Illinois in 2008
Deaths 1,043Fatal crashes 950Per 100,000 8.2US deaths 37,423
FARS data are based on police crash reports and other sources; the drunk-driving measure is based on the highest BAC of any driver in the crash. Final FARS file for 2008.
In 2008, 1,043 people died in 950 fatal crashes in Illinois, 8.2 deaths per 100,000 residents against 12.3 nationally.
The death toll fell 16% from 1,248 in 2007 to 1,043 in 2008.
Illinois accounted for 2.8% of the 37,423 crash deaths recorded nationally that year.
37.7% of the state's fatal crashes that year had at least one driver reported as drinking.
29% of the crashes happened between 6pm to midnight; Sunday was the most common day.
Compared with 2007 and the nation
| Measure | Illinois 2008 | Illinois 2007 | United States 2008 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deaths | 1,043 | 1,248 | 37,423 |
| Fatal crashes | 950 | 1,126 | 34,172 |
| Deaths per 100,000 residents | 8.2 | 9.8 | 12.3 |
| Crashes with a drinking driver | 38% | 44% | 33% |
Counties in 2008
Every county with a fatal crash in 2008, by deaths. Counts under three are shown as "1–2" (small-count rule); the per-100,000 column is blank for them. 95 counties listed.
Per 100,000 uses the 2024 population estimate for every year, so early-year rates are understated where a county has grown.
Hour of day
Weekday
Questions and answers
How many people died in crashes in Illinois in 2008?
1,043 people in 950 fatal crashes, according to NHTSA's FARS 2008 file, or 8.2 per 100,000 residents.
Which county in Illinois had the most crash deaths in 2008?
Cook County with 272 deaths in 259 fatal crashes. The table on this page lists every county with a fatal crash that year.
How did 2008 compare with 2007 in Illinois?
1,043 deaths against 1,248 in 2007 (+-16%). Nationally the 2008 total was 37,423.
Provenance
Source: NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2008 national file (accident table); US Census Bureau population estimates. Data through 31 Dec 2024; generated 30 Sep 2026.