It’s valuable to know the crash rates on the roads wherever you live. For those living in Chicago who want to know just how safe they are when they get behind the wheel, it’s a good idea to learn the numbers. In 2020, it was reported that traffic deaths increased in Illinois, so it’s more important than ever to be careful on the road.
The National Safety Council’s 2020 analysis showed that there was an 11% increase in lethal automobile crashes in Chicago during the first quarter of that year compared to 2019’s first quarter. Car accident rates in the vast majority of counties had gone up dramatically.
Know the causes so that you can avoid them
A large part of that increase in car accident fatalities may have to do with the much clearer roadways in 2020. Ironically, this resulted in more dangerous situations as it tempted some drivers to be reckless or inattentive. Whether it’s speeding or not paying due attention to others, including both drivers and pedestrians, a lack of traffic has impacted some people’s driving for the worse.
Distracted driving is still one of the major culprits of car crashes. With the constant presence of cellphones and now with more advanced car entertainment and navigation systems, it’s become increasingly easy for motorists to allow their attention to stray from the task of driving.
Drunk or impaired driving is also a big player in crash statistics. Whether a driver is intoxicated or simply too tired to be operating a vehicle, each person who gets behind the wheel in an impaired state is a liability to everyone around them.
It may seem discouraging to see accident rates rise in the city where you live. However, safe driving starts with every individual, and you can do your part in lowering the accident rate by always putting your full attention on the road.