Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Illinois car accident attorneys are concerned about all motorists' safety while on the roadways during the holidays, but particularly teen drivers and elder adults because they are the two age groups most at risk of being involved in a car accident in Cook County or elsewhere.

While teen car accidents are often caused by distractions, elder drivers are typically involved in accidents because they don't react quickly enough or they have lost some important skills needed to be a safe driver. Though these two age groups appear to be on opposite ends of the spectrum in many different facets, it doesn't take away the one thing they have in common: the likelihood of being involved in a car accident.

Earlier this month, the American Occupational Therapy Association recognized Older Driver Safety Awareness Week in order to make more people aware that as adults get older their driving skills diminish. It is important to keep an eye on your parents and grandparents as they age in order to make sure they can handle stressful driving situations or make quick decisions that come about while operating a vehicle.

Also in the news recently is an article from the Journal-Standard reporting that Illinois state law enforcement officers are visiting several high schools to speak to teens about the dangers they face on roadways. According to the article, 27 percent of Illinois car crashes involve drivers between the ages of 16 to 24. Three out of four teen deaths are caused by car accidents. The message is being conveyed that there are typically four causes related to teen car crashes: speeding, distraction, underage drinking and not buckling up for safety. Illinois State Troopers are doing their best to convince teenagers throughout the state that it isn't safe to drive under the influence of alcohol, drive at high rates of speed nor is it cool to get distracted with texting while trying to drive. All these behaviors end in negative consequences whether it means getting a ticket or taking someone's life.

Though each of these age groups typically have different reasons for being involved in a car accident, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers the following safe driving tips this holiday season for teens and older adults, but can truly apply to any driver:

-Stay alert and focused each time you get behind the wheel. Keep the radio turned down and cell phones put away.

-Stay away from nighttime driving and driving during rush hour traffic.

-Never ride or drive without buckling in.

-Plan the route you want to take ahead of time.

-If stormy weather is in the forecast, have an experienced driver take you where you need to go.