Traffic Accidents on the Rise in Illinois

According to a report issued by the Chicago Tribune, the number of traffic accidents in the state of Illinois increased approximately 4 percent in 2013, with an average of 742 motor vehicle accidents each day. Unfortunately, the number of fatalities on Illinois roadways has risen slightly as well, for the second year in a row. While the numbers are still significantly lower than they were 10, or even 20 years ago, they are still disturbing.

Experts have said that the recent rise in traffic accidents in Illinois reflect normal fluctuations that have been observed nationally, but other safety experts have said that the rise may be partially due to lower gasoline prices and drivers logging more miles.

Data collected by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) revealed that an average of just more than two people lose their lives every day due to motor vehicle accidents in the state, and more than nine are injured per hour. According to the report, nearly half of the Illinois auto accidents in 2013 occurred in Cook County alone, with 137,271 total accidents and an unfortunate 250 fatalities. The city of Chicago saw approximately 130 fatalities. Alarmingly, 34 of those fatalities were pedestrians and three were bicyclists.

Why So Many Accidents?

While efforts to maintain safer roadways and enhance public attentiveness have had some impact in recent years, bad decisions by drivers are still to blame for the majority of accidents. According to the Illinois Crash Facts & Statistics report:

• Excessive speed was a contributing factor in approximately 1/3 of all crashes throughout the state.
• Of the 895 motor vehicle related fatalities in Illinois in 2013, approximately 1/3 involved alcohol.
• Drivers who were 18 were involved in the highest number of crashes, accounting for 33 fatalities and 2,904 injuries.
• In approximately 4 percent of total crashes and 10 percent of fatality accidents, tractor trailers were involved.
• There were 3,313 motor vehicle accidents in work zones throughout the state, resulting in the deaths of 20 drivers, 1 passenger, 3 pedestrians and 1 construction worker.
• Motor vehicle accidents involving bicyclists totaled 3,586 causing 3,323 injuries and 30 deaths.

It is hoped that increased seat belt usage due to the Illinois primary belt law, the ban on cell phone usage, and increased enforcement of traffic laws will help make Illinois roadways safer.

Motorcycles are now appearing on a road next to you

According to WAND TV, Illinois has seen some encouraging numbers in recent years regarding the number of motorcycle accident fatalities on state roadways. While motorcycle fatalities fell by almost thirty percent in 2014 compared to the year prior, warmer temps and sunnier skies mean state motorcyclists are again taking to the road in droves.

With more motorcyclists revving their engines on Illinois roadways, riders and a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago are seeking ways to enhance motorists’ awareness of motorcycles.

Illinois crash statistics vs. national averages

While only three percent of motorists nationally drive motorcycles, motorcycles account for a disproportionate 14 percent of all highway fatalities nationwide, according to WAND TV. Furthermore, 80 percent of all motorcycle crashes nationally end in injury or death. Motorcycle crash data for the year 2012 from the Illinois Department of Transportation reveals that the number of motorcycle-involved highway fatalities is even higher in Illinois.  Motorcycle crashes were responsible for 15.2 percent of all highway fatalities in Illinois that year, with 4,231 total crashes reported on Illinois roads.

While the reduction in fatal motorcycle crashes between 2013 and 2014 is encouraging, a motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago knows that even one Illinois motorcycle fatality is too many. Here is a look at steps state motorists can take to help reduce these numbers even further.

Motorists should…

Listen for loud pipes 

Keeping music and conversation at a reasonable level is a motorist’s best chance at hearing a motorcycle approach. Listening for loud pipes is one of the easiest ways to alert oneself of an approaching bike.

Be aware of blind spots

Motorcyclists are small targets, and are therefore more likely to be hidden in a driver’s blind spot than full-size cars. Taking care to check blind spots before turning or changing lanes is essential for spring and summer motorcycle safety.

Motorcyclists should…

Make themselves easy to see

It’s primarily a matter of common sense, but motorcyclists should avoid rapid lane switches and riding in hard-to-see spots to the fullest extent possible to make sure other drivers are aware of their presence.

Dress appropriately

While Illinois motorcyclists are not required by law to wear helmets, doing so is another matter of common sense. A motorcycle accident attorney in Chicago knows even the best, most careful motorcycle riders in the world cannot control the actions of other motorists. Wearing a helmet and bright, striking colors that stand out to other drivers are easy ways to enhance rider safety.

With continued attention and increased awareness, Illinois motorcyclists and state officials are hoping that the number of Illinois motorcycle fatalities falls even further in the year ahead.