Common Bad Driving Habits That Cause Car Accidents in Chicago

Common bad driving habits that cause car accidents in Chicago are often seen on the city’s busy roads, where traffic congestion and constant movement demand full attention. Navigating Chicago’s bustling streets requires vigilance and adherence to traffic laws. 

However, certain bad driving habits—like speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive lane changes—significantly increase the chance of car accidents, leading to serious injuries and fatalities. Understanding these behaviors and their consequences is crucial for all drivers aiming to stay safe and protect others on the road.

How Dangerous Are Car Accidents in Chicago?

In 2023, the Illinois Department of Transportation reported 299,133 crashes statewide, with a significant portion occurring in urban areas like Chicago. Factors such as dense traffic congestion, aggressive driving behaviors, and high-speed corridors contribute to these alarming statistics.​

The Most Common Bad Driving Habits That Lead to Accidents

Many drivers unknowingly engage in dangerous driving habits that increase the risk of car accidents. Here are the most common bad driving habits in Chicago and Illinois:

1. Speeding

Speeding is one of the most dangerous driving habits and a major contributor to fatal crashes in Illinois. Going over the speed limit gives drivers less time to react and makes it harder to control the vehicle, especially when they need to stop suddenly. 

To stay safer on the road, drivers should adjust their speed based on conditions and avoid the urge to rush, particularly during poor weather or heavy traffic.

2. Distracted Driving

Distraction takes many forms—texting, adjusting the radio, or eating behind the wheel. In 2023, cell phone use played a role in over 2,500 Illinois accidents. Texting while driving increases the risk of missing important visual cues like traffic signals or unexpected movement. 

Keeping both hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road is the best way to avoid preventable mistakes caused by distraction.

3. Running Red Lights & Ignoring Stop Signs

Blowing through a red light or ignoring posted signs at intersections is one of the worst driving habits. Failing to come to a complete stop usually results in side-impact collisions or injuries to pedestrians crossing the street. Every driver should understand that signs are there for a reason, and rushing through an intersection can have deadly consequences.  

In 2022, 1,149 people were killed in crashes involving red light running. Such actions increase the chance of T-bone collisions and pose significant dangers to pedestrians.

4. Reckless Driving

Swerving between lanes, tailgating, and aggressive braking are all signs of reckless driving. These habits create unpredictable situations where accidents are far more likely. Maintaining control and leaving enough room between vehicles is critical. 

One tip for handling these drivers is that even if you think the other driver is going too slow, it’s better to be patient than to cause a crash that could change someone’s life.

5. Road Rage Incidents

Aggressive driving habits like honking excessively, making rude gestures, or speeding up to block someone from merging can escalate quickly. In some cases, these behaviors trigger road rage that results in physical altercations or intentional wrecks. It’s smarter to disengage, stay calm, and avoid reacting emotionally, even if another driver is being reckless or disrespectful.

6. Drowsy Driving

Fatigue is a silent but serious threat on the road. According to NHTSA data, 91,000 car accidents have been linked to drowsy driving, 50,000 injuries, and almost 800 deaths. If your eyes are heavy, your focus will drift, even if you’ve had no alcohol or drugs. Take breaks, switch drivers, or pull off the road before sleepiness takes control of the wheel.

7. Driving Under the Influence

Drinking before driving is one of the most dangerous choices a person can make. Being intoxicated dulls your senses, blurs your judgment, and diminishes your coordination. In Illinois, 22.3% of fatal crashes in 2023 involved alcohol. 

If you’ve been drinking—whether it’s one drink or several—don’t risk it. Use a rideshare app, call a friend, or wait it out. The cost of a ride is nothing compared to what’s at stake in an accident.

8. Not Checking Blind Spots

Failing to check blind spots is one of those bad habits that can lead to serious collisions, especially on the highway. Mirrors aren’t enough. Bicycles, motorcycles, or even small cars can sit just out of sight. Drivers must take a moment to look over their shoulders before switching lanes or merging to avoid side-swipe accidents.

9. Ignoring Weather Conditions

Chicago weather changes fast. What starts as rain can turn into sleet, ice, or snow within minutes. Driving habits that work on dry pavement become dangerous in wet or frozen conditions. 

Slippery roads increase the risk of losing control, especially when drivers speed or follow too closely. Wearing proper shoes, slowing down, and driving with extra caution are essential in poor weather conditions.

How to Drive Safely and Reduce Car Accidents

Bad driving habits may seem small at the moment, but they often lead to serious wrecks that change lives in an instant. City streets and highways both demand focus. Avoiding dangerous behavior behind the wheel is part of safe driving and plays a key role in reducing crash fatalities and keeping yourself—and others—safe.

Follow the Speed Limit

Driving at a reasonable speed gives you more control and time to react, especially if the car in front stops suddenly. Driving over the speed limit is one of the most common bad habits, leading to severe accidents and life-altering harm.

Put the Phone Down

Texting while driving takes your eyes off the road and your mind off the task. Even a few seconds of distraction can be dangerous, especially when vehicles are moving fast or changing lanes without warning. Distracted drivers are far more likely to cause a collision.

Be Alert at Intersections

High-risk areas like intersections demand full attention. If you’re distracted or following too closely, you may not notice a pedestrian crossing or another driver running a stop sign. These kinds of mistakes are dangerous and preventable.

Give Yourself More Space

Always maintain at least three to four car lengths between you and the driver ahead. This is especially critical during highway driving or in heavy rain, when braking distances increase. Not leaving enough space is a bad driving habit that reduces reaction time and leads to rear-end crashes.

Adjust for Weather Conditions

Slippery roads and limited visibility call for extra caution. During snow or rain, increasing your car’s distance is essential for maintaining control and avoiding dangerous situations. Many crash fatalities happen because drivers fail to adapt to changing weather.

Keep Calm Behind the Wheel

Aggressive behavior, such as tailgating, rapid lane changes, or brake-checking other drivers, is dangerous. Staying composed helps you avoid aggression and keep your driving safe, even if someone else’s bad habits tempt you to respond.

What to Do After a Car Accident in Chicago

After a car accident, check for injuries, call 911, and document everything—photos, signs, and witness info. Most people don’t realize how common bad driving habits like texting, pulling into traffic too quickly, or ignoring signs can change a life in seconds. Avoid admitting fault and stay calm.

Notify your insurer without guessing details. Even small driving habits—like wearing the wrong shoes or tailgating the car ahead—can affect your claim. Laws are strict, and bad habits matter. Practice safe driving and talk to a lawyer to protect your rights and understand what comes next.

Speak With a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one were involved in a car accident caused by another driver’s bad habits, our Chicago car accident attorneys can help you take the next step. One of the most important things you can do after a crash is to understand your rights and speak with an attorney before making any decisions.

Car accident statistics show many crashes are preventable and linked to risky driving habits like distraction, aggression, or speeding. Our team will review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through the legal process. Contact us for a free consultation and take the next step toward driving justice.

Contact our attorneys at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online 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.