What Do Chicago Pedestrian Accident Statistics Show About Safety?

Review Pedestrian Traffic Crash Data With Our Nationally Recognized Personal Injury Lawyers

Chicago pedestrian accident statistics reveal the serious risk of injury in the big city. Even with projects like Vision Zero improving pedestrian safety, they are still at risk due to large vehicles, distracted driving, and unsafe crosswalks.

Our Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys have compiled a list of the most recent statistics, both nationwide and in Chicago, to reveal the scope of this problem. Read on to learn how to protect yourself and what legal options you have.

When Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur Most?

• Most incidents occur in the early evening from 6 pm to 9 pm.
• The second most dangerous time of day is from 9 pm to midnight.
• 17% of pedestrian fatalities occur on Saturday.
• Both Friday and Sunday are highly dangerous, with 15% of deaths on each day.
• Winter is the most dangerous month for pedestrian traffic crashes. 11% of fatal accidents occurred in October, 10% in November, and 10% in December.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents and fatalities can occur from various causes, with some of the most common including the following:

• Alcohol use: 37% of pedestrian deaths occurring after 9 p.m. involved alcohol. The number of accidents involving alcohol use decreased slightly to 23% in 2022 for pedestrian accidents occurring during the day
• High speeds: The highest occurrence of deadly pedestrian crashes included motor vehicle drivers going between 35 and 40 mph. The second highest group of pedestrian deaths occurred at speeds of over 55 mph.
• Unsafe infrastructure: Risky intersections, such as Stony Island Avenue at South Chicago Avenue, increase the danger for pedestrians.
• Less traffic law enforcement: Fewer traffic officers means less enforcement, which can lead to higher fatalities. The Chicago Police Department reduced its workforce by over 3% in 2025.
• Larger vehicles: SUVs, are associated with a higher number of fatalities compared to smaller vehicles. Vehicles with larger front ends and higher hoods are 45% more likely to cause fatalities.
• Dark/nighttime driving: Only around 19% of pedestrian accidents occur during daylight.

Where Do Pedestrian Accidents Occur?

• Approximately 85% of all pedestrian deaths occur in urban areas.
• Over 76% of pedestrians are injured on non-intersection roads.
• About 23% of pedestrians killed were hit at intersections.
• Big cities like Chicago have more foot traffic, which leads to a higher incidence of accidents.

Who Is Most at Risk of Pedestrian Accidents?

• While pedestrian deaths decreased for those 13 to 19 years old, they have increased for all age ranges 20 years or older since 2009.
• Approximately 70% of all pedestrian fatalities are men, which has stayed consistent since the 1970s.
• More than 20% of pedestrians killed in traffic crashes were using alcohol when they were struck.
• Non-Hispanic American Indians and Black Americans are at the highest risk of traffic deaths.

Pedestrian Fatalities

United States pedestrian deaths have reached a 40-year high, drawing many lawmakers’ attention to the need for improved pedestrian safety.

• Pedestrian fatalities have grown by 83% between 2009 and the current day.
• More than 3,000 pedestrians were killed in the first half of 2024.
• A pedestrian dies approximately every 70 minutes across the United States.
• Pedestrian deaths have increased by 68% since 2011, and injuries have increased by 11%.
• Bicycle accidents are also on the rise, showing that non-drivers of all types are at risk.

Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois

• In 2022, the state reported 10.1 pedestrian deaths per 100,000 population, or 1,268 deaths.
• 15% of all motor vehicle crash deaths in Illinois involved pedestrians.
• 37% of all traffic crashes in Illinois occur in Chicago due to the higher number of pedestrians and cyclists on the road.

Chicago Crash Reports Involving Pedestrians

• In 2023, there were 2,492 accidents involving pedestrian injuries, including 48 fatalities.
• Of these, 103 people were crossing against the signal at the time of the accident. A much higher percentage, approximately 737 people, were crossing at the signal.
• 10 of the individuals were intoxicated prior to the event.
• Standing in the roadway was a major risk. Approximately 77 people were hurt while standing in the flow of traffic, such as while panhandling.
• 26 people were hurt while working on the roadway, such as in construction accidents.

Common locations for traffic fatalities and accidents in Chicago include near schools, such as Howard Taft High School, and in business districts like the Magnificent Mile. While traffic calming measures have been implemented to protect people in high-traffic areas like State Street, others, such as Archer Avenue, have not yet been updated, thereby increasing the risk of traffic-related deaths.

Illinois Laws Around Motor Vehicle Accidents

• In Chicago, pedestrians are prohibited from crossing the roadway except at designated intersections.
• If it’s necessary to cross a roadway somewhere other than an intersection, pedestrians must yield the right-of-way to drivers.
• People walking or biking must practice due care to avoid being struck.
• Drivers must also exercise due caution to avoid colliding with anyone walking or biking near the road, such as obeying speed limits and being vigilant for pedestrians.
• Pedestrians must obey traffic safety measures, such as stop signs or walk signals.

According to the Illinois Supreme Court case Galarza v. Direct Auto Insurance Co., individuals who are injured while not driving can make a claim against their uninsured motorist insurance.

Common Injuries Sustained in Pedestrian Accidents

An estimated 68,000 people are injured in traffic crashes each year. Pedestrian injuries are one of the top reasons that people visit emergency rooms every year. Common pedestrian injuries include broken bones, soft tissue injuries, back and neck pain, spinal injuries, and internal bleeding.

Speeding through an intersection, backing out of driveways without looking, or driving after dark can all increase the risk of pedestrian injury. Hit-and-run crashes can also lead to severe pedestrian injury. When you’re left with injuries following a pedestrian accident, you need a pedestrian injury lawyer fighting for your legal rights.

The Cost of Pedestrian Accidents

An estimated 140,000 emergency room visits yearly are due to crashes involving pedestrian injuries. Unintentional pedestrian accidents cost the country an average of $10.3 billion annually, with an estimated payout of $9.71 million in medical costs and $10.29 billion in statistical life value per year.

Why You Need a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Traffic crash data demonstrates the major risk to pedestrian safety throughout the city. If you’ve been in an accident, our law firm can hold negligent drivers accountable. Our services include:

• Investigating the accident, such as finding crash reports and medical records.
• Interviewing witnesses and traffic safety professionals to understand how the accident happened.
• Estimating your damages, including the cost of future care.
• Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
• Filing a lawsuit if negotiations fail.

You may be eligible for damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. For traffic fatalities, our wrongful death attorneys can also assist in recovering funeral costs.

Consult a Car Accident Attorney Near You!

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has the knowledge and experience to investigate and build your pedestrian accident case. We have a 98% success rate and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

To book a free consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer, contact us online or call us at (888) 424-5757.

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.