These Are the Streets in Chicago That Have Gotten Safer or More Dangerous for Car Accidents

The Chicago Journal Staff on March 19, 2026

Chicago’s traffic safety picture is a story of two cities right now. Zoom out and the numbers look encouraging: traffic fatalities across the city dropped 37.7% over three years, falling from 151 deaths in 2023 to 94 in 2025. Zoom in on specific streets, and a very different story emerges. Some of the city’s most traveled corridors are getting dramatically more deadly, even as total crash counts hold steady or decline. Others have made real, measurable progress.

A new report, independently analyzed and produced by the car accident lawyers of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg analyzed approximately 331,914 crash records from the City of Chicago covering 2023 through 2025, to identify which streets are trending in each direction. Here is what the data shows.

The Streets Getting More Dangerous

Ashland Avenue is the most alarming story in the report. In 2023, Ashland recorded a single traffic fatality. By 2025, that number had climbed to five. Total crash volume on the street remained relatively stable across those three years, which makes the fatality increase harder to explain away as simply more traffic. The pattern suggests something changed about the nature of crashes on this corridor, likely related to speed or the severity of impacts. With 2,321 crashes in 2025, Ashland is already one of Chicago’s busiest and most dangerous roads by volume. The rising lethality makes it significantly more concerning.

Stony Island Avenue on the South Side underwent one of the most dramatic reversals in the entire dataset. The street recorded zero fatalities in 2024. In 2025, it recorded four. That kind of single-year surge, with no corresponding explosion in total crash volume, is exactly the kind of signal that precedes a longer-term danger trend if nothing changes. Stony Island also carries the highest hit-and-run rate of any major street in Chicago at 31.9%, meaning nearly one in three crashes on that corridor involves a driver who flees the scene.

103rd Street shows a compound danger pattern. The street saw a 14% increase in total crash volume between 2024 and 2025, adding 51 crashes, while also recording 2 fatalities in 2025. It is the only emerging hotspot in the study where rising crash counts intersect with multiple deaths in the same year. The report flags 103rd as requiring immediate attention.

Marshfield Avenue earned its own callout in the report’s lethality analysis. The street recorded zero fatalities in both 2023 and 2024, then logged 3 deaths in just 188 crashes in 2025. That works out to 15.96 fatalities per 1,000 crashes, a rate that signals something structurally problematic about how crashes are unfolding on that street.

Sheridan Road, Orleans Street, and Huron Street round out the emerging hotspot list. Sheridan added 120 crashes year-over-year, a 15.9% increase. Orleans jumped 43.2% and Huron 31.6%, both significant surges for streets not previously known as major crash corridors. These streets may not yet appear on any city danger list, but the trajectory says they are heading that way without intervention.

The Streets Getting Safer

The progress stories deserve equal attention, both because they demonstrate that improvement is possible and because they reveal what effective intervention looks like.

Pulaski Road is the clearest success in the dataset. In 2023, it was the second-most dangerous street in Chicago with 2,928 crashes and 6 fatalities. By 2025, crashes had dropped to 2,477, a 15.4% reduction, and fatalities had fallen to just 1. That kind of consistent, multi-year decline in both metrics suggests deliberate safety work that is producing results. The report recommends using Pulaski as a model for other major arterials.

State Street went from 5 fatalities in 2023 to zero in 2025. Lake Shore Drive Northbound similarly dropped from 5 fatalities to 1 over the same period. 47th Street fell from 3 deaths to zero. Across these improving corridors, the data shows a combined drop from 18 fatalities to just 2 over three years, a significant outcome that underscores the citywide fatality reduction is not random.

Cicero Avenue has also trended steadily downward, falling from 2,601 crashes in 2023 to 2,409 in 2025.

The Street That Stays at the Top

Western Avenue is in a category of its own. With 3,118 crashes in 2025, it remains Chicago’s undisputed crash leader by total volume and has held that position across all three years of the study. The street generated 756 injuries, 54 of them incapacitating, and 3 fatalities in 2025 alone. It also logged 780 hit-and-run incidents, more than any other street in the city. That amounts to more than two hit-and-run crashes on Western Avenue every single day.

Western Avenue’s length, running nearly the full north-south span of Chicago, partially explains the volume. But length alone does not explain a 25% hit-and-run rate or the steady accumulation of serious injuries year after year.

The Hidden Danger of Fatality Rate vs. Crash Volume

One of the more valuable contributions of the BB&G report is the introduction of a fatalities-per-1,000-crashes metric. Total crash counts favor long, busy streets by default. This metric asks a different question: when a crash happens here, how likely is it to kill someone?

By that measure, Estes Avenue tops the city at 31.25 fatalities per 1,000 crashes in 2025, more than 30 times the rate on Western Avenue. Lake Shore Drive Southbound leads among high-volume streets at 6.44 per 1,000, with 17 total deaths across the three-year study. The combination of limited access, highway speeds, and urban intersections makes it one of the most consistently deadly commute routes in Chicago regardless of what the total crash count looks like.

What This Means for Chicago Drivers

The headline number, a 37.7% drop in citywide traffic fatalities, is good news by any measure. But the report makes clear that the improvement is concentrated. South Side corridors including Ashland, Stony Island, 103rd Street, and Cottage Grove are moving against the grain, recording rising fatality counts while the rest of the city improves.

For drivers who regularly travel any of the streets identified in this report, the data is worth knowing. Awareness of which corridors carry higher crash rates and elevated hit-and-run percentages can inform route choices, driving habits, and what to do in the immediate aftermath of a collision.

Contributed by: Briskman Briskman & Greenberg Personal Injury & Car Accident Lawyers 205 W Randolph St. Suite 925 Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: 312.697.1760

Mental Health Decline in Chicago Workers Sparks Career Shifts

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on March 19, 2026

Across Chicago’s workforce, a growing number of professionals are reevaluating their careers in response to declining mental health. The pressures of post-pandemic recovery, economic instability, and evolving workplace expectations have created an environment where burnout and emotional fatigue are no longer isolated experiences, they are widespread realities. As mental health becomes a central concern, many workers are choosing to leave long-held roles in pursuit of balance, purpose, and psychological well-being.

The Changing Landscape of Mental Health in the Workplace

Mental health challenges among Chicago workers have intensified over the past few years. Long hours, limited flexibility, and high-stress environments have contributed to rising rates of anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion. While these issues existed before the pandemic, remote work disruptions and the return to in-person operations have amplified their impact.

Industries such as healthcare, education, and hospitality have seen particularly high levels of strain. Nurses, teachers, and service workers report feeling undervalued and overwhelmed, often without access to adequate mental health support. In corporate settings, employees cite unrealistic expectations and lack of autonomy as key stressors. These conditions have led many to reconsider their professional paths.

Career Shifts Driven by Mental Health Priorities

As mental health becomes a more visible concern, career shifts are emerging as a form of self-preservation. Workers across Chicago are leaving high-pressure roles to pursue opportunities that offer greater flexibility, meaning, or emotional safety. Some are transitioning to freelance work, remote positions, or entirely new industries. Others are taking extended breaks to recover and reassess.

In the Loop, a former financial analyst recently left her firm to start a wellness coaching business, citing years of chronic stress and panic attacks. In Hyde Park, a public school teacher stepped away from the classroom to explore nonprofit work focused on youth mental health. These decisions reflect a broader trend: professionals are prioritizing mental health over traditional career advancement.

Employer Response and Workplace Culture

Chicago-based companies are beginning to respond to the mental health crisis with policy changes and wellness initiatives. Some have introduced mental health days, flexible scheduling, and access to counseling services. Others are investing in training programs that help managers recognize signs of burnout and support team members more effectively.

However, progress remains uneven. In many workplaces, stigma around mental health persists, discouraging employees from seeking help. A recent feature on encouraging men to seek support highlighted how cultural expectations can prevent individuals from addressing emotional challenges. Breaking these barriers is essential to creating environments where workers feel safe and supported.

Generational Differences and Mental Health Awareness

Younger professionals in Chicago are leading the charge in advocating for mental health transparency. Millennials and Gen Z workers are more likely to discuss emotional well-being openly and expect employers to prioritize it. Their willingness to challenge outdated norms is reshaping workplace culture and influencing hiring practices.

Older generations, while often more reserved, are also experiencing shifts. Many empty nesters are reevaluating their careers and exploring new paths that align with personal wellness. A recent piece on mental health among empty nesters revealed how life transitions can prompt renewed focus on emotional health and career satisfaction.

The Role of Remote Work and Flexibility

Remote work has played a complex role in the mental health landscape. For some Chicago workers, it has offered relief from commuting stress and allowed for better work-life integration. For others, isolation and blurred boundaries have created new challenges. The key lies in flexibility, employees who can choose how and where they work tend to report higher levels of satisfaction.

Hybrid models are gaining popularity, allowing workers to balance collaboration with autonomy. Companies that embrace flexible arrangements are often better positioned to retain talent and support mental health. In neighborhoods like Lincoln Park and Wicker Park, coworking spaces have become hubs for professionals seeking community without the rigidity of traditional offices.

Mental Health Resources and Community Support

Access to mental health resources remains a critical factor in addressing workplace challenges. Chicago offers a range of services, from therapy clinics and support groups to wellness centers and digital platforms. Employers who partner with these providers can offer meaningful support to their teams.

Mental Health Decline in Chicago Workers Sparks Career Shifts

Photo Credit: Unsplash.com

Community organizations also play a role. Local nonprofits are hosting workshops, mindfulness sessions, and peer support networks aimed at reducing stigma and promoting resilience. These efforts are especially important for underserved populations who may face barriers to care.

Economic Implications of Career Shifts

Career changes driven by mental health concerns have economic implications. Some workers take pay cuts or leave stable roles to pursue passion projects or lower-stress jobs. While these decisions may improve well-being, they can also create financial strain. Chicago’s cost of living adds complexity, requiring careful planning and support.

At the same time, businesses that fail to address mental health risk losing skilled employees and facing productivity declines. Investing in wellness is not just a moral imperative, it’s a strategic one. Companies that prioritize mental health often see improved retention, engagement, and innovation.

Education and Skill Development

As workers shift careers, many pursue education and skill development to support their transitions. Chicago’s universities, community colleges, and online platforms offer programs in fields such as counseling, tech, and entrepreneurship. These opportunities empower individuals to reinvent themselves while maintaining financial stability.

Reskilling initiatives are also gaining traction. Employers are offering training in new roles to retain talent and support internal mobility. This approach benefits both workers and organizations, creating pathways for growth that align with mental health priorities.

A Culture of Care

The mental health decline among Chicago workers is prompting a cultural shift, one that values care, authenticity, and balance. Career changes are not just reactions to stress; they are expressions of agency and hope. As more individuals prioritize emotional well-being, workplaces must evolve to meet their needs.

Chicago’s future workforce will be shaped by these changes. Employers, educators, and policymakers have an opportunity to build systems that support mental health and empower individuals to thrive. Whether through flexible work, inclusive culture, or accessible resources, the path forward begins with compassion and commitment.

Divvy Expansion Plan Brings 200 New And Upgraded Stations Across Chicago

The Chicago Journal Staff 2 on March 19, 2026

Chicago is growing its Divvy bike-share system in 2026 by adding or upgrading around 200 stations across the city. This project aims to make it easier for people to find a bike, especially in neighborhoods that did not have many stations before. The expansion follows a very busy year in 2025, when riders took nearly 6.8 million trips. By adding 100 new stations and improving 100 existing ones, the city wants to help more people use bikes for work and fun while keeping costs low for those who need it most.

Meeting a High Demand for Bikes

The decision to expand comes after a period of high growth for the Divvy system. In 2025, the number of trips reached a record level of almost 6.8 million. This shows that residents and visitors are choosing bikes more often to get around the city. Because so many people are riding, some stations often run out of bikes, or there are no open spots to park them.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and Lyft, the company that runs the system, are working together to fix these issues. Their plan focuses on two main goals. First, they will build 100 new stations in areas that currently have very few places to rent a bike. Second, they will upgrade 100 existing stations so they can hold more traditional bikes and electric bikes, also known as e-bikes.

Spreading Access to Every Neighborhood

A major part of the 2026 plan is making sure that every part of Chicago has access to the system. In the past, most stations were located in the downtown area or near the lakefront. The new plan will place many of the 100 new stations on the South and West sides of the city. These neighborhoods have often been overlooked in earlier transit projects.

By filling these gaps, the city hopes to provide a reliable way for people to reach bus stops or train stations. This is often called “the last mile” of a commute. When people have a bike station near their home and their workplace, they are less likely to rely on cars. This helps reduce traffic and makes the air cleaner for everyone.

Station Type	Number of Locations	Primary Goal
New Stations	100	Bringing service to new neighborhoods
Upgraded Stations	100	Increasing capacity for e-bikes in busy areas
Total Expansion	200	Supporting record-breaking ridership numbers

Keeping Prices Fair

Even with all these improvements, the city is trying to keep the cost of riding affordable. The price for a standard annual membership will stay at $99 for 2026. This price applies to both new members and people who are renewing their accounts.

For people living in specific “equity priority” areas, the cost is even lower. The Divvy for Everyone program offers a $5 annual membership for residents with limited incomes. This ensures that the bike-share system is a tool for all citizens, not just those with higher salaries.

However, some other costs are changing. To pay for the maintenance of the new stations and bikes, the city has adjusted the prices for day passes and some per-ride fees. These small increases will help keep the bikes in good condition and ensure that the system can continue to grow in the future.

Expert Perspectives on Urban Growth

City officials believe that this expansion is a necessary step for a modern city. Tom Carney, the acting commissioner of CDOT, spoke about the importance of these updates during a recent announcement:

“Our goal is to create a transportation system that works for every resident in every neighborhood. By adding 200 stations and focusing on the South and West sides, we are making a commitment to fairness and better mobility for all of Chicago.”

Representatives from Lyft also expressed their support for the plan. They noted that the increase in e-bike use has changed how people think about cycling. Caroline Samponaro, a leader at Lyft, shared her view on the success of the system:

“The record ridership we saw in 2025 proves that Chicagoans love having flexible options. These upgrades will help us meet that demand and make the Divvy experience even smoother for the millions of people who rely on us every year.”

The Benefits of More E-Bikes

Electric bikes have become a very popular part of the Divvy system. These bikes have a small motor that helps the rider pedal, which makes it easier to go long distances or climb hills without getting too tired. The 2026 expansion includes more charging technology at the upgraded stations.

When an e-bike is parked at a newer station, it can charge its battery automatically. This means the bikes stay ready for the next person and workers do not have to swap out batteries as often. This technology makes the whole system more efficient and reduces the number of service vans driving around the city.

How Riders Are Using the System

Data from 2025 shows some interesting trends in how people use Divvy. While many people use the bikes to get to their jobs in the morning, a significant number of trips happen during the weekends near parks and the lakefront.

45% of trips are for daily commuting to work or school.
30% of riders use the bikes to connect to CTA trains or buses.
25% of trips are for exercise or visiting local businesses.

These numbers suggest that Divvy is not just a tool for workers. it is a part of how people enjoy the city. By adding more stations near shopping districts and parks, the 2026 plan supports these different types of activities.

Looking Toward the Future

As the 200 stations are installed throughout the year, Chicago will become one of the most bike-friendly cities in North America. This project is a sign that the city is serious about moving away from a car-centered culture. It encourages a healthier lifestyle and helps people save money on gas and parking.

Residents can expect to see the first new stations appearing in the spring. As the weather gets warmer, the city will host events to teach people how to use the bikes and explain the different membership options. With nearly 6.8 million trips already on the books from last year, 2026 is likely to be another record-breaking year for cycling in Chicago.