Causes of Car Accidents in Chicago

Distractions

Cell phones have become an essential part of modern life, but when used behind the wheel, they present a significant danger. 

Many drivers are guilty of sending a quick text, checking emails, or browsing social media while driving, thinking it will only take a moment. However, a serious collision resulting in a human loss takes only a fraction of a second of inattention.

Other distractions, such as adjusting the radio, eating, or being distracted by other vehicles on the road, can also cause wrongful death in car and truck accidents, especially in busy urban areas of Chicago’s city center. 

Weather

Chicago is notorious for its harsh weather conditions, especially during the winter months. Snow, sleet, rain, and fog make driving particularly treacherous, contributing to a higher number of weather-related traumatic car accidents. Even seasoned drivers can struggle to maintain control of their vehicles on icy or slippery roads. During snowstorms or after heavy rain, roads can become slick and dangerous, leading to an increased risk of multi-vehicle and motorcycle accidents. 

Unfortunately, these weather conditions are common in Chicago, and each year, thousands of drivers find themselves involved in accidents due to poor weather visibility and hazardous road surfaces.

Alcohol/Drugs

Drunk driving continues to be a leading cause of car accidents in Chicago and across Illinois. In 2022 alone, there were over 4,000 DUI arrests in the state, with half of those occurring in Chicago. 

While many of these arrests can be attributed to alcohol use, impairment can also result from both legal and illegal drugs. Prescription medications, even when taken as prescribed, can impair judgment, slow reaction times, and make driving unsafe. 

Drugs, whether recreational or medicinal, can have a profound impact on a driver’s ability to make quick decisions and respond to changing road conditions, leading to accidents. 

Speeding

Drivers who engage in speeding, tailgating, or erratic lane changes put themselves and other parties at great risk. Road rage is a growing problem on the streets of Chicago, contributing to a rise in speeding and aggressive driving incidents. 

Police testimonials prove that these road rage events often escalate into dangerous situations, resulting in collisions, physical altercations, or other violent behavior. 

Failure to Yield

One of the most frequent causes of car, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents in Chicago is the failure to yield. This simple violation of traffic rules leads to significant risks and is responsible for nearly half of pedestrian injuries and fatalities in the city. 

Thousands of citations for failure to yield are issued every year, highlighting how common and dangerous this issue is.

Road conditions

Despite the efforts of city crews working around the clock to repair potholes, Chicago's roads often suffer from poor conditions due to heavy traffic and unpredictable weather. 

Potholes, uneven surfaces, and worn-out road markings can make driving challenging, especially during the winter months when freezing temperatures cause roads to degrade faster. Drivers simply following the traffic may find themselves swerving to avoid potholes or losing control when they hit one unexpectedly. 

Poor road conditions increase the likelihood of accidents, whether by causing a driver to collide with another vehicle or crash into a fixed object, like a guardrail or utility pole. Even when road repairs are underway, the constant wear and tear on the city's infrastructure contributes to greater future risks for drivers.