Every year, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) collects data on all types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in the state. IDOT then compiles and analyzes this data, publishing a report on the crash facts and statistics from that year.
The last report published was the 2019 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics. IDOT uses these reports to help decrease the number of crashes and reduce the number of fatalities in Illinois. These reports explain when, where, and why these crashes occur.
In this article, we will explore many Illinois semi truck facts and statistics from 2019.
As truck accident lawyers, our top priority is to help victims of these crashes and their families get compensation to live a better life. But we also have a front-row seat as to how devastating truck accidents are to everyone involved. We hope that by sharing this information, we can help prevent big rig crashes from happening in Illinois.
Keep reading to find out how many truck accidents happen in Illinois–and how these crashes occur.
2019 Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics for Truck Accidents
In 2019, there were a total of 22,008 truck accidents in Illinois.
Below, we will discuss everything you need to know about these crashes, including where the most dangerous big rig accidents take place, the recent decrease in truck accident fatalities, and more.
Work Zone Crashes Involving Commercial Motor Vehicles
There were 1,337 total accidents involving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that took place in a work zone. Of the 1,337 accidents, 859 included a tractor with a semi trailer attached. Based on these facts, work zone crashes involving big rig were three times more likely to occur compared to work zone accidents involving single-unit trucks, which accounted for 343 total accidents.
Of the total accidents, there were only 22 fatal crashes. However, 19 of them involved a semi tractor trailer. Not only are work-zone semi truck accidents the more likely to happen, but they’re also the most deadly as well.
If you examine these 22 fatal crashes, almost 60 percent of them occurred between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., which are the typical work hours. On the other hand, there were no fatal crashes during the times of 4:00-7:59 a.m. throughout the entire 2019 year.
What were the most dangerous days to be in a work zone? Statistically, most work-zone crashes involving CMVs happened on Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays. Combined, a total of 61% of the crashes occurred on these three days of the week.
Truck Accident Fatalities Have Decreased, But Big Rig Crashes Are Still Deadlier Than Other Collisions
Overall, deaths from truck accidents are on the decline in Illinois. The roads are becoming a little safer.
According to the recently published data, there were 11,741 crashes involving tractor-trailers in Illinois in 2019. These crashes account for 3.8% of total crashes. While this is a lot of dangerous accidents involving trucks, we’re happy to report that the fatalities that resulted from these crashes decreased by 4.1 percent in just one year. Even more, the number of fatal crashes also decreased by 5.7 percent.
It’s important to keep in mind that all semi truck accident deaths and injuries are preventable, however. Improper training and hiring in the trucking industry places bad drivers on the road who cause these devastating crashes. And when these accident do happen, they’re catastrophic for the other party. In fact, truck accidents are five times more fatal when compared to any other vehicle crash.
Always drive defensively while sharing the road with semi trucks. You never know who is behind the wheel, and if they can see you.
Where Do the Most Catastrophic Truck Accidents Happen?
According to IDOT’s report, there were 312,988 total crashes in 2019. Of these collisions, most of these accident happened in the cities and suburbs of Illinois. In fact, 89.42 percent of all crashes occurred on urban roadways, as well as 90.07% of all injury crashes.
Overall, crashes that happen in urban areas, specifically on the interstate, are more severe, with 52 fatal crashes and 198 serious injury accidents. Rural crashes are right behind, though, accounting for 48 fatal crashes and 110 serious injury crashes.
How Do Truck Accidents Happen?
There are many factors that go into a truck accident happening in Illinois.
The major causes of truck accidents include:
- Driver Fatigue
- Unsafe Driving Practices
- Distracted Driving
- Weather Conditions
- Road Construction
- Poor Training and Unqualified Drivers
- Speeding
- Poor Maintenance
- Alcohol and Drug Use
All of these factors can severely and gravely affect the driver in a vehicle. It’s important to always be mindful of other drivers on the road. You never know if they might be inhibited or impaired.
Want to Learn How to Navigate a Truck Accident Lawsuit In Illinois? Download Our Free Book
Truck accident lawsuits are complex, and they can easily turn into a nightmare if handled improperly. Find out what to do in Patrick Cummings’s book, Avoiding a Trucking Nightmare: What You Need to Know After a Truck-Related Injury. Get your free copy here or by texting “NIGHTMARE” to (312) 847-2428.
Also, if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a truck crash, we are here for you. Our experienced team of truck accident attorneys are here to help you recover what you deserve financially and emotionally. We’ve advocated for others, and we will advocate for you, too. Just give us a call at (312) 578-9501, and we are happy to speak with you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
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