Despite a comparatively low highway fatality rate (36th in the U.S.), Illinois has significant road safety challenges, with 1,217 fatal vehicular incidents in 2021. The previous year saw over 319,000 accidents, almost 1,000 fatalities, and more than 94,000 injuries. Some of the major causes for these accidents include extreme winter weather, high vehicle volume, and insufficient road signage, so it’s important that drivers stay vigilant, particularly on routes and at intersections with known safety issues.
Top 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Illinois
Illinois highways vary greatly in terms of safety. Interstate Highway 57 stands out as the most dangerous, with 39 fatalities during summers from 2015 to 2017. The Stevenson Expressway (Interstate Highway 55) is next; this route linking Chicago and St. Louis saw 37 fatal incidents during the same period. It’s a major truck route and a frequent site of severe accidents.
Illinois’ Most Hazardous Intersections
Navigating Chicago’s intersections can be dangerous, accounting for 23% of crashes, 33% of traffic fatalities, and 44% of injuries. The spot where East 79th Street meets South Stony Island Avenue is the riskiest, with a Collision Risk Index score of 293. From 2018 to 2020, this intersection saw 196 vehicular incidents, resulting in nine severe and 52 minor casualties plus one fatality.
Close behind is East 95th Street and South Stony Island Avenue, where 160 accidents occurred during the same period, causing 44 injuries and one death. At West Garfield Boulevard and South Wentworth Avenue, there were 141 collisions and 55 injuries, six severe. Monroe Drive and Lake Shore Drive had 22 accidents in 2022. Though it had fewer incidents, North Columbus Drive and East Wacker Drive was that year’s deadliest intersection, with several people losing their lives.
Annual Illinois Accident Statistics
The Prairie State’s highway statistics illustrate the need for road safety. In 2021, there were 1,217 deadly vehicular incidents. Between 2018 and 2020, Illinois had 2,976 fatal accidents; drunk driving led to 26.5%, while speed caused 38.9%. Distracted driving, a growing problem, played a role in 12.2% of fatal collisions.
Chicago experienced an alarming 45% surge in traffic fatalities during 2020, with 139 deaths recorded. Across the state, 1,195 people died due to traffic incidents — the most in five years. From September 2021 to September 2022, Chicago had 108,112 accidents. These incidents resulted in 165 fatalities and 2,273 severe injuries; a third of all reported incidents during this period involved drivers fleeing the scene.
Illinois does a bit better regarding traffic deaths per person than the rest of the country. However, our congested urban areas and heavily traveled highways still pose substantial risks to motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists.
Factors Contributing to Road Dangers in Illinois
Failure to yield causes most collisions in Chicago. Following too closely and failing to reduce speed are next, and inadequate driving skills and improper passing round out the top five. Improper passing, failure to signal, and missed traffic lights are also in the mix.
Illinois’ harsh winter conditions amplify the potential for vehicular accidents. The World Health Organization reports that just 1% more speed boosts deadly collision odds by 4%. Mobile device usage behind the wheel quadruples the risk of accidents, and even a little alcohol affects driving skills; effects are seen at just 0.04 blood alcohol level.
Your demographic also has an impact on the likelihood that you’ll get into an accident. While older individuals tend to have fewer incidents, young men aged 25-29 are involved in collisions 93% more often than their driving habits suggest. How thoroughfares are built adds to the problem; complex intersections and merging lanes are also factors.
The amount of traffic changes with the time of day and day of the week, affecting incident rates. Rush hour in Chicago is prime time for collisions, from minor fender-benders to major crashes.
Safety Tips for Navigating Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Navigating Illinois’ complex roadways requires constant vigilance and smart decision-making. The Illinois Department of Transportation emphasizes key safety practices: maintaining a safe distance between vehicles and strictly adhering to speed limits are essential for staying safe on the road. Careful driving significantly reduces your risk of traffic incidents. Remain alert, particularly in heavy traffic, and always obey traffic signs and signals.
During winter, exercise extra caution by lowering your speed and increasing the distance between your vehicle and others when roads are slippery or visibility is poor. Avoid distractions such as using your phone while driving. Intersections require special attention. Drive predictably, use your turn signals, and avoid changing lanes in the middle of an intersection. If you’re involved in a hit-and-run, prioritize safety—seek medical assistance if needed and contact the police rather than pursuing the other driver. Proper vehicle maintenance is also crucial. Regularly check your brakes, tires, and lights to ensure they’re in good working order. When possible, plan your trips to avoid congested areas, especially during rush hour or inclement weather. Following these tips and staying alert can greatly enhance your safety on the road.
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Chicago by Luigi Rosa is licensed with CC BY-SA 2.0
