Media post: The Top Five Dangers for Chicago Drivers
Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or dropping by the Windy City for a visit, the Midwest’s largest metropolitan area is a place unlike any other–and that includes its driving conditions.
Driving can be dangerous anywhere, but Chicago has unique factors that you should be aware of before taking your car for a spin along Lower Wacker or Milwaukee Avenue. Today, we’ll explore the most common dangers for Chicago drivers, then explain what to do if you find yourself in a wreck.
Distracted Drivers
Illinois has a zero-tolerance policy on texting while driving, with the Illinois Vehicle Code stating that no handheld device may be used while a vehicle is in drive. Unfortunately, many motorists still ignore this law, which has been in place for over a decade. Whether they’re texting, snapping pics of the skyline, or talking on the phone, Chicagoans are notorious for not keeping their eyes on the road.
Drunk Drivers
In 2024, 21,245 Illinois drivers were arrested for driving under the influence (DUI). The Illinois Secretary of State notes that most drivers arrested for DUI had a blood alcohol concentration of more than 0.17, which is over twice the legal limit of 0.08.
The most dangerous times are between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m. on the weekends. If you need to head somewhere during these times, consider seeing if there is a bus or subway train that can get you to your destination.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Traffic
Chicago is a major transportation hub given its location on the Great Lakes and its excellent position in the center of the country. Every day, thousands of semi-trucks and delivery vans use major interstates like I-90 and I-94 to transport goods. When considering its other logistics modes, like air freight and rail freight, it’s clear that Chicago is a transit powerhouse–which doesn’t necessarily spell good news for motorists.
The Illinois Department of Transportation noted that there were 2,278 semi-truck accidents in Chicago alone during 2023. Of these accidents, 262 caused injuries, and 5 were fatal.
While you’d think you were safe if you avoid the highways, accidents can happen along busy streets like Michigan Avenue, too. Delivery vans may make wide turns into depots or double-park while delivering goods, resulting in serious crashes.
Pedestrians and Bicyclists
Chicago is a tourist hotspot, particularly in areas like the Magnificent Mile or Museum Campus. This leads to a huge surge of people during rush hour and on sunny days, not all of whom will wait for traffic to clear before darting past. Other areas notorious for jaywalking accidents include those near Chicago’s many college campuses, such as Loyola University, the University of Illinois-Chicago, and Rush University. These campuses are especially hard to navigate because they are spread across multiple blocks, leading to many students rushing between classes.
While Chicago has dedicated bike lanes along some streets, and the popular lakefront trail, many other streets have bicyclists moving with the flow of traffic. At night, some may not use appropriate lighting or wear dark clothing, making them difficult to spot in a busy urban environment.
Unpredictable Weather Conditions
Chicago may not actually be named the Windy City because of its wind speed, but every seasoned motorist knows about the wind tunnel effects that occur in the downtown Loop area and near the lake shore. These strong gusts can make it extremely difficult to control high-profile vehicles like box trucks, resulting in rollovers.
Winter is an especially challenging time for drivers, as whiteout conditions can arise within minutes due to heavy snow and high winds. Punishing rainstorms are common at the beginning of summer, sometimes resulting in dangerous floods.
What to Do If You’re in a Chicago Car Accident
Understanding the do’s and don’ts of a car accident is crucial for your safety. You should move your vehicle out of the road, call 911, and stay on the scene until first responders arrive.
Never admit fault to the officer or the other driver. Take pictures of the accident scene and of any injuries you may have. Request a copy of the accident report for your own records, and jot down insurance information from the other drivers.
Always go to the hospital for a full examination to ensure you’re not injured. This also provides clear documentation of any injuries you may have so that you can file an insurance claim.
A Chicago car accident lawyer can be a valuable resource after an accident. These professionals can help you file insurance claims, calculate how much your accident is worth, and handle negotiations so that you can focus on healing.
Chicago is a beautiful place, and many consider iconic stretches like Lake Shore Drive and the Magnificent Mile to be definitive driving experiences in the US. However, understanding the unique dangers this city poses can ensure that you enjoy your trip to this Midwest gem all the more.
