After the first three months of 2010, fatal Illinois traffic accidents remain virtually unchanged compared to the record-low year recorded in 2009, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.
Through April 6, a total of 170 fatal crashes claimed 193 lives, three less than the 196 people killed during the same period of 2009.
As we reported in January on Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer blog, Illinois traffic fatalities dropped below 1,000 in 2009, making it the safest year on the road in 88 years.
A total of 928 traffic fatalities were recorded in 2009, compared to 1,043 in 2008 and 1,248 in 2007. However, as our Chicago Car Accident Lawyers blog reported in February, officials attribute some of the decline to the economic downturn and expect the dangers of serious and fatal car accidents to increase with congestion as employment and economic conditions improve.
2010 year-to-date crash statistics include:
Cook County:
-66 fatalities in 59 fatal crashes -29 driver fatalities -17 passenger fatalities -18 pedestrian fatalities -2 bicycle fatalities -3 motorcycle fatalities
DuPage County:
-8 fatalities in 7 fatal crashes -5 driver fatalities -2 passenger fatalities -1 pedestrian fatality
Will County:
-14 fatalities in 11 fatal crashes -8 driver fatalities -5 passenger fatalities -1 pedestrian fatality
Kane County:
-4 fatalities in 4 fatal crashes -3 driver fatalities -1 passenger fatality
McHenry County:
-3 fatalities in 3 fatal crashes -2 driver fatalities -1 bicycle fatality
Lake County:
-3 fatalities in 3 fatal crashes -3 driver fatalities
Elsewhere in Illinois, 3 fatalities were recorded in Champaign County, 3 in Vermilion County, 4 in Madison County and 6 in Saint Claire County.
The Greater Chicago area accounts for 13 of the 21 Illinois counties that have reported fatal traffic accidents so far in 2010.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the Chicago car accident lawyers and the personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.