Attorneys of Chicago | February 17, 2025 | Car Accident

The Chicago Police Department reported a total of 112,006 traffic collisions, marking it as the third-highest annual total since the city began recording such data in 2015. These incidents resulted in 124 fatalities and 25,692 injuries, the latter being the highest number of injuries recorded in a single year in the city’s history. 

Traffic accidents can feel unavoidable in a large and bustling city like Chicago. However, they don’t happen in a vacuum. The actions of individual drivers play a major role in determining whether a crash occurs.

Here are five simple steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of being involved in a car accident on Chicago’s busy roads.

1. Slow Down

Speed contributes to a significant portion of fatal accidents every year. As many as three in ten fatal wrecks in the United States involve at least one speeding motorist. Drivers should remain aware of their speed at all times and slow down when necessary, even going slower than the posted speed limit in appropriate circumstances.

Speeding is dangerous for several reasons. First, it reduces the time you have to observe and react to danger. Fractions of seconds can mean the difference between avoiding a collision and crashing into another person or vehicle. The faster you go, the less time you have.

Second, speeding increases the amount of time it takes to bring your vehicle to a stop in an emergency. For example, a car traveling 55 miles per hour can require nearly 300 feet to come to a complete stop. If the vehicle is going 70 miles per hour, that total stopping distance increases to approximately 388 feet.

Finally, a speeding vehicle is more challenging to control safely. Aggressively turning your steering wheel from side to side at high speed to avoid a crash can cause you to flip over. Similarly, hard braking at high speeds could cause you to skid or slide out of control. Your risk of being involved in a wreck increases drastically in either situation.

The speed limit is the maximum speed you should travel under ideal driving conditions. Always reduce your speed during inclement weather, at night, or during periods of low visibility. You should also consider driving slower than the speed limit during times of heavy traffic congestion and when pedestrians and bicyclists are nearby.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Driving demands your full attention and the use of your hands and feet. When any of these are occupied by some task other than safely controlling your car, your risk of an accident goes up. Over 3,300 Americans died in traffic accidents in 2022 due to distracted driving.

While texting and driving is a frequently cited example of distracted driving, it’s by no means the only one. Other common examples you’ll find on Chicago’s roadways include:

  • Eating and drinking
  • Adjusting the vehicle’s climate controls or radio
  • Talking with passengers
  • Using navigation equipment
  • Applying makeup 

Distractions can also come from outside the vehicle. Many drivers are guilty of letting their eyes wander to read a billboard or “rubbernecking” at a car accident on the side of the road. Even these momentary distractions can lead to a car crash.

To increase your safety, resolve to keep distractions to a minimum while driving. Silence your cell phone or put it away so you aren’t distracted by incoming calls or texts. Adjust your vehicle’s temperature and radio before you start driving. Don’t eat, drink, or apply makeup while moving. Simple measures like these will help you focus on the road ahead.

3. Practice Defensive Driving

Driving in a major city like Chicago can be stressful. This is especially true when other drivers either violate traffic laws or prevent you from reaching your destination. It’s tempting to respond with aggressive behaviors like speeding, tailing other vehicles, and switching lanes without first checking for traffic.

The issue with these and other reckless tactics is that two wrongs don’t make a right. Every driver has a legitimate expectation that other motorists will follow the law on the road. Driving aggressively in response to others’ poor driving compounds the problem by adding to the number of motorists who aren’t driving safely and responsibly.

For example, suppose someone cuts you off in traffic without giving you sufficient clearance, forcing you to slam on your brakes. This is unsafe and disrespectful behavior. To signal your frustration, you speed up and tail the other driver through traffic, honking your horn at them. Now, there are two reckless drivers careening through traffic, putting others in danger.

Do your best to keep your cool and resist the urge to respond to slights or inconveniences from other drivers. Instead, focus on obeying traffic laws and getting to your destination safely.

4. Don’t Drive While Impaired

Alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal drugs can all affect how you perceive and respond to events on the road. Even small amounts of alcohol or drugs can make it unsafe for you to operate your vehicle. The best practice is to simply refrain from driving if you intend to use any substance that diminishes your mental faculties or reaction time to avoid a dui accident.

5. Keep Your Vehicle in Good Working Order

To a large degree, your ability to drive safely depends on the condition of your vehicle. A car with defective brakes, a broken windshield, or inoperable lights is unsafe, regardless of how careful you are behind the wheel. You might be quick to apply your brakes to avoid a wreck, but it won’t do you any good if they’re worn out.

Take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for regular inspections and service, and make sure to address signs of wear as soon as possible. It’s also wise to periodically seek information regarding potential recalls on your vehicle.

Take Control of Your Safety

Implementing these tips won’t guarantee that you’ll never be involved in an accident, but it can greatly reduce the chance. And while your safety isn’t exclusively in your hands, what you choose to do on the road plays a significant role in determining whether you arrive at your destination safely.

Even when you do everything right—drive responsibly, stay alert, and follow the law—accidents can still happen. With over 112,000 traffic collisions reported in Chicago in 2024 alone, it’s clear that road safety is a shared responsibility, and unfortunately, not every driver takes it seriously.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a car accident, it’s crucial to take the next step: protect your legal rights. Medical bills, lost wages, and insurance disputes can quickly pile up, leaving you overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. That’s where an experienced local car accident lawyer can make all the difference.

At Attorneys of Chicago, our skilled auto accident attorneys understand the complexities of Illinois traffic laws and know how to fight for the compensation you deserve. If you are dealing with a life-altering crash, don’t face it alone. A knowledgeable attorney can investigate your case, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your best interests—so you can focus on healing.

Don’t wait. The sooner you get legal help, the stronger your case will be. Reach out to a trusted car accident lawyer today and take the first step toward justice and peace of mind.