Ghost Cars in Cook County Waterways: What the New Sonar Findings Mean for Public Safety and Municipal Liability in Cook County
Cook County sonar mapping reportedly identified about 270 underwater “anomalies,” many resembling submerged cars. That matters because it suggests a recurring public safety risk, not isolated tragedy. When vehicles enter the Chicago River or Lake Michigan from public roadways, the legal focus often turns to barriers, warnings, lighting, and maintenance. Illinois tort immunity rules shape these claims, but they do not eliminate accountability when safety measures are not maintained.