Illinois has a lot of great things going for it. But, like all good things, there are some drawbacks. In fact, there are some things that can kill you! Here are nine things that can (and just might) kill you in Illinois.
1. Tornadoes
Tornadoes might be the worst drawback to living in Illinois. All that flat land and weather patterns make it ripe for tornadoes. We've had some really bad ones, and typically have a pretty bad one every few years. The best thing you can do is keep an eye on the weather and head for shelter. Don't play around and try to take a picture!
2. Black widows
Yikes! Yes, there are black widows in Illinois. They are feared because their venom is 15 times more potent than a rattlesnake's. If you do get bitten, it will hurt and it can cause some horrible symptoms, like paralysis. But don't worry - few people actually die from bites.
3. Brown recluse spider
The good news is that these guys aren't aggressive, meaning they won't come after you to bite you. But if you disturb one, watch out. Fatalities are pretty rare, but tissue damage is well-documented.
4. Deer
These creatures are beautiful, but they do kill people each year when they cause car accidents. Just know that there is always a chance that a deer can dart in front of your car, even if you don't live in a rural area.
5. Driving
So far, there have been 770 fatal crashes in Illinois this year. Several are caused by inattentive driving, driving while intoxicated, and bad weather. Don't drive when you are distracted! Stay safe.
6. Cancer
Unfortunately, cancer is the top killer in Illinois. We hope that someone will finally cure it.
7. Overindulgence
Really, though, Illinois has some awesome food. And most of it is fatty, greasy, and covered in cheese. Like anything else, moderation is key!
8. Winter
Here's to hoping that this winter is mild. But winter in Illinois STINKS. It makes driving dangerous, and it is hazardous walking. And then there are the icicles that fall from skyscrapers and kill people. Winter is coming.
9. Rival sports fans
Illinois sports teams have won big, but we've also had some devastating losses. Yeah, I won't even go into it, because the wounds are still fresh. But it is much worse when someone rubs your nose in it!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.