logo

Call Now: (312) 609-0400

Poor Road Designs Are Killing People in Chicago [infographic]

Bad quality road with potholes. Hole in asphalt. Pit, unsafe, hole road

or fill out the Contact Form

In the Chicago area, it is estimated that more than 400 fatalities per year can be attributed to deteriorating road conditions, poor roadway designs, and inadequate traffic control systems. Due to the lack of state funding, many major roads in Illinois are in bad condition and are continuing to deteriorate. Traffic officials are calling for road improvements to reduce road-related fatalities throughout the state.

Bad quality road with potholes. Hole in asphalt. Pit, unsafe, hole road

______

Chicago Roads are Unsafe

Studies show that about 425 traffic fatalities are attributed to bad roads in Chicago each year. Poor roads and traffic congestion cost the average Chicago driver almost $2,500 per year. Due to the high number of accidents and fatalities, the Illinois Department of Transportation is calling for improvements on roads and highways, especially on Interstate 80 where there is heavy truck traffic.

Local traffic studies done with the Illinois Chamber of Commerce show bad road conditions in both urban and rural areas throughout the state. Some of the worst conditions were found in Chicago areas where only 22 percent of roads were reported in good condition. Among six studies on road safety, Chicago had the lowest rating.

Improving Traffic Safety

When new roads and Interstates are constructed, traffic safety is a crucial component of transportation planning. There are numerous factors that put drivers at risk when traveling on Interstates, highways, two-lane roads, and city streets. Risk factors include:

  • The amount of traffic
  • The types of vehicles
  • The type of travel
  • The road conditions
  • The driver’s skill and behavior

(Article continues below infographic)

POOR ROAD DESIGNS IN CHICAGO

Other factors taken into consideration are unsafe vehicles, bad weather conditions, drunk and/or impaired driving, and distracted driving. All of these conditions increase a driver’s risk of traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

The Federal Highway Administration recommends ways to improve road conditions, but funding often prevents recommended safety measures.

Rumble Strips

Rumble strips on center lines and shoulders warn motorists of lane departures by creating a loud noise and vibration when tires hit the strip. Rumble strips reduce side-swipe accidents by 14 percent and “run off the road” crashes on freeways by 38 percent.

Safety Edges

Sloped safety edges on outer road edges reduce the possibility of drivers losing control of the car and running off the road. At high speeds, these traffic mishaps often result in rollover crashes with serious injuries and fatalities.

Roundabouts

Roundabouts reduce car crashes by as much as 87 percent. Roundabouts eliminate the need for stoplights and produce better traffic flow.

Share This Article

As the founder of the firm, Neal has devoted his life to working for the worker. His achievements are numerous and beyond reproach. He is most proud of his work in helping clients obtain valuable benefits, such as a wheelchair ramp to his home or lifetime medical care.

or fill out the Contact Form

As a partner with the firm since 2002, Kevin Yen manages the personal injury department and leads all investigations into nursing home neglect and abuse cases. Kevin has dedicated his life to personal injury matters and has represented thousands of clients and their families to recover damages for their losses. His clients have included family members who lost a loved one due to a tragic accident, injured children, construction workers injured while on the job site and a host of others.

Related Articles

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries
Motor Vehicle Accident

Innovative Treatments for Car Accident Injuries

As a personal injury attorney I have seen firsthand how car accidents can be life-changing. The journey to recovery is both physically and emotionally challenging. While I am here to help you fight for your rights, it is equally as important to me that you receive the best possible care. Today,

Law

Beware of random lawyers calling you out of the blue!

Imagine waking up with a toothache. Out of nowhere, you get a call from a dentist offering to give you a root canal. Would you see that dentist? Of course you wouldn’t. You would be suspicious and perhaps even a bit irritated. What if you were in a car accident,

Motor Vehicle Accident

Your Guide to Co-Existing Safely on the Road

Whether you’re a driver, a cyclist, or both, you have a responsibility to act in accordance with laws that are meant to keep us all safe.  In Chicago, there’s an undeclared war between drivers and cyclists. Drivers are mad cyclists don’t stop at stop signs. Cyclists are mad drivers speed past

Get a FREE Consultation:
We want to earn your business.

    Lawyers logos
    Lawyers logos