Attorney Paul Greenberg Cautions Drivers on Increased Risks in Chicago Traffic
Chicago’s unique urban landscape - characterized by high traffic volume, frequent intersections due to shorter blocks, and significant pedestrian and cyclist activity – inherently creates a more risky surroundings for both drivers and those on foot or bike, according to Chicago car accident lawyer Paul Greenberg of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. Statistics confirm this reality,with Chicagoans facing a demonstrably higher risk of car accident injuries due to the city’s operational characteristics.
The sheer number of vehicles navigating Chicago’s expressways and arterial roads daily increases the potential for widespread impact from even minor driver errors. Intersections are especially hazardous; the National Highway Traffic Safety Governance (NHTSA) estimates that nearly 40 percent of all crashes nationwide occur at intersections, and Chicago is no exception. Common causes include left turns across traffic, drivers running red lights, and failure to yield to pedestrians.
Unlike suburban areas, Chicago relies heavily on choice transportation. residents frequently cross busy roads to access public transportation, often during peak hours. Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) reveals that Cook County, where Chicago is located, accounted for over half of all pedestrian deaths in Illinois in 2022. This trend is mirrored nationally, with urban areas consistently reporting the majority of pedestrian and cyclist fatalities.
“Even at lower speeds, pedestrians and cyclists are extremely vulnerable,” Greenberg emphasized. ”The lack of protective measures means a collision that might result in minor injuries between two vehicles can be devastating for someone on foot or on a bike.”
Speeding is a significant contributing factor to serious and fatal crashes. City of Chicago’s Vision Zero data indicates that 68 percent of traffic deaths involved drivers exceeding the speed limit. furthermore, larger vehicles like SUVs increase the risk of fatal pedestrian injuries due to the greater force of impact.
Distracted driving adds another layer of danger. The complex visual and environmental demands of an urban setting mean even a brief distraction, such as glancing at a phone, can have severe consequences. Both Illinois State Police and IDOT have identified distracted driving as a growing cause of collisions, particularly in densely populated areas.
Greenberg notes that urban crashes are often complex, frequently involving multiple vehicles, pedestrians, commercial carriers, or rideshare operators, and therefore multiple parties and insurance policies. His firm, Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, focuses on navigating these complexities to ensure injured parties receive appropriate compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and long-term needs.
“Every crash has a story, and in the city those stories often involve more than one potential source of negligence,” Greenberg stated. “Our role is to gather the facts, preserve the evidence, and advocate for victims.”
Ultimately,the higher concentration of crashes in urban areas like Chicago is a result of combined factors: traffic density,frequent intersections,pedestrian exposure,speeding,and distraction. Understanding these factors, Greenberg believes, is crucial not only for improving street safety but also for assisting those injured in the aftermath of a crash.
