You would think that the number of traffic fatalities on Chicago streets declined after the pandemic, but no. They rose from 115 in 2019 to 175 in 2024, according to the data.
In many neighborhoods—especially in the Chicago Lawn District—fatal crashes remain alarmingly frequent. The district alone has recorded more than 10,000 crashes annually since 2021 and over 80 traffic-related deaths in the past six and a half years.
Despite more red-light and speed cameras, police citations and public safety campaigns, community leaders and the police are unsuccessful in reversing the trend.
Making Chicago streets safer will require strategies like the following:
Increase police presence. Many crashes occur in areas with limited law enforcement. Implement saturation patrols and DUI checkpoints in crash-prone areas, focusing on speeding, impaired and distracted drivers. And ensure that violations—especially those resulting in injury or death—are prosecuted and penalized to reinforce accountability.
Redesign dangerous streets by narrowing highway-wide streets to slow traffic. Use speed bumps, raised crosswalks and roundabouts to reduce speeding and aggressive driving.
Public awareness campaigns. Support creative initiatives like “Pulaski, Slow TF Down” to raise awareness about speeding and reckless driving.
Modernize city policy and planning. Use crash data to prioritize investments in infrastructure and enforcement. Advocate for stricter safety standards on large vehicles and limit distracting in-car technologies.
Doing the right thing may not only save a life but can minimize legal problems. After the crash, stop your car. Give aid to the injured. Call the police. Obtain protective information like photos or the names of eyewitnesses.
And, if you’re uncertain of your legal rights, don’t hesitate. Contact an experienced Chicago injury lawyer at once for a free consultation.
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