Collecting motor vehicle crash data helps authorities to identify patterns and the sources of hazards so they can address them. The Illinois Department of Transportation maintains an up-to-date SnapShot View of fatal crash data for the current year. The information is submitted by a variety of agencies throughout the state.
The good news is that as of the first week of August, crash fatalities are down by 79 from the total number this time last year. However, the number of fatalities is still significant: 554 people have died in motor vehicle accidents so far in 2019. Of these, 171 deaths occurred in Cook County.
Here are more details about the state’s overall data:
- 84 motorcyclist deaths (includes operators and passengers)
- 85 pedestrian deaths
- 63 crash deaths involving semitrucks
- 16 deaths in work zones
- 5 bicyclist deaths
Regarding the drivers in these crashes, 96 did not have a valid driver’s license, either due to suspension, revocation, expiration, cancellation or denial.
Although it may seem that the high speeds of the interstates would lead to more fatal crashes, it has actually been on city streets that the greatest number of people have died in crashes and collisions: 188. The high number of pedestrian deaths may be a contributing factor, as well as the heavy traffic in and around Chicago.
Trusted Choice provides these safety tips for preventing accidents:
- Pay attention to the road
- Watch out for other driver mistakes
- Stay under the posted speed limit
- Wear proper safety restraints
- Leave plenty of following distance
- Scan the road ahead and anticipate potential problems
Although it should go without saying, drivers should never get behind the wheel while impaired by drugs or alcohol.