Illinois traffic deaths dip slightly in 2022, but fatalities are still above pre-pandemic levels: ‘Not a cause to celebrate.’

Vehicles travel northbound and southbound on the Kennedy Expressway in January 2023 near West Montrose Avenue. Experts say traffic fatalities are on the rise due to increased driving as the pandemic wanes, speeding and distracted driving. (Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times)

The number of people killed on Illinois roadways dipped slightly last year compared with 2021, but experts say safety improvements are still needed as deaths remain above pre-pandemic levels. 

The number of fatalities in Illinois dropped from 1,334 in 2021 to 1,280 in 2022, which represents a 4% decrease, according to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.