Chicago is widely considered the Midwest's shining gem, a cultural touchstone and exciting destination. While the city does have an excellent transit system, many choose to feel the wind in their hair while cruising down Lake Shore Drive, or simply want to get directly to their destination without stopping. 

However, any visitor needs to ask: Is Chicago a dangerous place to drive? Today, we'll explore the statistics and prepare you for heading into the Windy City.

Chicago Crashes by the Numbers

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 101,023 traffic crashes in Chicago in 2023. Of these, 158 were fatal, and 17,792 resulted in injuries. This is comparable to New York City, which reported 100,508 car accidents in 2022.

However, Chicago has a population of 2.7 million, while New York City has a population of 8.5 million. In other words, a city over three times as large as Chicago had a relatively equal number of accidents. 

Both these cities have a grid street system, widely accessible public transit, and good traffic enforcement. However, Chicago has unique transportation aspects that lead to serious issues. 

Highway Overload: Chicago's Confusing Interstate System

Chicago is home to six primary interstates with several auxiliary interstates. Of these, I-90 and I-94 are the most well-traveled. 

Both I-90 and I-94 undergo numerous name changes as they pass through the city. For example, I-90 is alternately known as the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, Kennedy Expressway, Dan Ryan Expressway, and Chicago Skyway, all without the road itself changing. This can be extremely confusing for visitors, who may worry that they have missed their stop. 

Each interstate has dozens of on-ramps and off-ramps, leading to constant merging and exiting of vehicles at varying speeds. This increases the risk of accidents if cars fail to check their blind spots. 

Illinoisans often complain about the incessant construction to repair potholes and modernize the infrastructure, but there's another issue, too: lane changes, confusing signage, and construction workers directing high-speed traffic. Together, these create a perfect storm for accidents. 

Heavy-Duty Traffic: Chicago's Role as a Transportation Hub

Whether you have a luxury automobile or an everyday sedan, no one wants to be stuck in traffic. However, this annoyance can turn into a serious accident due to the thousands of commercial vehicles on the roadway.

Chicago is a major transportation hub due to its location. Companies shuttling cargo from the East Coast to the West Coast often unload and reload in the Chicago metropolitan area, while the city itself has a vibrant economy that relies on constant shipments. On any given day, trucks might be shuttling cargo to the city's two airports, dropping shipments at the Port of Chicago, making local deliveries, heading to the railyard, or simply passing through on their way to the West Coast. 

Commercial vehicle accidents are more complex than typical passenger vehicle accidents, as they often have multiple liable parties and more serious injuries. As such, anyone who gets into a truck crash in the city should consider consulting with a Chicago truck accident lawyer to explore their legal options.

Staying Safe on Chicago's Roads

While Chicago might be notorious for high-speed accidents, especially along its busy expressways, this doesn't mean you should avoid driving along iconic routes such as the Magnificent Mile or the historical Route 66. Consider following this advice when you're ready to take your high-end vehicle out for a spin.

Never Text and Drive

While almost everyone knows not to drink and drive, distracted driving is a common denominator in many accidents. You may be tempted to check your assistant's text or call a loved one to chat, but this makes it harder to react in time if another driver cuts you off or unexpectedly stops. 

Review the Route Ahead of Time

When visiting a big city like Chicago, it always helps to quickly review what path you plan to take–especially given how the interstates change names seemingly on a whim. Know what exit you need so that you can avoid having to suddenly switch lanes. 

Practice Defensive Driving

Always drive with the assumption that those around you aren't paying attention. Signal early to give others plenty of time to react, and keep an eye on any drivers who may be weaving or seem distracted. Don't try to pass them; instead, slow down and give them plenty of space so you can avoid getting sideswiped.

Prepare for Weather Changes

Midwesterners often joke, "If you don't like the weather, wait five minutes." This is especially true in Chicago because it's next to Lake Michigan, notorious for its stormy weather. Check your weather app ahead of time so you know whether low visibility, snowstorms, or high winds are on the horizon. 

Careful Planning Lets You Enjoy the Windy City

While Chicago may be a dangerous place for drivers, this doesn't mean you're stuck using the CTA. Show off your beautiful high-end vehicle along its beautiful thoroughfares, especially in trendy areas like Wrigleyville and Andersonville. With a little research and attentiveness, you can avoid serious accidents and enjoy your time in the Midwest's most beloved metropolis.