Illinois remains a state with a high population and millions of commuters. Accidents happen in the Prairie State, as they do elsewhere. What’s concerning is the increase in traffic deaths in Illinois, and the 2020 figures raise alarms about road safety. Understanding some reasons behind the high fatalities could assist some drivers wishing to avoid collisions.
Traffic deaths in Illinois
Traffic fatalities in Chicago painted a grim picture of 2020, which saw a 45% increase in traffic deaths from the previous year. The auto accident-related deaths were not limited to this major city. Overall, traffic deaths in Illinois reached a five-year high. Fears exist that 2021 could end with even higher death statistics.
Illinois’ situation does not reflect an anomaly since traffic accidents and deaths increased elsewhere in the United States. Ironically, the local and national figures coincided with fewer drivers on the road in 2020.
Moving violations and car accidents
A decrease in drivers on highways and city streets does not automatically reduce the chances of accidents. Statistics reveal the top cause of accidents in 2020 was speeding. Perhaps a decline in drivers on highways led to people believing they could get away with traveling at unsafe speeds. The volume of fatal car accidents shows the tragic results of such beliefs.
Driving too fast makes it harder to come to a stop, and speeding could make it harder to notice hazards, such as potholes or stopped vehicles. Drivers run the risk of losing control of their cars at high speeds, especially during treacherous weather.
Other issues could lead to traffic accidents. Drunk driving remains an endemic problem, and distracted driving appears more common due to fascinations with technology.
Whether 2022 turns out to be a safer year for Illinois drivers is unknown. Drivers should realize that speeding and dangerous behaviors may cost people their lives under any conditions.