New data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) offers a mixed bag of news regarding traffic safety in Illinois. While fatal vehicle crashes in 2024 fell to their lowest levels since 2020, the number of pedestrian fatalities remains alarmingly high. 

Encouraging Trends in Fatal Vehicle Crashes

In 2024, IDOT reported 1,103 fatal traffic crashes across Illinois, resulting in 1,196 deaths. These figures mark a 3.5% decline compared to 2023. Additionally, there were significant decreases in specific types of crashes:

• Cyclist fatalities: Dropped from 41 in 2023 to 35 in 2024, a 14.6% decrease, though still above the seven-year average of 30.
• Work zone fatalities: Plummeted from 24 in 2023 to just 13 in 2024.
• Motorcycle-related deaths: Fell by 9.3%, from 162 in 2023 to 147 last year.

These declines suggest progress in areas such as work zone safety and awareness campaigns targeting motorcyclists and cyclists.

The Persistent Problem of Pedestrian Deaths

While overall fatalities have decreased, pedestrian deaths have surged, highlighting a critical issue in Illinois traffic safety. In 2024, 219 pedestrians lost their lives in crashes, a 9.5% increase from the 200 fatalities recorded in 2023.

The six-county region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will counties saw 144 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, up 6.7% from 135 the previous year. This rise mirrors a national trend that has been ongoing for over a decade. “Since 2010, there has been nationally a huge increase in the number of people killed while walking,” said Victoria Barrett, Senior Transportation Planner at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).

Why Are Pedestrian Fatalities Increasing?

Several factors contribute to the rise in pedestrian deaths:

Vehicle Design: Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveals that larger vehicles like SUVs, pickups, and vans with taller hood heights are significantly more likely to cause fatal injuries to pedestrians. Unlike sedans, which tend to strike a pedestrian’s legs, larger vehicles often hit the torso or head, where vital organs are located.

Distracted Driving and Speeding: Both Barrett and Alex Perez, Advocacy Manager at the Active Transportation Alliance, note that distracted driving and pandemic-era speeding habits remain major contributors to collisions. Reduced traffic enforcement has exacerbated these issues.

Street Design: Suburban roads like North Avenue, characterized by fast-moving traffic and multiple lanes, are especially hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists.

Long-Term Trends: Professor Ian Savage from Northwestern University points out that pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have made up an increasing proportion of total traffic deaths in Illinois since the pandemic, rising from 18.3% in 2019 to 21.2% in 2024.

Efforts to Improve Safety for Vulnerable Road Users

State and local authorities are taking action to address these alarming trends. Here are some of the ongoing initiatives:

• IDOT’s Vulnerable Road User Safety Assessment: This recently completed report identifies high-risk areas and crash trends to prioritize safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

• Safe Travel for All Program: CMAP is working with Cook and neighboring counties to develop strategies aimed at reducing traffic deaths and injuries. An open house for the program will be held on February 22 at the Centre of Elgin.

• Increased Focus on Pedestrian Safety: “One fatality is one too many,” said IDOT Communications Director Guy Tridgell. The department is investing more time and resources into identifying tools and policies that improve safety for vulnerable road users.

The Road Ahead

While progress has been made in reducing overall fatal crashes, the rise in pedestrian deaths underscores the urgent need for further action. Enhanced vehicle design standards, stricter traffic enforcement, and improved road infrastructure could all play a role in reversing this trend. For pedestrians and cyclists, safety on Illinois roads remains a pressing concern that requires attention from policymakers, drivers, and communities alike.