After years of declining numbers of fatal accidents, the numbers suddenly began rising sharply in Illinois and across the United States a couple years ago, just when the state, the nation and the whole world started dealing with unprecedented disruptions of daily life.
Researchers, law enforcement and government entities that track collisions say that driver behavior was a primary cause for the uptick if accidents. Unfortunately, as the nation returns to some semblance of normalcy, auto accidents are still on the rise. When heading out, it is imperative to be vigilant. Some accidents can be avoided by knowing what to look for based on what others have experienced. Still, some crashes cannot be avoided and the long-term damage can be extensive.
Illinois road fatalities in 2022 rose by around one-quarter through March
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there was a 24% increase in road fatalities in Illinois for the first three months of 2022 when compared to 2021. There were 280 deaths. The first six months of the year saw 584 road deaths. That is 8% higher than in 2021 and a massive 32% higher than in 2020. Across the United States, this has been a problem. During that same time, the number of deaths were the worst they have been in two decades with more than 9,500 – a 7% spike.
The National Safety Council believes that the roads are worse now than they were prior to the global health crisis. Some of the factors stem from drivers who exceed the speed limit, are distracted, are drunk and do not wear their seatbelts.
Pedestrians and bicyclists are especially vulnerable
At immense risk of injuries and death in auto accidents on Illinois roads are pedestrians and bicyclists. To improve safety, a vast number of organizations are asking that the Illinois Department of Transportation and the governor use federal funds to make the landscape safer for riders and walkers.
The most recent statistics for that group show that a combined total of 31 pedestrians and bicyclists were killed in accidents in 2022. More than 1,800 suffered injuries with almost 400 of them being incapacitating.
Help should be sought to address the long-range ramifications of auto accidents
A serious accident can turn life upside-down for a whole family. The medical expenses and other costs can be overwhelming, to say nothing of the pain and suffering and other damages. Difficult times can be navigated with the right assistance. That includes recovering physically, receiving payments for medical expenses, compensation for lost income and for the future. Auto accidents can happen to anyone regardless of age, employment and economic station. To prepare for the challenges ahead, it is crucial to have experienced advice from the start.