The Number of Chicago Area Traffic Deaths Have Declined
Even though close to 300,000 traffic accidents take place in the Chicago region each year, with approximately one motor vehicle crash taking place about ever 21.5 hours, a report released today by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning is reporting a dramatic drop in the number of Chicago area traffic fatalities and injuries over the last several years. Statistics are based on Information provide by the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Among the other findings:
• The number Chicago area traffic crashes dropped by 4% between 2002 and 2008.
• Traffic fatalities and injuries in the seven Chicago area counties went down 12.5% from 2002 and 2005 to 18% between 2005 and 2008.
• There were 437 area traffic deaths in 2008—compare that to the 629 traffic fatalities in 2005.
• Newer vehicles and road safety enhancements are two of the reasons for the decline in injuries and deaths.
• DuPage County had the lowest death rates for the entire period that was examined.
• Cook County and Lake County, Illinois had the second lowest traffic death rates for 2008.
• However, Chicago’s fatality rate was above average for the region in 2008.
• While Chicago experienced the greatest drop in crashes between 2002 and 2008, the city had a higher crash rate than in rural areas.
• Nearly 25% of Chicago traffic fatalities were pedestrians.
• 52 of the 92 Chicago pedestrian deaths that occurred in 2008 actually took place within the city of Chicago.
• While traffic deaths are dropping in Kendall, Kane, McHenry, and Will counties, the numbers are still higher than in other areas where populations are more dense.
• 36% of Chicago region traffic deaths in 2008 took place between 10p and 5a.
• 46% of Chicago traffic crashes for that year occurred late at night.
Traffic deaths decline due to safer roads, vehicles, Chicago Tribune, July 18, 2010
Report: Chicago Region Traffic Deaths See Steep Drop, WBEZ, July 19, 2010
Related Web Resources:
Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning
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