In its annual America’s Best Drivers report for 2019, Allstate ranked Chicago drivers among the nation’s most dangerous. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, motor vehicle crashes in Chicago caused 533 deaths and injuries to 10,370 people between 2012 and 2016 alone. From winter weather conditions and other motorists with poor driving habits to road congestion and construction, it seems that traffic headaches are an inevitable part of getting behind the wheel in Chicagoland.
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Driver Safety Rankings
Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report 2019 ranked Chicago in the bottom half of safest driving cities in the U.S. According to the report, Chicago ranks 133rd, making it the most dangerous city for driving in Illinois. Despite citywide policies aimed at improving traffic safety, this was a four-place drop from Chicago’s 2018 position. Other cities in the state were listed among the top 100 safest for drivers; including Rockford at 32nd, Aurora at 60th, Joliet at 65th, and Naperville at 70th.
The report ranks the nation’s 200 largest cities for driver safety using Allstate’s internal claims data. To establish the rankings, calculations take into account the collision frequency in the cities, as well as other factors such as the population density and average precipitation.
Common Causes of Chicago Car Crashes
Numerous causes contribute to the frequent occurrence of motor vehicle collisions in Chicago. The factors that often play a role in causing Chicago car wrecks include:
- Distractions
- Speeding
- Fatigue
- Alcohol
Aggressive driving, such as passing in no-passing zones, speeding, and weaving in and out of traffic also contribute to crashes in the Chicago area. In addition to these driver-related causes, nonhuman factors, including road infrastructure, street design, and weather conditions may also play a role in causing motor vehicle collisions.
How Can Drivers Stay Safe?
Taking precautions to help avoid human crash factors may help drivers stay safe. In addition to avoiding distractions such as cell phones, and refraining from driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, motorists should take care to always allow themselves ample time to safely reach their destinations. Following the posted speed limits and adjusting their speeds to suit the traffic and road conditions may also help people prevent potentially serious collisions.
