Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System data, Chicago, IL recorded 949 traffic deaths in 881 fatal crashes from 2020 to 2024 — 7.2 deaths per 100,000 residents per year vs the US average of 12.3. Its Road Danger Score of 45/100 means a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities (#70 of 147 in Illinois, most dangerous first).
Road Danger Score
Traffic Deaths per 100K
Fatal Crashes 2020–2024
How Dangerous Are the Roads in Chicago, Illinois?
Chicago has a Road Danger Score of 45/100 (Near-Average Road Danger). Over the five years from 2020 to 2024, federal crash data recorded 881 fatal motor-vehicle crashes in the city, killing 949 people — 7.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, below the national average of 12.3.
Chicago ranks #70 out of 147 ranked cities in Illinois and #1,186 out of 2,153 nationally for road danger (most dangerous first). The score is a percentile: a higher traffic-fatality rate than about 45% of ranked US cities.
The most distinctive factor in Chicago's fatal crashes: pedestrian or cyclist involved — 37% of fatal crashes, versus 23% nationally.
Traffic deaths in Chicago fell 21% comparing 2020–2021 with 2023–2024.
What’s Behind Chicago’s Fatal Crashes (2020–2024)
Share of the city’s 881 fatal crashes where each factor was recorded. Factors overlap, so shares don’t sum to 100%.
| Crash Factor | Fatal Crashes | Chicago | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drinking driver involved | 81 | 9.2% | 25.9% |
| Speeding involved | 316 | 35.9% | 28.2% |
| Pedestrian or cyclist involved | 329 | 37.3% | 22.5% |
| Dark / nighttime conditions | 548 | 62.2% | 49.8% |
Chicago Traffic Deaths by Year
Annual traffic fatalities in Chicago, Illinois from NHTSA FARS. Single-year swings are normal in smaller cities; the Road Danger Score uses the full 5-year window.
| Year | Traffic Deaths |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 167 |
| 2023 | 167 |
| 2022 | 192 |
| 2021 | 233 |
| 2020 | 190 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many fatal car accidents happen in Chicago, Illinois?
According to NHTSA FARS data, Chicago recorded 881 fatal car accidents between 2020 and 2024, resulting in 949 traffic deaths — an average of 189.8 deaths per year.
How dangerous are the roads in Chicago?
Chicago has a Road Danger Score of 45/100, meaning its traffic-fatality rate is higher than about 45% of ranked US cities. The city averages 7.2 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, compared to the US average of 12.3.
What causes fatal car accidents in Chicago?
Of Chicago's fatal crashes in 2020–2024, 9% involved a drinking driver, 36% involved speeding, 37% involved a pedestrian or cyclist, and 62% happened in dark conditions.
How many people die in car accidents in Chicago each year?
An average of 189.8 people per year died in car accidents in Chicago across 2020–2024 (949 total), based on the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System.
Is driving in Chicago more dangerous than in other Illinois cities?
Chicago ranks #70 of 147 ranked Illinois cities for road danger (most dangerous first) and #1,186 of 2,153 nationally.