Distracted driving continues to surge in Illinois, with 9,432 crashes linked to cellphone use and other distractions in 2024—a 22% increase from 2020. This alarming trend has led insurers like Allstate and State Farm to raise premiums by 15–30% statewide, costing Illinois drivers an average of $380 more annually.
These factors and others encourage more people to take to the roads for cross-country or cross-town trips. The increased number of vehicles on the roadways leads to increased accidents. The more accidents there are, the greater the vehicle insurance premiums rise.
What has happened? For years, statistics showed decreased vehicle collisions, causing injuries and fatalities. Now, there has been an increase in the number of collisions. In 2020, traffic fatalities increased 15 percent from the previous year. According to a recent report in the News Channel 20, this represented a large yearly increase. One of the major issues contributing to this increase is distracted driving.
Distracted Driving in Chicago Causing an Increase in the Number of Serious Injury Accidents
The occurrence of distracted driving is so widespread that there is now an official U.S. Government Website for Distracted Driving. Although texting or using a cell phone are the two main things people think about when they hear the term “distracted driving,” there are other driver actions that are distracting. The primary distracted driving activities:
2024 Illinois Distracted Driving Risks
| Activity | % of Crashes (2024) | Average Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Texting | 34% | $164 |
| Hands-free calls | 18% | $100 |
| Drowsy driving | 12% | $150 (if cited) |
| (Source: Illinois DOT 2024 Report) |
Illinois’ 2024 handheld device ban now penalizes even paused GPS adjustments in work zones.
During overnight construction hours, Chicago saw a 40% spike in drowsy driving crashes.
Drowsy driving. This is responsible for more than 1,500 traffic deaths and 71,000 injuries every year.
In 2010, the National Occupation Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) determined that 660,000 drivers are texting at any moment. Thousands of other drivers are combing their hair or grooming themselves, adjusting the radio, or manipulating a device. The distracted driving government site is on a mission to educate everyone on the dangers so that lives may be saved. Although not as important as saving lives, fewer car crashes will also help decrease insurance rates.
An Increase in Accidents Drives up Car Insurance Rates
Nationwide, insurance rates are rising based on the increase in accidents. 2024 Illinois Insurance Trends
Telematics adoption: 70% of insurers now use apps to monitor phone usage while driving.
Premium hikes: Statewide increases of 5–8% in 2024, with Chicago suburbs like Naperville facing 12% spikes.
Industry losses: Allstate reported $25M in Illinois claims for Q1 2024, attributing 60% to distracted driving.
How to Respond to Potential Increase in Premiums
Forbes has some suggestions that you, as a consumer, can use to keep your premiums as low as possible.
- Carefully look over your current policy. Check deductibles and coverage amounts. Research and analyze to be sure you have the amount you need without choosing over or under coverage.
- Do not just lower your coverage amount or increase your deductible without evaluating your needs compared to your budget.
- Take a defensive driving course. Depending on your insurer, this may lower your insurance premiums. There is a one-time fee for the course, but the money you will save on your monthly premium will make the small investment in the course worth your time and money.
- Check to see if you can bundle your insurance needs with one company. Bundling plans that include your auto and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will be more economical than having individual policies.
- Shop, shop, shop. Depending on the company, premiums with one company can be as much as four times the amount you may pay with another company. Check to be sure the coverage and deductibles are the same before you change companies.
The fact is, it is illegal to drive without auto insurance. You would want to do something other than that anyway. If you are in a vehicle accident, you need the security of knowing that you have auto insurance.
2024 Legislative Impact
- Extended penalties: Violations stay on records for 7 years (up from 3), escalating long-term premium costs.
- Work zone bans: Handheld use in construction zones now carries $250 fines and mandatory court appearances.
We Can Help with Accidents
If you were injured in a traffic crash, or someone you love was killed in a vehicle collision, call or text our attorneys at the Blumenshine Law Group for a free consultation at (312)766-1000 or email [email protected]. We have years of experience helping people in Chicago and Illinois receive compensation for their injuries.