Traffic Safety in Illinois

The Impact of Traffic Crashes in Illinois

2023 Data: Over 298,000 crashes, 87,573 injuries, and 1,240 fatalities.

2022 Data: 298,347 crashes, 83,783 injuries, and 1,268 deaths—a 5% decrease from the previous year.

At-Risk Populations: Teenagers (ages 16-19) account for 7.8% of injuries and 6.4% of fatalities. Older adults (50-60) are disproportionately affected in pedestrian crashes, with marginalized communities facing additional vulnerabilities related to socio-economic status, access, and safety resources.

Economic Cost: Traffic crashes cost society over $8 billion annually.

Key Factors Contributing to Crashes

Speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield, road rage, hit-and-runs, reckless homicide, and hate crimes involving vehicles.

Nearly 1 in 5 fatal crashes involve drugs, mainly cannabis.

Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, cannabis) accounts for about 20-30% of crashes.

Distracted driving fatalities increased from 40 in 2011 to 78 in 2017.

Speed-related crashes remain significant, with stable fatality rates but a 53% reduction in serious injuries since 2005.

Enforcement of the Move Over Law is critical, yet compliance remains insufficient, risking first responders and roadside workers.

Trends & Recent Data

Fatalities & Injuries:

2022: 1,147 fatalities, including 197 pedestrians—pedestrian deaths increased by over 80% in 15 years.

Pedestrian fatalities surged 40% between 2013–2020, especially impacting older adults and urban neighborhoods.

Youth & Young Drivers:

Fatal crashes involving 15–24-year-olds increased by 38% from 2018 to 2020.

Half of these fatalities involve speeding, and 20% involve unrestrained occupants.

Roadway Departures & Intersections:

About 50% of fatalities involve roadway departure crashes; intersection-related fatalities increased by 22% from 2019 to 2020.

Many crashes occur in rural areas, interstates, and heavily trafficked intersections.

Nighttime & Rural Crashes:

Night driving is particularly risky, with drivers of all ages being three times more likely to fatality at night.

Rural areas and interstates are common crash sites, with half of all crashes happening at or near intersections.

Cyclists & Pedestrians:

Cyclist fatalities are steady at about 29 annually; larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks frequently contribute.

Pedestrians, especially older adults, face a 37% increased risk of death; about 1 in 5 child pedestrian fatalities occur under age 15.

Disproportionate Impact on BIPOC & Marginalized Communities:

Higher crash rates, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.

Native American and Hispanic populations experience higher fatality and injury rates.

BIPOC communities face increased risks due to traffic volume, high-speed roads, and limited resources.

Hate Crimes & Violence:

Illinois reports approximately 89 vehicle-involved hate crimes annually.

40% of Chicago expressway shootings in 2022 involved road rage.

Recent Trends & Concerns

Increased cannabis use since the legalization of recreational use has led to more DUID (Driving Under the Influence of Drugs) incidents.

Cannabis-related emergency visits have risen significantly, especially among youth and young adults.

Many drivers underestimate the risks of cannabis and other impairing substances, with nearly half of young marijuana users reporting recent driving under influence.

Aggressive driving behaviors like road rage contribute to nearly 40% of shootings in Chicago.

Why This Matters

Traffic crashes injure more than 87,000 annually and take over 1,200 lives a year.

Marginalized groups, children, seniors, pedestrians, and cyclists face higher risks.

The societal cost exceeds $8 billion annually, and the emotional toll on victims and families is immeasurable.

Targeted interventions, education, enforcement, and community programs are essential to reduce injuries, fatalities, and disparities.

Our Mission and Call to Action

AAIM is committed to combating impaired, reckless, and distracted driving through victim advocacy, public education, and community partnerships. Together, we can promote safer roads, reduce crashes, and support victims across Illinois.