Northeastern Illinois is experiencing a traffic safety crisis. Traffic fatalities, particularly among pedestrians and bicyclists, have been increasing since 2014, with a significant spike during the COVID-19 pandemic. While there are many complex and interconnected causes of these concerning trends, speed has been identified as a contributing factor in 35 to 40 percent of fatal crashes in Illinois. 

Traffic fatalities have been increasing in northeastern Illinois since 2014

When we think of the dangers of speeding, a large highway with many fast-moving vehicles may come to mind. But fatal and serious injury crashes are most prevalent on lower-speed urban roads, which feature frequent intersections; businesses, schools, and neighborhood access; and people walking, biking, and accessing transit. These vulnerable travelers are at higher risk of severe injury and death if struck by a vehicle.

CMAP's new Speed Management report explores the factors that contribute to speed-related traffic safety risks and provides recommendations on road design, speed limit policy, education, and equitable enforcement. The report proposes that the region adopt the Safe System Approach to achieve travel safety goals outlined in ON TO 2050, the region’s comprehensive plan. The report also informs our region's safety action planning work.

A key finding of the report is that vehicle speeds have a large impact on the severity of crash, especially for people walking, biking, or rolling. The kinetic energy of a collision — the damaging force on impact that is a function of an object’s speed and weight — corresponds to the risk of severe injury and death. Even small reductions in vehicle speed can reduce kinetic energy and improve safety. For example, the average pedestrian fatality risk drops 64 percent when average vehicle speeds decrease from 30 mph (the default speed limit in urban areas) to 26 mph. 

Higher speeds increase the likelihood of pedestrian fatality

Heaver vehicles also deliver more kinetic energy and cause more harm in a collision. Modern vehicles tend to be larger and heavier than in previous decades, with SUVs, trucks, and minivans making up nearly 75 percent of vehicles today compared to less than 20 percent in 1975. Electric vehicles present additional risks because batteries add significant weight to the vehicle. Our traffic safety policies need to account for the risks of modern larger, heavier vehicles.  

The impacts of speeding are not equitable. Black residents in northeastern Illinois experience disproportionately high rates of traffic fatalities and have longer average trips to work, healthcare, and shopping. Higher-speed arterial roads have historically been constructed in low-income areas and communities of color. Police enforcement has also been shown to unfairly target Black drivers, and low-income communities feel the long-lasting impacts of excessive traffic fines. 

Despite these structural challenges, meaningful change is within reach. Streets can be designed to inherently slow vehicles and protect pedestrians and bicyclists. Emerging speed limit setting methods prioritize safe vehicle speeds to protect all road users. Education and awareness can support a traffic safety culture that promotes safe driver behavior. And equitable enforcement, aligned with public safety goals and paired with alternatives to fines, can advance equity and safety.

The Speed Management report presents the following key recommendations: 

• Improve roadway design and capacity guidance to reduce speeding and exposure to safety risks 

• Reduce speed limits in urbanized areas where people walk, bike, and use transit 

• Support safe driving behavior with education and equitable enforcement 

Learn more in the full report and executive summary.