Indicators: Number of traffic fatalities

On October 12, 2022, the CMAP Board approved an update to the ON TO 2050 long-range plan, including an updated indicators appendix.

Ensuring a safer transportation system — for all modes — is a growing priority for the nation and region. ON TO 2050 offers strategies to improve safety for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians. To track progress, this measure tracks the five-year rolling average of the number of fatalities in the CMAP region on all public roads. This includes all motor vehicle fatalities and any pedestrians and cyclists involved. After declining for several decades, traffic fatality rates began increasing again in 2010, likely due to a combination of increased driving during the economic recovery and the rise of distracted driving fueled by smartphone usage. This measure is also a federally required performance measure under Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-21).

Targets

Because traffic deaths are preventable, the region should strive for zero traffic related fatalities by 2050. Many of CMAP’s partners have embraced the goal of achieving zero traffic related fatalities. This goal can be achieved through a holistic approach to safety that includes the four E’s (education, enforcement, engineering, and emergency response) of traffic safety. Additionally, improvements in vehicle technology are expected to play a significant role in reducing traffic fatalities.

2025: 313 or fewer fatalities per year

2050: Zero fatalities per year

Indicator

Number of traffic fatalities

Key

•   Actual
•   Target

Source

Illinois Department of Transportation crash reports.

See Indicators Appendix for methodology

GO TO 2040 context

This indicator is new to ON TO 2050.