Woman found dead month after suburban Chicago car accident
Our Chicago auto accident lawyers know there is nothing more tragic then a fatal traffic accident around the holiday season. Tragedies happen far too often so it is important to take a step back and reflect on the risks that we take for granted each day on the roadways.
The Chicago Sun-Times reports the body of a 40-year-old woman was found in a field this week, about a mile south of where her husband was killed in a car accident a month ago. At the time of the crash, police found a slipper before her footprints disappeared in a remote soybean field.
It was reported by the Herald News that the couple from Ransom left a holiday party in the early morning of December 5th during a snow storm. Their vehicle hit a light pole and the husband, and father of four, was found dead behind the wheel. Tragically his blood alcohol content (0.266) was three times over the state limit of 0.08. An autopsy concluded that spinal injuries were the cause of his death.
His wife was not found in the vehicle, a slipper and footprints were found heading away from the scene in the snow. Rescuers on foot, on horseback and with helicopters attempted the difficult search. Heavy snow postponed their efforts until conditions improved.
The Chicago Tribune reported that almost a month after the crash, the wife was found dead in a field located three quarters of a mile from the crash site. The results of her autopsy have not been released.
The Illinois Department of Transportation reported 848 fatal crashes statewide in 2010, resulting in 916 deaths. Of those crashes, 246 were alcohol related. Alcohol related crashes and deaths have gone down dramatically over the past 7 years. Crashes and deaths reached an all-time high in 2004 when there were 472 crashes resulting in 531 fatalities.
This story is a sad reminder that drinking and driving don't mix. Please remember if you are going to drink while you are away from home, appoint a designated driver. Call someone if you find yourself in a condition where you can't drive home. If you notice someone that is too drunk to drive take their keys, call a cab, or offer to drive them home. If you don't feel safe doing this for a stranger then tell someone who can help them rather than allowing them to get behind the wheel.
Driving in inclement weather under the best of circumstances is very dangerous. If you are out and the weather turns ugly, try to stay put. If you must drive, take it slow and give yourself plenty of space between your vehicle and others.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a Chicago accident, contact the VanPopering Law Offices for a free consultation. Please call 1-800-767-4878 for 24-hour assistance.
