinances, and educating the public on road safety. 

Chicago Vision Zero’s Executive Summary lists some of the project’s most essential tasks. These include lowering speed limits around the city, changing intersection designs, implementing traffic calming measures like rubber speed bumps, and prohibiting turning on red throughout the city.

While the project may not completely eradicate motor vehicle crashes, it can significantly reduce motor vehicle crash deaths. The significant drop in motor vehicle fatalities from 2022 to 2023 suggests that the infrastructure improvements are making a difference throughout the city. 

Secure Expert Legal Counsel!

If you or someone you know has been injured in a traffic crash, it is essential to seek professional legal assistance. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a nationally recognized personal injury law firm with a 98% success rate and over 25 years of experience in personal injury law. 

Due to our aggressive legal representation, we have recovered over $450 million in damages for our clients. Insurance companies nationwide fear us. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless you receive compensation.

To schedule a free consultation with a fatal car accident attorney in Chicago, call us at (888) 424-5757 or use our online contact form. 

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.