There were 945 Illinois fatalities in 2019. According to the Illinois Department of Transportations of 12/7/2020, there had been 1,018 fatal car crashes in Illinois. Some significant statistics at play with respect to these fatal accidents relate to unlicensed drivers and the roadways upon which these fatalities occur. Some reasons for these fatalities include driver condition, error or distraction, car malfunction, road condition, etc.
Drivers have to make hundreds of quick decisions on the road every day. Mistakes happen even if you follow the Rules of the Road to a tee because sometimes collisions are the fault of other drivers’ error, impairment, distraction, etc., auto malfunction, road condition and/or impediment, etc. We’ve taken the time to gather certain fatal crash data for 2020 not only in Illinois but throughout the country and provide a breakdown in this post. Take a look.
A Breakdown of the Fatal Crash Data
Some significant statistics regarding fatal crashes in this paragraph come from an article written by Taylor Covington on August 18, 2020, and published by The Zebra. Read the article here. More than 25% of all traffic-related deaths are the direct result of alcohol impairment (NHTSA). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data also reported that more than 1,000 people are injured daily (e.g., 8.5% of fatal motor crashes in 2019) in auto accidents in which at least one driver was distracted, and that distraction factored in the accident. Using a phone while driving causes 1.6 million crashes annually and accounts for 14% of the annual crash fatalities (FCC).
Fatalities by Road Class
Another significant statistic (from the Illinois DOT) involves “fatalities by Road Class” As of 12/07/20, the highest number of fatalities occurred on State-US routes and city streets. Here’s a breakdown of the number of fatalities by road class: fatal car crashes in Illinois
- Interstate: 161
- State-US routes: 323
- City streets: 331
- County-Township: 203
Fatalities Data by Mode of Transportation
As to the mode of transportation involved in fatal crashes, unsurprisingly, the highest number of fatalities (from the Illinois D.O.T) were those of motorcyclists. The breakdown of fatalities by crash type:
- Number of motorcyclist fatalities: 131
- Number of pedestrian fatalities:133
- Number of fatalities involving semi-trucks: 112
- Number of fatalities in work zones:32
- Number of pedal cyclist fatalities:26
Conclusion
While most car crashes in Illinois are not fatal, it’s important that drivers always be considering the possible action(s) of other drivers. Driving not only requires you to drive in accordance with all Rules of the Road but also to be highly aware, at all times, of other drivers’ and nearby bicyclists’ and pedestrians’ possible actions.
If you or a loved one has been following the rules of the road and involved in an auto accident because of the negligent actions of another driver, contact a personal injury attorney immediately.
We are personal injury lawyers with many years of experience successfully handling numerous auto accident cases, car and truck accident cases, and motorcycle accident cases. We also serve clients injured in construction accidents, medical malpractice cases, those who have suffered brain injuries, eye injuries, and more. We mainly practice in Tinley Park, Matteson, Chicago Heights, Orland Park and throughout the Chicagoland area. For more than 41 years, David G. McDermott has been representing clients and ensuring they receive the full value of their claims.
Learn more about McDermott & McDermott, Ltd. or call (708) 747-9440 us for a free legal consultation.
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