Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog

“People should be able to have fun with friends and family without having to worry about being harmed by a drunken driver on the way home,” said Kane County State’s Attorney Joe McMahon.

With Super Bowl Sunday just a few short days away, McMahon's hopes don't always come true. On Super Bowl Sunday alone, Americans are expected to consume more than 325 million gallons of alcohol. Many of them are even expected to get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle after drinking, too. That's why law enforcement officials with Kane County and elsewhere throughout the state will be exercising the "no-refusal" weekend enforcements, according to the Chicago Tribune. During this time, on Sunday the 5th, officials will be on the lookout for drunk drivers to help reduce the risks of car accidents in Illinois.

Our Chicago drunk driving car accident lawyers understand that Super Bowl Sunday is one of the deadliest times on our roadways. According to McMahon, drivers can help to reduce these stats by planning ahead and making responsive decisions. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and other organizations nationwide are also pushing the "Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk" campaign to make sure that we've all got each others' backs on this celebratory day. Kickoff for Super Bowl XLVI is at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday the 5th, when the Patriots will be taking on the Giants.

The "no-refusal" drunk driving crackdown efforts will be joined by a judge and a prosecutor who will help to speed up the time it takes to create warrants to get those suspected of driving under the influence to take a Breathalyzer test or to submit to a blood sample if need be. To speed up the process even more, a phlebotomist will be on site to draw blood. Sobriety checkpoints will be scattered throughout the state.

The "no-refusal" system will be working in the favor of safety. Under this system, one driver got a three-year sentence for refusing to take sobriety tests, and a driver convicted of a second DUI will face a five-year driver's license revocation. Also, a contempt charge will be filed if a driver refuses to take a sobriety tests even after a warrant is issued.

"When the game is over, safety and responsibility are in order. Impaired driving is not an option," said McMahon.

The week leading up to the Super Bowl records some of the largest annuals sales for beer and alcohol. This is one of the main reasons why local enforcement officials choose to set up efforts on this day. The other reason is the accident statistics. Super Bowl is a deadly day on our roadways. With responsible drivers and strict enforcement efforts, we're hoping Illinois roadways will stay safe and accident-free during the big game.

Continue reading "Officials to Up Enforcement Efforts to Bust Drunk Drivers in Illinois on Super Bowl Sunday" »

It's probably not news to you that Chicago motorists are banned from any cell phone use behind the wheel - period.

And you likely know that wherever you are in the state, it's illegal to text and drive.
But on the national stage, it's an issue police, lawmakers and motorists continue to grapple with. And on a local level, it's an issue drivers too often ignore.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys understand that despite the horrific crashes that sometimes result from distracted driving, the question of whether to ban texting and driving often comes down to enforcement. For example, how will a police officer know whether you are texting or simply dialing a phone number?

That's why some people are so vocal about an outright ban of all cell phone use for drivers. Such a move, they say, will eliminate any confusion.

But the movement may be losing momentum in some areas like Boston. There, The Herald recently reported that proposed bills targeting cell phone use among drivers aren't getting much attention.

Just weeks after the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommended outlawing all cell phone use by drivers, lawmakers in Massachusetts met to discuss that possibility. They had already banned texting behind the wheel.
But just one speaker came before the committee to address the issue.

Sen. Thomas McGee told the Herald reporter that the lack of turn out was puzzling, especially given what a hot-button issue distracted driving has become in recent years.
“We expected this to be a much more attended hearing than one person coming in to testify,” he was quoted as saying. “We do get a lot of information. We do get a lot of feedback and hopefully we continue to get that.”

The national government has taken a strong stance on the issue, with the launching of the website, distraction.gov. There, the NHTSA reports that distracted driving accounted for 5,500 deaths and 450,000 injuries in 2009.

In other states, the issue continues to be debated.

In West Virginia, for example, The Charleston Gazette reports the governor's bill to ban all cell phone use by drivers is expected to easily pass the first round of committee hearings. Similar pieces of legislation have, in the past, failed to make it through that state's senate.

Meanwhile in Utah, lawmakers are debating whether their texting-and-driving laws go far enough. A ban was enacted three years ago, but Sen. Lyle Hillyard recently talked with a KSL TV reporter about what may be considered a possible loophole - the fact that the person texting has to actually hit "send" before it's considered in violation of the law.

There, those who break the anti-texting law face up to three months in jail and a $750 fine. If someone is killed by a texting driver, that penalty increases to a possible 15-year prison term and a $10,000 fine.

And in Arizona, it's one of the few issues both Democrats and Republicans both agree upon. One week into the session, four lawmakers from both sides of the aisle have proposed bills with varying cell phone driving restrictions.

Continue reading "Cell Phone Ban - Already Law for Chicago Drivers - Debated Nationally" »

Tragedy struck the family of an Antioch teenager who was killed earlier this month when a semi-truck slammed into her Jeep.

According to news reports from the Chicago Tribune and The Chicago Sun-Times, Elizabeth Collins, 19, was on her way to a hair appointment just as a nasty snowstorm was beginning. The storm may have been a factor in a three-car pile-up on the Interstate, just north of Deerfield, that troopers say the semi-truck driver was swerving to avoid.

That large truck, in turn, hit Collins' vehicle, a new college student and children's gymnastics instructor.

She died the next day, with her family saying she donated every organ possible, giving life to others, despite that her own had been cut far too short.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers know that drivers of smaller vehicles are at greater risk of injury when involved in a crash with large trucks.

This is true across the country, where the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that accidents involving large trucks - defined as those weighing over 10,000 pounds - were responsible for nearly 3,400 fatalities in 2009.

And most of those victims weren't the truck drivers. Seventy-four percent were the occupants of the other vehicles. Another 10 percent of those victims were non-occupants, meaning they were pedestrians or bicyclists.

Those figures don't take into account those injured by large trucks - a whopping 74,000 across the country.

It's not just that truck drivers are on the road for longer stretches than the average motorist. The NHTSA indicates that large trucks are more likely to be involved in multi-vehicle fatal accidents than other vehicles on the road. In fact, 81 percent of fatal accidents involving large trucks also involved more than one vehicle. Compare that to 58 percent of passenger vehicles.

In Illinois, the administration reported there were 1,301 fatal accidents in 2009. Of those, 90 involved large trucks.

As a result of these startling figures - and tragedies like the one on I-94 - some advocacy groups are lobbying for lowered weight limits for large trucks.

Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, for example, insist that bigger trucks compromise safety. That group reports that trucks weighing 80,000 pounds are twice as likely to be involved in a fatal accident as those that weigh 50,000 pounds. Further, the group reports that large trucks need, on average, 25 percent more time to slow down or stop than the average passenger car.

But as there is not likely to be a change in laws anytime soon, motorists must share the road with these large and potentially dangerous vehicles.

As such, our attorneys want to remind you that the National Traffic Safety Institute has outlined the following safety tips for drivers:

--Remember that large trucks do not drive like regular vehicles. They have large blind spots and need more room to make turns. If you can't see the driver in their rearview mirror, he or she probably can't see you either. Keep that in mind when driving behind or trying to pass.

--When being passed by a larger truck or vehicle, slow down, as debris can be kicked up from the truck's tires and reduce your visibility.

--On the highway, don't put yourself at risk by driving between two large vehicles, which can greatly increase your chances of being injured if there were to be an accident.

Continue reading "Antioch Teen Killed in Crash with Semi-Truck on I-94" »

Police officers in Chicago and across the country are required by oath to uphold the law. Because of this, they are often held to a higher standard of personal conduct than average citizens.

But on occasion, when officers find themselves on the wrong side of the law, there have been instances of reported preferential treatment.

That is alleged to be the case in a Chicago car accident involving an off-duty police officer accused of a fatal hit-and-run DUI that tragically resulted in the death of a young teen.

The Chicago Tribune reports that the future of a veteran Chicago Police Officer Richard Bolling is in the hands of a jury in Cook County, following a crash that killed a 13-year-old on a bicycle.

The newspaper reports it was two years ago when Bolling, who was off-duty, wrapped up a night of drinking at a nearby bar and got behind the wheel. That's when he allegedly struck the young bicyclist.

But instead of immediately administering a blood alcohol test, the other officers who arrived on scene delayed it by several hours, resulting in a lower test result measuring just under the legal limit.

One officer testified that her superior ordered her not to give the test right away. Instead, police took their fellow officer to a nearby bathroom and allowed him to wash up before requiring him to take the test.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers believe everyone should receive equal treatment under the law. The law is clear: No one should be immune to the consequences of his or her actions.

Car accidents and other cases involving police or other public officials accused of criminal actions require a law firm with the expert knowledge and resources to tackle what can turn out to be a complex and high profile situation.

Taxpayers expect that police, with the primary function of upholding the statutes set forth by lawmakers, will conduct unbiased investigations in their every day work. And our Chicago accident attorneys recognize that most police officers do this with integrity.

But when law enforcement officers are charged with investigating their own in a car crash, it becomes even more important to have an independent analysis of a crash scene.

Much has been written about what is known as the police "Code of Silence," which refers to police helping police by not talking when one of their own finds themselves in trouble.

A comprehensive study in 2000 by The National Institute of Ethics uncovered some disturbing facts about this unspoken code.

Of more than 1,000 full-time police officers who responded to a confidential questionnaire, 46 percent reported witnessing misconduct by a colleague which they concealed. Of those, 8 percent said the misconduct was perpetrated by a superior.

According to the Tribune, Bolling was a veteran narcotics officer. Evidence presented at trial included a video recording in which a high-ranking officer at the scene of the fatal crash told Bolling he would try to help him out as much as possible.

For his alleged actions that night, Bolling is facing charges of aggravated DUI, leaving the scene of a fatal crash and reckless homicide.

Continue reading "Preferential Treatment Alleged for Officer Involved in Fatal DUI, Hit-Run that Killed Chicago Teen" »

As we recently reported on our Illinois Injury Law Blog, distraction-related car accidents took the lives of more than 3,100 people in 2010. While this statistic reveals a decrease from the previous year, there are still far too many drivers engaging in distractions behind the wheel. To help to reduce these stats even more, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is recommending that all state governments enact a law prohibiting drivers from using any and all portable electronic devices at the wheel. Yes, this recommendation even includes hands-free phones. Recent studies conclude that hands-free devices are just as distracting to drivers as hand-held devices.

This measure would go beyond anything currently being pushed in any state. Illinois law prohibits the use of hand-held cell phones for any drivers who are driving through a school zone or in a highway construction zone. In addition to those areas, bus drivers and drivers who are under the age of 19 are prohibited from using a hand-held cell phone behind the wheel, according to the Governors Highway Safety Administration. In the City of Chicago, it is illegal for any driver to talk on a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle. It is illegal for any driver in the state to text message while driving.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand a statewide law banning drivers from using cell phones may be inevitable, but experts don't think it's going to happen here any time soon. Illinois Senate President John Cullerton says a ban would not have the political support needed to pass the General Assembly, according to the Chicago Tribune.

“There’s no question that it’s a distraction from driving,” Cullerton told the paper. “With the increase in technology use while people are driving, it’s a real diversion.”

Cullerton believes strongly in traffic safety though. He helped pass Illinois' first seat belt law back in 1984. He just doesn't think that this type of overall ban will go over well with the public and lawmakers. Yes, most drivers recognize the dangers associated with distracted driving, but most are willing to give up the dangerous habits.

The state passed a ban of text messaging for drivers just a few years back.

In a recent survey, 1 out of every 10 drivers admitted to texting and e-mailing behind the wheel. Half of the drivers under the age of 21 surveyed admitted to engaging in this dangerous behavior. Statistics reveal that at any given moment in time, 1 out of every 100 drivers is text messaging, web surfing, Facebooking or Twittering behind the wheel.

Slowly, states are enacting stricter distracted driving laws. But the truth is that some of the most dangerous distractions involve talking to other passengers, playing with the radio and other non-electronic distractions.

The Chicago Tribune reports that it's not more laws that we need to make our roads safer, but it's better enforcement of the one's that we already have.

Continue reading "Risks of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Chicago Continue Despite Nationwide Regulating Efforts" »

As you begin to plan your New Year's Eve celebration to welcome in the new year, don't forget to give a thought to how you will get home safely. You may have noticed more state and local law enforcement officers patrolling Illinois roadways recently as they are cracking down on drivers who are driving under the influence and putting other motorists at risk of a drunk driving accident in Chicago, or elsewhere throughout the holiday season. Taking the keys away from these violators is the only way to keep roadways free from alcohol-related accidents.

Illinois drunk driving accident lawyers know that most New Year's celebrations involve the consumption of alcohol. But it doesn't mean drivers have to make a bad choice to get behind the wheel after having had too much to drink. There are other options that can benefit all motorists. Unfortunately, too many are victimized by another driver who made bad choices. If you are seriously injured, get in touch with a drunk driving accident attorney who can guide you and help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

One drunk driver in the news recently put several potential victims at risk while driving the wrong-way for almost 11 miles on the Edens Expressway. The Chicago Tribune reports a news anchor reporting to work was one of many motorists that had to maneuver quickly to avoid a drunk driving accident. She saw the vehicle coming straight at her so she attempted to move into another lane and saw the oncoming vehicle move in the same direction so at the last minute she veered the vehicle off onto the shoulder to avoid a head-on collision. The speeding drunk driver was finally pulled over by Illinois State Police after more than a dozen near misses with other drivers on the expressway. The drunk driver was charged with reckless driving, having an open container, improper lane usage, driving without insurance and driving under the influence.

DriveSoberIllinois.org reports that somewhere in the country, every two minutes someone is injured and every 30 minutes someone is killed by an impaired driver. In 2009, 319 of the 911 total traffic fatalities in Illinois were caused by someone driving under the influence. Everyone thinks it won't happen to them until it is too late. The simple fact is driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher impacts reaction time, judgment to make safe decisions and the ability to focus on the road. Having keen senses and abilities is what keeps motorists safe when a situation arises right in front of their eyes.

Illinois' Biggest Offenders offer these sobering tips to motorists as you celebrate the holiday season:

-Give your keys to a designated driver when you arrive at a party.
-Check out if your community offers a designated driver program.
-Use your seatbelt to help reduce the severity of an injury sustained in a crash.
-Don't let your friends leave if they have had too much to drink.

Continue reading "Drive Sober to Reduce the Risk of Drunk Driving Accidents in Chicago This Holiday Season" »

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.

Continue reading "Teens, Elders Particularly at Risk of Illinois Car Accidents During Holiday Season" »

Holiday travel season in Chicago and elsewhere can be difficult to manage, especially when you add nasty winter storms and dangerously icy roads. Of course winter storms are inevitable this time of year so our Illinois car accident lawyers want to remind motorists to drive safely to avoid crashes that could lead to injuries and death.

Of particular note is driving near and around snow plows, tractor-trailers and other large vehicles. These types of vehicles are difficult to see around, and sometimes their drivers can't maneuver quickly or stop quickly so driving behind them can be dangerous. Motorists either need to prepare to stay off roadways completely or plan to reduce their speed to help avoid a car accident in Cook County and throughout the state.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) offers fair warning by helping motorists with some winter driving tips.

First, ask yourself if the trip is really necessary. If the answer is yes, then check for updated weather conditions on the radio, television or online. Current road conditions during a storm are updated every two hours by calling 1-800-452-IDOT. Always alert a family member, friend or co-worker of your travel plans. This includes what time you are leaving, where you are going, what route you plan to travel and what time you expect to arrive. Motorists are also encouraged to travel during daylight hours, fill your fuel tank before you leave and always have forms of identification on you or in the vehicle.

Safe tips to use while driving in winter conditions include:

-In rainy or foggy conditions keep your headlights on dim. You can also use your fog lights during foggy driving conditions.

-Increase the distance you follow behind a vehicle.

-Reduce the speed in which you travel and never attempt to pass a vehicle at full speed.

-If you notice ice or snow accumulation on the road, start slowly and gently use your brakes to avoid slipping.

-Shady spots or below overpasses or bridges may be extra slippery so be careful in these areas.

-Fasten your seatbelt to help reduce the severity of injury in a crash.

-If you find yourself becoming stressed or heading toward panic mode, turn back and go home or pull over into a safe parking lot where someone can find you.

-Keep the defrost mechanism on high when driving in sleet or icy conditions.

-Allow snow plows plenty of room to maneuver and stay out of their blind spots.

The Illinois State Police suggests preparing a coffee can survival kit to leave in your vehicle during the winter. Contents of the can should include:

-60 inches of heavy string or twine cut in three equal lengths
-Three large safety pins
-2" diameter candle
-book of matches
-packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea bags or bouillon cubes
-small package of peanuts and fruit candy
-pocket knife
-pen light with batteries
-plastic leaf bag
-pair of heavy cotton socks and cotton gloves

Motorists are encouraged to prepare for the worst and always drive safely when inclement weather hits. Keeping safety in mind can help reduce the risk of injury to you or others.

Continue reading "Safe Winter Driving Can Help Reduce the Risk of Weather-Related Car Accidents in Chicago, Statewide" »

In 2002, Connecticut introduced the Yellow Dot Program, which helps first responders to gain needed information to care for car accident victims in the first few minutes following an accident. But other states throughout the country have been slow to adopt this program.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys are happy to learn of the recent announcement made by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) that the Yellow Dot Program will be coming to life in our state. We know that the first 60 minutes following a car accident in Illinois are the most critical, so allowing emergency responders to gain access to important information right away could potentially save a life.

IDOT is partnering with Illinois Department of Aging, the Department of Public Health and other county health departments to help raise awareness about the new life-saving program. It is voluntary but will be federally funded and offered to all Illinois residents.

Police, emergency medical personnel and firefighters will now be able to arrive on the scene and check for an envelope in the glove compartment as indicated by a yellow dot sticker on the lower corner of the rear-facing windshield behind the driver. If a victim is found unconscious but has pre-existing medical conditions it can make it difficult to treat them with the best possible care. This program is most advantageous for treating older adults or victims with disabilities who may not be able to communicate following an accident but have allergies or other conditions that need to be taken into account when receiving medical treatment. Giving emergency medical technicians and paramedics accurate information can help them to make the right decisions during the first hour following a crash.

The Got the Dot? program is simple. Drivers can find the nearest resource center to apply for the program by searching the IDOT website or clicking here to see the entire list of locations.

The medical identification envelope (printed on yellow stock paper) should be placed in the glove compartment of the vehicle. The medical card will contain important information that may be necessary in treatment. The following is information that can be found on the card:

-Name, date of birth and gender.
-Blood type and a list of up-to-date allergies.
-Information about notable conditions like diabetes, pacemakers or others.
-Dated information listing medical conditions, medications and prescribed doses.
-The name, group number and identification number of your medical insurance provider.
-Emergency contact information that includes name, address, home and cell phone number.
-Name of any and all physicians who treat you regularly, along with address and office phone number where they can be reached.
-Additional information like recent surgeries that may be needed to treat a victim accurately.
-An updated head shot is placed on the front of the medical card so first responders can identify the victim with the matching card.

Once you have taken care of all the information on the medical card, place the envelope in the glove compartment and adhere the yellow dot sticker to the window.

Illinois drivers are encouraged to take the few simple steps needed to become a participant of the Yellow Dot Program. It could actually save your life if you are in need of medical attention but can't communicate following a crash.

Continue reading "Illinois Adds Yellow Dot Program to Help First Responders Following a Car Accident in Chicago, Elsewhere" »

Airfares are reportedly up 10 to 20 percent from a year ago which is causing holiday travelers to opt for traveling by car this holiday rather than by plane. The price of gas has also increased by roughly 50 cents since last year but traveling by automobile is still more affordable for families overall.

Our Cook County car accident lawyers understand that Thanksgiving is a holiday meant for family traditions so traveling safely is more important than ever if you want to spend time with loved ones this holiday season.

The Chicago Tribune reports that Thursday is anticipated to be the busiest travel day on roadways nationwide according to a news release from American Automobile Association (AAA). Illinois motorists should use caution all weekend but expect delays and travel hindrances on the holiday to avoid a car accident in Chicago or throughout the state. Throughout the weekend many motorists will be traveling to family dinners, holiday parades or Black Friday sales events so traffic congestion will be heightened and make roadways much more dangerous. In fact, it is expected that 2 million people will be using Illinois roadways this holiday weekend which is an increase from last year.

With all these roadway users traveling at the same time, safety is a concern. The National Safety Council computes an estimated number of deaths for holiday travel periods. This year, the organization predicts 434 deaths and more than 43,000 medically attended injuries from traffic accidents during the period of Wednesday, November 23 at 6:00 p.m. to Sunday, November 27 at 11:59 p.m. The average number of actual traffic deaths caused by roadway accidents reported during the Thanksgiving holiday periods between 2004 to 2009 was 535.

In effort to encourage safe travel, the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies throughout Illinois will be cracking down on traffic violators all weekend. Last year, Illinois reported 15 traffic deaths during Thanksgiving. Nine of these fatalities involved a driver who was intoxicated at the time of the accident. There were also more than 740 injuries from Illinois traffic collisions during Thanksgiving last year which could have been avoided with smarter choices made by drivers.

This year, roadside safety checks and enforcement zones will be strategically located throughout the state to keep drunk drivers, speeders and motorists who fail to wear a seat belt from breaking the law during Thanksgiving weekend. Illinois motorists could potentially find as many as 1,700 safety belt enforcement areas and 40 roadside safety checks being conducted by more than 200 law enforcement agencies throughout the state.

The coordinated effort has one goal. State officials hope to curb unsafe driving behavior by keeping drunk and distracted drivers off roadways and lowering traffic fatalities overall. Motorists are encouraged to make smart choices by not drinking and driving, speeding or becoming distracted to avoid a traffic citation or worse, a serious car accident this Thanksgiving.

Continue reading "Increase in Illinois Travelers Will Likely Increase Risk of Chicago Car Accidents Throughout Thanksgiving Weekend" »

Our Illinois car accident attorneys want to remind motorists that this week is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week. We support this campaign that shines a light on the problems that sleepy drivers can create on our roadways -- accidents, injuries and even deaths.

Researchers are developing a sense that drowsy driving accidents in Chicago and elsewhere are underestimated and under-reported. Officers at the scene don't ordinarily ask a driver who caused an accident if fatigue was a factor, nor is there a simple on-site test to determine whether the driver was drowsy.

A recent survey by AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that 96 percent of drivers surveyed recently said it is dangerous to drive drowsy, but then readily admit it is an unacceptable behavior. Why then, do 32 percent of those surveyed admit they themselves have driven when they could barely keep their eyes open?

Another recent study on drowsy driving accidents in the U.S. indicated that one in eight crashes that result in serious injury is caused by a fatigued driver. Even worse is the evidence that more than 16 percent of fatal crashes are caused by someone who was dozing at the wheel or too tired to react before causing an accident. Driving drowsy is no different than getting behind the wheel under the influence or allowing distractions to take focus away from the road.

Other research has found that 41 percent of drivers admit to falling asleep behind the wheel. The following are common warning signs that you may be about to fall asleep at the wheel:

-Heavy eyelids or constant yawning.
-Head begins to nod or bob.
-You recognize several miles have gone by and you don't remember driving them.
-You miss a stop sign or the exit ramp that you intended to get off on.
-You find your vehicle is drifting outside of the lines and causing it to hit rumble strips.
-You may notice that you are following a car too closely.

Most Americans report they get seven hours of sleep or less each night on average. Sleep deprivation can lead to a serious risk of falling asleep behind the wheel. The National Sleep Foundation suggests motorists do several things to prevent a fall-asleep crash:
-Get a good night's rest, especially if you have a lot of driving to do or plan to leave early the next day.
-When possible, have a traveling companion with you on long trips. A passenger can help break up the monotony of a long drive and can help with the driving.
-Avoid medications that have warning labels indicating they could cause drowsiness. If a drowsy medication is prescribed, change when you take the dose if you have to drive later.
-Avoid driving during hours when you are normally sleeping. A change in routine affects your body more than you know and makes it dangerous to drive when you should be sleeping.

Continue reading "Driver Fatigue Increases Risk for Car Accidents in Chicago, Nationwide" »

A common error made by a motorist in order to avoid a car collision with a deer in Illinois is to swerve towards the center line or veer off the side of the road. This defensive behavior often causes more severe damage by causing a head-on collision with a car traveling in the opposite direction or a rollover crash leading to serious injury or death following the accident.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys want to remind motorists that these kinds of accidents often require experienced legal advice because if you can't be recompensed by your own insurer you may need to take further action by filing a claim against the vehicle owner or other driver involved in the accident.

We bring this to your attention because this time of year is prime time for collisions caused by trying to avoid a deer. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) wants to alert motorists to use extra caution as we approach deer hunting season because four-legged Bambi look-alikes will be scurrying for their life and may jump out in front of your car while you travel.

Deer-related deaths were up in 2010 compared to 2009, but overall collisions were down from 2009 to last year. Ten people lost their life in a deer-related crash in 2010 compared to 6 the previous year. There was a reduction in injuries from deer-related crashes in Illinois reporting 708 in 2009 down to 634 in 2010. There were a total of 17,135 deer-vehicle accidents in 2010 compared to almost 18,850 the previous year.

In 2010, Cook County reported the most deer-related accidents of any county with a total of 562. Nine other counties reported 320 or more collisions involving a deer. The remainder of the Top 10 list for deer-related crashes in each county is as follows:
Madison: 475
Peoria: 458
Sangamon: 411
Will: 396
LaSalle: 364
Fulton: 357
Pike: 355
Kane: 325
Lake: 320
Recent Illinois accident statistics indicate that 67 percent of deer-vehicle accidents in 2010 were during periods of darkness and 77 percent of deer-related crashes were on rural roads.

The following are reminders for how motorists can avoid a collision with a deer:
-If you drive regularly at dawn and dusk, be alert for deer.
-If there is a particular area that you spot deer frequently, avoid driving there during hours of darkness.
-Wooded areas and fields are common places that deer can be found. Prepare to stop or reduce speed in these areas.
-If you see one, a pair or an entire herd of deer near the road, stop and wait for them to cross. Make sure they have vacated the area before you continue driving.
-If a deer stops on the road, honk your horn or flash your headlights. Don't rev your engine because that could result in a mishap.
-Never swerve to miss a deer so that you can continue traveling ahead. Instead, stop and wait rather than risk a head-on collision or rollover accident.

Motorists involved in an accident with a deer should contact local, county or state police for assistance. Never try to remove a flattened deer from a dark or busy roadway. Move your vehicle to a safe location and put up reflectors or turn on hazard lights to alert other motorists that a deer is lying in the road until help arrives.

Continue reading "Avoiding Impact with a Deer Causes a High Risk of Head-on Collisions and Rollover Accidents in Cook County, Statewide" »

A Buffalo Grove woman has had all traffic tickets dropped to make way for more serious charges following a car accident in Chicago , which she allegedly caused while checking text messages on her cell phone while driving.

The Chicago Tribune reports the woman was cited for improper lane use, driving on the shoulder, and texting while driving after she crashed with a tractor trailer and injured a man who was changing a tire on the side of the road. A month later the man died from those injuries.

Authorities report the young woman admitted to scrolling on her contacts page of her cell phone before hitting the big rig that sent her vehicle off to the shoulder of Highway 53 where the victim was changing a flat tire. Prosecutors have dropped the traffic charges so the defendant can't plead guilty to a lesser charge as more serious charges can be brought against her.

Illinois car accident lawyers know that the young woman is standing by her statement that her cell phone did not contribute to the cause of the accident, but it is clear she was distracted. Being distracted, whether it is from a cell phone, eating or changing a radio dial, is dangerous when you need to be focusing on the road.

It is true that distractions are causing several accidents everyday nationwide. Illinois law prevents drivers from holding a cell phone while they drive in highway construction or school zones, but what about all the other disruptive behaviors that can cause a driver to lose his or her focus?

In the news recently are discussions by Oak Park trustees proposing a ban be placed on all distractions that occur inside the vehicle while driving in the small Chicago-area community. Chicago Tribune reports this puts a real cramp in the daily routines of drivers who spend most of their work day inside their vehicle and don’t get a lunch break. The proposed legislation would ban any personal hygiene, tending to children, eating or holding a pet while driving. Proposing to eliminate distractions while driving has gained ground over the years. Six years ago, Illinois banned a driver from talking without an ear piece while they drive. Then a texting ban was added, and in 2009 bus and rail operators were banned from talking on cell phones while they work.

Communities are trying to take matters into their own hands when it comes to distractions behind the wheel. Several towns (Kenilworth, Evanston, Antioch, Barrington and Highland Park) have implemented distracted-driving ordinances. Highland Park even allows drivers to be cited by law enforcement officers for inattentive behaviors such as eating or reading if they have committed another primary offense while driving. Oak Park would be the first community nationwide to pass a ban on eating. Oak Park trustees are considering banning cell phone use, eating, drinking and applying makeup.

Distractions while driving are common, and for most, they may seem unavoidable because they have become part of the driving routine. Motorists are urged to reduce daily distractions in order to keep you and other motorists out of harm's way.

Continue reading "Texting While Driving Can Lead to Fatal Chicago Car Accidents" »

Distracted driving behaviors are the cause of approximately 8,000 car accidents in Illinois and throughout the country daily. This is why for the third straight year, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has claimed the week of October 2-8 as Heads-Up Driving Week.

Car accident attorneys in Cook County, Will County and Kane County know that even some of the littlest things can cause a distraction while we drive. For example, swatting at a fly that is annoyingly buzzing around your head while you drive can cause a motorist to take their hand, eyes and mind all off the road at the same time. This type of slight behavior and lapse in focus is what causes so many deaths and injuries in car crashes hourly on our nation's roadways.

One of the crucial problems related to distracted driving is the urge that motorists have to multi-task while driving. Most see downtime while driving as an opportunity to make or cancel appointments, check your Facebook page, check in with your family, make a to-do list for the week or get updated on current events or sports scores.

Unfortunately, these behaviors all force drivers to take their focus off the most important task, which is driving. Studies have shown recently that drivers spend more than 50 percent of their time distracted behind the wheel. A recent study by the University of Utah has actually confirmed that our brains don't really have the capacity to multi-task. Researchers have found that performance level goes down as we attempt to direct our attention to different facets.

Another crucial problem is driver attitude. Safety advocates must feel like they are talking to a brick wall sometimes when it comes to conveying the dangers of distractions behind the wheel. Most motorists understand the dangers, but studies have shown that at any given daylight hour, more than 10 percent of cell phone users are operating a vehicle.

Sadly, 94 percent of those surveyed in the 2011 Traffic Safety Culture Index admit that texting or emailing is dangerous and yet a third confess to practicing the dangerous behavior while operating a vehicle in the last month. Many adult drivers incorporate a "do as I say, not as I do" attitude which makes teaching driving safety to young drivers all that more difficult. Until drivers start practicing what they preach, roadways will continue to be a danger to all motorists when it comes to distracted, drunk or drowsy driving accidents.

For the week of October 2-8, AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is asking drivers to eliminate all the distractions inside your vehicle and focus only on the road. Not only can you personally make the pledge to drive distraction-free but talk to co-workers, friends and family members about doing the same. Trying it for a week could just be enough to get you jump-started to driving safely for a month, year or forever.

Continue reading "Pledging to Drive Distraction-Free Can Reduce the Risk of Car Accidents in Cook County, Elsewhere" »

Driving can be a complex task and requires full attention every time a motorist gets behind the wheel. Our Chicago car accident lawyers know that young drivers tend to get distracted with fiddling with the radio or reading an incoming text message while they drive, which is why safety advocates and national organizations play such a vital role in creating awareness about teen driver safety.

The National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) will be hosting the 2011 Distracted Driving Summit held in Washington D.C. on October 17th. Funding for the event is provided through a grant from AT&T. NOYS embraces teen-led and teen-informed programs as a method to reach the young age group of beginner drivers. By gathering together to train and empower young leaders, the issue of distracted driving can hopefully begin to be put to rest through the powerful force of peer pressure.

Teen car accidents in Illinois and elsewhere in the country is the number one cause of death for young people. NOYS reports that almost 3,000 teens between the ages of 15 to 19 were killed in our nation in 2009 as a result of a traffic accident. It is also estimated that another 350,000 teenagers were injured nationwide in 2009 after being involved in a car crash.

Teens can look forward to the following at the 2011 Distracted Driving Summit later this month:
-Keynote speakers from the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will provide a presentation.
-The 2011-2012 NOYS Teen Distracted Driving Prevention Team (TDDPT) which is comprised of 10 advisors and 40 teens will be announced for the first time.
-Traffic safety experts, companies and organizations will perform workshops and pre-training sessions for TDDPT.
-Attendees will be given the opportunity to showcase programs, products and other resources, as well as, sponsorship to address the dangers of distracted driving to the teen age group.

Even though the 100 Deadliest Days (May through August) have passed for teen drivers this year, there is no time like the present for teachers, guardians or parents to initiate conversations with young drivers about the dangers of distracted driving. Parents and other adults can have just as important of an impact on the beliefs of a young driver as fellow teens can have.

Possible discussion topics may include:
-If your teen attends a party that is serving alcohol, how best do they see fit to handle the situation?
-If your teen is working until 10 p.m. and they feel drowsy, what steps can be taken to get them home safely?
-What should your teen do if they ride to school every day with another young driver who is constantly talking on their cell phone while they drive?
-If your teen needs to drive in severe weather or their car breaks down while driving, what safe behaviors should be utilized to prevent injury from a potential accident?

Helping the teens in our lives to understand the importance of safe driving behaviors and the dangers of getting distracted behind the wheel can not only help keep our loved ones safe but also keeps the roadways safer for others.

Continue reading "2011 Distracted Driving Summit Geared Towards Reducing Teen Distracted Driving Accidents Illinois" »

Chicago car accident attorneys realize the importance of getting high-profile venues, popular sports figures and organizations to help sponsor safe driving campaigns and we know the impact that it can have on reducing speed-related, drunk driving, distracted driving or other types of car accidents in Illinois.

For the fifth straight year, the Illinois Department of Transportation is teaming up with NASCAR and Chicagoland Speedway to promote positive driving behaviors by Illinois motorists at the NASCAR race weekend in September. Two national campaigns will be promoted at during the weekend's events -- Buckle Up America and Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk.

Illinois was the first state to initiate a safe driving behavior program with NASCAR as an attempt to reach out to speed racing fans throughout the state. IDOT hopes to deliver a positive message to NASCAR race fans that drunk driving and failure to use seatbelt restraints are risky behaviors that can take the lives of many motorists and passengers sharing Illinois roadways. Fans will have an opportunity to win prizes in random drawings if they sign up to take the pledge at one of four locations during the event. Pledge locations will be available at the Main Concourse, Champions Park, in the Midway, and at the KidsZone. Fans can pledge to buckle up every passenger, every time and every trip they get in the car to go somewhere or always be sober or have a designated driver when they plan to drink.

Earlier this summer, IDOT announced several other race events that would be sponsoring the traffic safety program. Other NASCAR events supporting the two campaigns were STP 300, Messina Wildlife Animal Stopper 150, O'Reilly Auto Parts NHRA Nationals, NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and Dollar General 300. NASCAR racing teams and drivers along with their sponsors have shown their support of the Buckle Up America Challenge by offering special prizes to fans who take the pledge. A few of the NASCAR drivers to show support are Kurt Busch, David Ragan, Carl Edwards and Reed Sorenson.

Though NASCAR drivers make their living driving at high rates of speed, motorists are never encouraged to travel over the speed limit, especially after drinking at a NASCAR or other event that serves alcohol. To take the Responsibility Has Its Rewards Pledge online, you have to commit to never driving intoxicated, always have a driver available when you have been drinking, never supply alcohol to someone who is underage, and buckle up every trip or every time you get in the vehicle.

The Buckle Up America campaign suggests you take one season at a time. From January through March, child passenger safety should be a focus point in which child safety laws, enforcement and awareness should be communicated and executed within your community.

In April, May and June, the focus is on getting everyone in America to adhere to seatbelt laws and fasten their restraint no matter what seat is occupied in a vehicle. During the months of July, August and September, school age children are targeted to help them start the school year off on the right foot. The last season is during holiday travel and the months of October, November and December. Since so many motorists are traveling during the holidays, the Buckle up America campaign encourages everyone to arrive safely for the holidays by restraining with a belt each time you get in the car.

Reduce the risks of injury in a car crash by buckling up and driving safely each time you get behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Pledge "Not To" Campaigns Targeted at NASCAR events in Illinois" »

Alcohol consumption and holiday weekends seem to go hand in hand so as everyone prepares for the last big summer bash of the year, our Illinois accident attorneys want to remind drivers to drive safely and be responsible before you get behind the wheel to drive.

Drunk driving accidents in Chicago and elsewhere in the state are a danger on holiday weekends because there are a high number of gatherings and barbeques taking place. Though last year's Labor Day weekend crash statistics for Illinois were somewhat improved from previous years, 40 percent of Labor Day weekend crashes in 2009 and 58 percent in 2008 were alcohol-related.

The Illinois Department of Transportation knows what a risk it is to be on roadways during holiday weekends so they recently conducted a wet lab controlled training demonstration to illustrate to participants the dangers of driving while under the influence.

"The demonstration today illustrates how devastating alcohol impairment is on a person's judgment, control and ability to operate a vehicle," said Acting Transportation Secretary Ann Schneider.

During the wet lab exercise, a person consumes enough alcohol to give them a blood alcohol concentration of .08 but remains in a controlled environment with law enforcement officials surrounding them. Under a controlled setting, subjects can learn and begin to understand the effects of alcohol, how it impairs judgment and affects motor skills provided by an alcohol concentration level over the legal limit.

Impaired participants underwent standard Field Sobriety Tests issued by police officers and demonstrated what happens in a DUI arrest. A demonstration of how Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Devices work in vehicles was exhibited showing that a vehicle will not start if alcohol is detected in the driver's system.

Over 350 state and local law enforcement agencies in Illinois have been issuing a crackdown on drunk driving since August 19th as part of the 2011 Labor Day "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign. Heightened patrolling, especially during the most dangerous hours of midnight to 3 a.m., and sobriety checkpoints will continue to be in full force not only in Illinois but throughout most of the country through September 5th.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that almost 11,000 people die each year in drunk driving-related accidents. Each day there are roughly 1,440 medically attended injuries and 29 fatalities following an alcohol-related accident. Additionally, someone dies every 23 minutes between 12 a.m. to 3 a.m. in an accident caused by a drunk driver.

The NHTSA hopes that Americans will take this opportunity to get more involved and advocate for reducing alcohol impaired crashes. There are several ways to spread the Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over message which include: downloading a desktop or wallpaper message to your personal or work computer, posting a message or icon on your Facebook page, printing and posting posters that point out the dangers of alcohol consumption and driving, or remind family and friends not to drive drunk to avoid getting a ticket or worse getting into a serious car crash.

Continue reading "Labor Day Campaign Aimed at Reducing Drunk Driving Accidents in Illinois, Nationwide" »

Chicago car accident attorneys want to wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend by urging motorists to be alert and use caution while you venture out on one of the most dangerous holiday weekends of the year.

Most people will be out enjoying the last of the summer hurrahs so in order to avoid a Illinois car accident , you should make sure to use an extra bit of caution.

CBS Chicago reports that more people are expected to be on roadways, but traveling shorter distances over the holiday weekend. Just because people are staying in short proximity to their home doesn't mean the risk of a car accident decreases.

Gas prices have plummeted almost 10 percent since May which will likely lead to more Chicagoans getting out to attend family gatherings or barbeques with friends close to home. AAA Chicago is expecting 1.6 million motorists on roadways this weekend which is up slightly from last year's total. With many people off from work and out enjoying the weather, more accidents can occur.

The National Safety Council is anticipating almost 39,000 injuries in car crashes Labor Day weekend and almost 400 traffic fatalities nationwide. Labor Day weekend over the past six years has had more than 14 percent more traffic fatalities than non-holiday weekends during a similar time frame.

Labor Day Driving Tips for motorists:

-Prepare for a long trip by having your mechanic run a quick check on vehicle systems, fan belts, fluids, brakes, radiator and cooling system. Making sure everything is in good working order can reduce the risk of a breakdown on the road.
-Be flexible with your departure time and planned route to avoid high traffic congestion. Drive during non-peak hours if that is an option. Allow extra time if driving in peak hours can't be avoided.
-Be aware of your physical and mental frame of mind while you are behind the wheel. Driving drowsy, aggressively, or speeding because you are stressed about being late only increases the risk of being involved in a car accident.
-Disable electronic devices such as cell phones, navigational systems, or video players in your vehicle all weekend to help avoid distractions. If a GPS is needed, set the address before you drive so that you can keep your hands on the wheel and stay focused on driving.
-Keep young drivers off the streets by offering your children and their friends a ride to where they want to go.
-Defensive driving can help prepare you for unexpected situations. Use extra caution in poor driving conditions.
-Fasten your seat belt and make sure everyone in the vehicle is buckled before the car starts in motion.
-A speedy driver is an unsafe driver so slow down and follow the posted speed limit to avoid losing control or a speed-related accident.

Continue reading "Drive Safely to Avoid a Car Accident in Illinois This Labor Day Weekend" »

OnStar isn't the only device these days if you want to keep track of an elderly or teen driver who is lost or in an emergency situation. State Farm is getting in on the action by offering a new program to Illinois drivers which can report a car accident in Chicago or elsewhere in the state, as well as, locate a stolen vehicle or vehicle driving outside a pre-determined boundary.

Our Illinois car accident lawyers know that a program like this can potentially save lives in addition to saving money so drivers should consider the options. Emergency situations while driving can be terrifying, so having some peace of mind with a similar device can make driving less stressful.

CNET reports that the new program, In-Drive, will be offered this fall to policy holders in Illinois and then eventually branch out to other states throughout the nation.

The technology contains two small devices. One is a small device that plugs into the vehicle's On-Board Diagnostics port and the second device slides onto your visor. Two levels will be offered to customers. A basic package called Connect offers carbon footprint reports, fuel economy, and vehicle diagnostics. It has the capacity to locate a stolen vehicle and it can assess driving risks, meaning how hard you brake or how fast you turn corners among other things. This package costs $5.99 a month.

The Guardian, with an $11.99 monthly fee, offers the basic package plus an emergency roadside assistance operator available at your fingertips. Drivers involved in an accident can push the button located on their visor; reach an emergency operator who will then send a first responder to the accident. The technology also allows the operator to reach out to the driver if they detect an accident has occurred but no one has pushed the button.

A third option is also available for policy holders with a teen or elderly driver in their family. Co Pilot is tagged with a $9.99 monthly service fee but can alert a parent or caregiver if the device detects a vehicle going over the speed limit or beyond a pre-determined boundary otherwise known as geofencing.

Customers may not want to pay the extra money for these services but State Farm has made it affordable by offering the new program in conjunction with the Drive Safe & Save Program.

This savings program helps drivers who don't travel a lot of miles and practices save driving behaviors. In-Drive customers will now be eligible for the Drive Safe & Save Program and can save anywhere from 3 to 20 percent on their insurance premium.

The In-Drive program can give drivers involved in an accident the peace of mind that someone is a touch away from sending help. Monitoring your whereabouts could potentially save a life with this new safety technology offered by State Farm.

Continue reading "Tracking Device Should Quicken Response Time to Car Accidents in Chicago, Statewide" »

There are a number of things to consider when a teenager gets ready to purchase their first car. On top of the priority list is vehicle safety in hopes of reducing the risk of injury if your teen is involved in an Illinois car accident.

Other things that should be given extensive thought include: who is going to pay for the car, is your teen mature enough to have their own car to drive, how can insurance premiums be lowered, is a new car safer and more cost effective than a used car and what boundaries should be set once a teen gets their license?

Our Chicago car accident attorneys know that purchasing a teen's first vehicle can be stressful and overwhelming because every teen has a brand new sporty car on their wish list once they become fully licensed but the reality is, it probably isn't the safest or financially sound decision a parent could make for their child.

Contrary to popular belief, an article in Daily Finance reports that teens should not assume that a car will be waiting for them the day they pass their exam and get their license. There are financial ramifications that need to be considered first. Parents can help with finances by making it a learning experience for their teen. Set up a "My First Car" account that you're teen driver can deposit into money earned from gifts, summer jobs, or chores so that it teaches them the responsibility of owning and maintaining a vehicle.

When you purchase a vehicle, the most consideration should be given to whether to buy new or used. Newer cars come equipped with all the important safety features like electronic stability control, air bags and anti-lock brakes but also contain lots of distraction devices like stereo systems, GPS devices and in-vehicle technology which make the car unsafe for a teen driver who becomes distracted. Essentially, you just need a vehicle that handles well, brakes quickly and has controlled steering which can often be found in a certified pre-owned vehicle. Used vehicles should be considered because they are more affordable.

There is no shame in doing your homework on crash-testing and safety ratings. Once you narrow down the list of vehicles you are interested in, several online sources can offer safety ratings on the vehicle. These organizations include: safercar.gov, J.D. Power and Associates, and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety to name a few.

Once you determine whether new or used is the way to go, there are some other things that you can do to save some money and make purchasing the car for your teen more affordable.

Many insurance companies will offer discounts for teens that are good students, who take a defensive driving course, or maintain a clean driving record. Communicate to your teen the importance of these behaviors and reward them when they are successful over a period of time. The U.S. Department of Energy is another helpful online source that can help you save money because it tells you how to get the best gas mileage, as well as, other money saving tips.

Before you hand over the keys to your teen, develop and sign a Parent-Teen Driving Contract , which sets up rules and boundaries that both you and your teen agree on.

Knowing your teen is committed to being a safe driver can give you some peace of mind that they will be safer while they are behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Purchasing a Safe Vehicle Can Reduce the Risk of Injury in Chicago Teen Car Accidents" »

Illinois car accident attorneys know that much attention has been placed on distracted driving accidents caused by texting or talking on a cell phone the last few years because deaths related to these kinds of accidents are adding up.

Thirty-four states have banned texting for all drivers but most states still allow drivers to hold a cell phone while operating a vehicle unless they are a school bus driver or a novice. According to Governor's Highway Safety Association (GHSA), Illinois is a state that bans the use of handheld cell phones in construction areas or school zones in addition to drivers that are ages 19 and under and school bus drivers. Hand-held cell phone use by drivers has been banned within the City of Chicago for a number of years.

State action and much more research is needed on distracted driving accidents in Chicago and elsewhere in the U.S. according to a recent release by GHSA.

"Despite all that has been written about driver distraction, there is still a lot that we do not know," said GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha. "Much of the research is incomplete or contradictory. Clearly, more studies need to be done addressing both the scope of the problem and how to effectively address it."

This statement follows the release of the comprehensive report, Distracted Driving: What Research Shows and What States Can Do. The report pulled data from over 350 scientific papers between 2000 and 2011 and gives an overview about what distracted driving is, what impact distractions have on driving, how often it occurs, possible solutions and what states can do to reduce the number of deaths related to distracted drivers.

Key findings include:
-Driving performance is most definitely affected by distractions within the vehicle.

-Most drivers are distracted as much as half of the time they spend behind the wheel.

-The riskier a driving situation is the more apt a driver will not allow themselves to get distracted.

-15 to 25 percent of crashes, from minimal property damage to severe injury or fatality are linked to distracted driving.

-Talking on the cell phone is not considered as much of a crash risk as texting.

Possible countermeasures for states to consider in order to reduce distracted driving accidents are:

-Continue to use federal highway funding to mark edge and centerlines with rumble strips which alert drivers they have swayed outside of the driving area.

-Document accidents caused by distracted drivers so that future evaluation can be obtained through reported incidents.

-Existing laws that pertain to hand-held cell phone bans should be monitored before enacting new laws.

-Enact and enforce texting and cell phone bans for all drivers in each state.

GHSA Executive Director Barbara Harsha stressed, "While distracted driving is an emotional issue that raises the ire of many on the road, states must take a research-based approach to addressing the problem. Until more research is conducted, states need to proceed thoughtfully, methodically and objectively."

One easy solution to reduce the number of distracted driving accidents is simply to refrain from texting or talking while driving. Motorists are urged to control their own destiny by eliminating as many distractions within their vehicle as possible.

Continue reading "Driving Distractions Caused by Cell Phones Create a High Risk for Chicago Car Accidents" »

An Amtrak train headed from Chicago to Emeryville, CA recently collided with a tractor trailer in Nevada causing the death of six people and injuring several others. According to the Chicago Tribune, the truck driver who was killed in the accident had several violations and driving citations in the last few years.

Chicago personal injury lawyers are baffled how the driver even got hired considering the number of federal regulations placed on trucking companies to hire responsible, safe drivers. It is alleged that driver distraction caused the accident which is a common factor in many Illinois trucking accidents.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating all aspects of the accident, including John Davis Trucking Company, the truck driver's health and driving records, the cell phone that is believed to be the driver's, the engine data recorder from the train, and the railroad crossing's mechanical equipment. They have ruled out any malfunctions causing the safety measures to fail at the crossing. The lights, signs and pavement markings, cantilevers and crossing gates were all working to code at the time of the accident.

The highway speed limit in the area of the crossing is 70 mph. The Amtrak train set off the crossing signal approximately 25 seconds prior to the train arriving at the intersection which is visible from roughly a half mile away. Witnesses claim the truck driver was going full speed ahead and didn't attempt to stop at the crossing gates.

John Davis Trucking Company has been cited for 19 previous violations, along with a fatal single-vehicle crash in May. The deceased truck driver in this accident has a laundry list of traffic violations including speeding in a commercial vehicle in July 2008, not wearing a seat belt in August 2008, speeding and driving with a cell phone in two separate incidents in September 2008, speeding in May 2009 and speeding in September 2009.

Last year, the federal government ordered Illinois to develop a plan to reduce the number of railroad crossing accidents according to an article in the Chicago Tribune. The Federal Railroad Administration reported 588 crossing accidents (98 fatalities) in Illinois since 2006 involving vehicles and or pedestrians and trains.

Texas is the only other state that has more reported rail-crossing accidents during this period. The ruling went into effect last August in which the state has one year to come up with a plan to reduce accidents and five years to put the plan in motion or risk losing federal funding. Four crossings in Chicago are deemed deadly, with multiple accidents occurring at each location since 2005. Nationwide, there have been over 7,000 railroad crossing accidents from 2007-2009 which resulted in almost 900 fatalities.

Motorists are reminded to obey all crossing signals and use extra caution when approaching a railroad that intersects with the roadway being traveled. Sitting at a crossing and waiting for a locomotive to pass is a much safer approach than trying to race the train to crossing area in order to avoid waiting the time it takes to pass.

Continue reading "Illinois is Second in Nation in Railroad Crossing Deaths and Accidents" »

With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, it's time for people to relax a little, spend time with family and friends and enjoy the warm conditions outside in Chicago.

Whether it's catching a Cubs or White Sox game this weekend, going to a barbecue or spending time on Lake Michigan, the area will be busy with travelers, many of whom will be visiting from out of town.

But what should be noted is the opportunity for Chicago car accidents this time of year. Chicago Personal Injury Lawyers want you and your family to be safe, so make sure you take extra care if traveling this holiday weekend.

According to the national travel group AAA, 39 million Americans are estimated to hit the roads this Independence Day weekend, driving 50 miles or more from their homes, USA Today reports. That's actually a drop from last year, when about 40 million people traveled. The estimated drop is attributed to rising gas prices, which are about $1 higher than they were this time last year.

But despite a predicted dip in travelers, 39 million is a huge number and represents the possibility of vehicle accidents. And because Chicago is a destination for many, the roads very well may be clogged this weekend.

If you will be driving long distances this weekend, please adhere to these common sense driving safety tips:

Always keep your headlights on
Keep a safe distance between you and other vehicles
Don't speed
Use proper turn signals
Wear your seatbelt
Make sure you're well rested
Clear your vehicle of vision obstructions
Don't drink and drive

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, there have already been 343 fatal crashes in Illinois this year where 382 people were killed. Of the 343 fatal crashes, 61 involved alcohol.
In 2010, there were 858 fatal crashes on the roads in which 927 people were killed. Nearly 1/3 of those accidents involved alcohol.

And when people have additional time off from work and are celebrating, they tend to drink. So, if you are out with friends and family and see that someone has had too much to drink and is attempting to drive, stop them. Offer to drive or call a cab. Drunk driving accidents in Chicago are tragic because they're so avoidable. The negligence and poor choices of one person can affect a family forever. So, use common sense this weekend and do the right thing.

And if your teen is going to hop in the car and pick up friends, make sure you have a long talk with them about how they drive. Teen driving accidents in Illinois are tragic because many times a young life is stopped too short or permanent injuries can affect them for the rest of their lives. Distracted driving, such as texting and driving, using a cell phone and driving, messing with the radio or being careless in the car can turn badly quickly. So, make sure your kids are safe as they travel.

Continue reading "Avoid Illinois Car Accidents This Fourth of July Weekend" »

June 12 through 18 marked the National Safety Council's (NSC) Teen Driver Safety Week in conjunction with National Safety Month throughout June. This annual observance is designed to teach and encourage safe behaviors related to driving.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers know that car crashes kill more teens than the combined total of homicide, suicide and unintentional drug overdose, which are the next three leading causes. Sadly, we know that many teens will die in a summer car crash. New drivers have the greatest risk for being involved in an accident in their first year and first 1,000 miles they drive.

The NSC website is offering the following:

-Teen Driver: A Family Guide to Teen Driver Safety – This material helps parents manage their teen’s passage from beginner to independent driver. The material includes a written parent/teen driving agreement to help identify driving rules, restrictions and consequences.

-Alive at 25 Parent Program online training – In this two-hour online program, parents will be taught how to emphasize good decision-making and basic driving skills that can assist teens in becoming responsible, safe drivers.

-How can I keep my teen driver safe? This webinar will answer such questions as: How can parents and teens work jointly to decrease crash risk? What activities contribute to the largest number of teen driving crashes?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an average of eight teens ages 16 to 19 died every day from motor vehicle injuries in 2009. Teen drivers, per miles, are four times more likely to crash than older drivers. What puts teen drivers at risk? A few risks include having too many passengers in the vehicle, inexperience, night driving, distracted driving and drunk driving.

Illinois Department of Transportation, Chicagoland Speedway and Route 66 Raceway have joined together to promote safe driving. Fans will be asked to sign the "Buckle Up America pledge: I Pledge to BUCKLE UP, Every Trip, Every Time and that all passengers in my vehicle will be properly restrained at all times." Adult race fans will be asked to sign the "Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk" pledge.

"We are pleased to join forces once again with racing fans at Chicagoland Speedway to promote traffic safety and positively impact millions more race fans in Illinois and across the nation," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "By promoting programs that increase safety belt usage and prevent impaired driving, NASCAR and Chicagoland Speedway events promise to remain a safe and enjoyable time for everyone. We hope to see many more fans commit to traffic safety this year."

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) says the next 100 days are the deadliest for teen drivers.

MADD wants parents to remind their young drivers to:

-Never drink and drive.

-Wear a seat belt.

-Don't use any electronic devices while driving.

-Keep passengers and night time driving to a minimum.

Continue reading "Safe Teen Driving Targeted to Reduce Chicago Car Accidents During National Safety Month in June" »

A recent one-car accident in Chicago injured three and killed a toddler, according to the Chicago Tribune. Illinois state troopers determined that alcohol was a contributing factor in this accident that happened on the Dan Ryan Expressway near 75th Street

Four additional women were also injured in the accident that closed the roadway for nearly 2 hours during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys continue to see too many preventable injuries and deaths resulting from intoxicated driving. The Memorial Day holiday weekend, and other holiday weekends, present an increased risk of drunk driving traffic accidents. One of the only ways to prevent these fatal incidents is to make smart choices and to stay out of your vehicle after consuming alcohol or after consuming any other types of drugs.

The female driver was taken to Stroger Hospital and is now facing DUI charges.

The 11-month-old child was taken to the Cook County medical examiner's office and was pronounced dead later in the evening. According to the examiner's office, the toddler would have turn a year old this month.

The accident occurred as the driver lost control of the vehicle that carried four women and four children. The vehicle struck a guard rail, according to police. Three of the four children were ejected from the vehicle as they were not properly restrained in child safety seats or wearing seat belts, according to authorities.

The three children who survived the accident were taken to the Comer Children's Hospital and were listed in serious to critical condition. One of the adults was taken to the Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn and was listed in serious to critical condition. Two other adults were transported to the University of Chicago Hospitals and remain in fair to serious condition, reports Fire Department officials.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were nearly 11,000 fatalities because of traffic accidents that involved a driver with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher in 2009. These accidents accounted for more than 30 percent of total traffic deaths for the entire year. In that same year, Illinois saw nearly 400 fatalities from traffic accidents that involved an intoxicated driver.

Alcohol Problems and Solutions offers you these tips to help keep you and you loved ones safe from jumping behind the wheel after consuming alcohol:

-Volunteer to be a designated driver.

-Take keys away from friends or family members that have been consuming alcohol.

-Coordinate a group cab or a stay at a hotel if you and your friends have been drinking.

-Remember that the consumption of alcohol, of any amount, greatly reduces your driving ability and your ability to react behind the wheel.

-Never instigate or encourage excessive alcohol consumption. Intoxicated behavior is dangerous, not amusing.

Continue reading "Accused Drunk Driver in Illinois Takes the Life of a Toddler" »

A family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the city after their family member died in a car that went into the North Branch of the Chicago River, reports the Chicago Sun-Times.

Our Illinois car accident lawyers know that about 300 people die tragically every year from vehicle submersion car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere throughout the state.

The family of the young woman, a model and college student, is claiming better barricades and warning signs might have prevented the crash. The victim was found by a Chicago Police Marine Unit dead in her car that was submerged in the Chicago River around the 1100 block of West Blackhawk Street. A text message she sent to a friend confirms she was in that area trying to find her way to a nightclub.

Drivers who are unfamiliar with the area are in serious danger of being involved in a submersion accident. The city issued a statement that there is a "no outlet" sign on the street, the street is well-lit, and there is an 8-inch curb at the end of the street. The family is seeking more than $50,000 in damages.

Here are some valuable safety tips regarding vehicle submersion:

-You can escape a car that has just hit the water by opening the door. This needs to be done quickly before enough water is pressing the doors closed.

-If too much water is against the doors, you must wait until the entire car is filled with water to open the door and escape. When the pressure inside and outside the car is equal, the door will open easily. Don't attempt to open the door until the car is full - save your strength and oxygen.

-You cannot use your arms or legs to punch out a window. You can break windows with a window-breaking hammer and spring- loaded center punches. Car windows will not break with blunt objects; these devices have a pointed tip that will shatter the window.

-It is extremely difficult to escape a submerged car that has flipped over.

-Power windows on a submerged vehicle generally do not work; they might work briefly in fresh water. If you have an older car with crank windows, hand cranking won't work. You will most likely break the handle before budging the window.

Continue reading "Submersion car accidents a risk to Chicago drivers and others" »

The National Safety Council (NSC) is predicting more than 400 traffic fatalities this Memorial Day weekend and another 39,400 injuries caused by car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere in the country.

The official holiday weekend begins Friday at 6 p.m. and ends Monday at 11:59 p.m.

"We are reminding Americans to buckle up before they hit the road for the long Memorial Day weekend," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Seat belts are a lifesaver, but too many people are failing to buckle their seat belts at night, and it’s costing lives."

Our Illinois car accident attorneys would like to remind residents to be safe this long holiday weekend. We would also like to remind you that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will be enforcing its “Click It or Ticket” campaign from the last week in May until the first week in June. Residents are urged to wear their seat belts while traveling on our roadways this holiday weekend to not only prevent injury in a motor vehicle accident, but to avoid a traffic citation as well.

The “Click It or Ticket” campaign has proved to be the most successful safety belt enforcement campaign as it has contributed to the highest national safety belt usage rate – almost 90 percent. Law enforcement agencies will be enforcing zero-tolerance for violations of safety belt use across the country throughout the campaign.

The NSC estimates that more than 300 motorists will survive this Memorial Day holiday weekend because of seat belts. Additionally, it estimates another 103 lives could be saved if everyone were to wear their seat belts.

Motorists are less likely to buckle up late at night, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation. Last year in Illinois, statistics show that only two in 10 people who died in crashes from midnight to 3 a.m. were properly restrained by a seat belt.

Over the last six years, the Memorial Day holiday weekend saw an average of more than a 12 percent increase in traffic fatalities than averages on other similar non-holiday periods. Researchers believe this is probably because of the increase travel in the U.S.

To help you stay safe on our roadways this Memorial Day holiday weekend, the NSC recommends that drivers consider the following:

-Make sure that all vehicle occupants are wearing their seat belts and children are placed in the appropriate child safety seat.

-Halt distracted driving habits. Do not use your cell phone or text behind the wheel.

-Allow yourself plenty of time for travel. Allowing extra time will help you avoid frustrations or any acts of road rage.

-Plan out your trip before departure. A plan will help with smoother travel.

-Practice defensive driving habits and exercise caution, especially in congested roadways and in inclement weather.

-Get plenty of rest. Avoid driving while fatigued or drowsy.

-Do not get behind the wheel if you've consumed alcohol. Even the littlest of consumption impairs driver reaction time and judgment.

Continue reading ""Click It Or Ticket" in Full Force Memorial Day Weekend To Reduce Risk of Car Accidents in Illinois and Elsewhere" »

The summer months are approaching fast and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) would like to remind parents and those who may be riding in a car with a child to keep in mind the dangers behind leaving children in a vehicle as children can experience hyperthermia in Illinois and elsewhere across the country.

The NHTSA conducted research in which results illustrated the increased risk of serious injury -- or even death -- for children who are left alone in vehicles. Hyperthermia, or heat-stroke, is the leading cause of non-accident car deaths for children who are under the age of 14. The unfortunate statistics reveal that nearly 30 documented deaths are a direct result from children left in vehicles each year.

Our Illinois personal injury lawyers understand that mistakes happen. Parents must exercise every preventable measure to avoid this serious and possibly deadly event from happening to their child. It is also important to speak with your daycare centers, caregivers and school employees about the very serious and possible event. You want to take every precaution possible to ensure that your child will not be left in a hot vehicle. Every year, babysitters and daycare centers are responsible for forgetting children left in vehicles and the results can be tragic.

The NHTSA provides the following tips to help parents protect their child from in-car hyperthermia during these summer months and year around:

-Teach your children that a vehicle is not a play area. Do not let them play in a vehicle unattended.

-Keep something noticeable in their car seat, like a bright, stuffed toy. Once you've buckled the child into the seat, put that object where you will notice it when you leave the vehicle.

-Ask that your child's daycare center notify you if your child doesn’t arrive on time.

-Always lock your car's doors and trunks. Keep keys out of children's reach. If your child is missing, be sure to check the vehicle first, and don't forget to look in the trunk.

- Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, not even if the windows are open or if the engine is running and the air conditioner is on.

-Make a habit of looking in the vehicle before locking it and walking away. Be sure that you check both your front and back seats.

-Put your purse, briefcase or something that you’re sure to need in the rear seat so that you’ll be sure to see if a child is left in the vehicle.

-Write yourself a note and put it where you’ll see it when you leave the vehicle. This will serve as a constant reminder to check for children. It may sound silly, but it happens.

These steps may not prevent every case of a child left in a vehicle. When children are in distress because of heat, it is vital to get them out of the vehicle as quickly as possible. Warning signs of hyperthermia can include hot, red, moist skin, dry skin or no sweating. They can also experience a strong rapid pulse, a slow weak pulse, nausea or strange behavior. It is important you cool the child rapidly after being pulled from a hot vehicle.

According to the Department of Geosciences at San Francisco State University, nearly 50 children died because of hyperthermia after they were left in hot vehicles in the United States in 2010. Since 1998, nearly 500 children have died from heat-related issues after being left in hot vehicles. Since 1998, Illinois has experienced 13 child deaths from hyperthermia from children being left in a vehicle.

An examination of the statistics above found the following:

-More than 50 percent of these children were "forgotten" in a car by a caregiver.

-30 percent of the hyperthermia deaths occurred when a child was playing in an unattended vehicle.

-Nearly 20 percent of the children were left in the vehicle intentionally by an adult.

-Approximately 1 percent of deaths reported unknown circumstances.

Continue reading "Summer Months Increase Risks for Child Deaths Caused by Hyperthermia in Illinois and Elsewhere" »

Recently U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that although Americans are traveling more miles, the number of traffic fatalities in 2010 dropped to their lowest since 1949.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers know that Illinois had over 900 fatalities last year and is among the top 10 deadliest states for fatal motor vehicle crash victims.

"Last year's drop in traffic fatalities is welcome news and it proves that we can make a difference," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "Still, too many of our friends and neighbors are killed in preventable roadway tragedies every day. We will continue doing everything possible to make cars safer, increase seat belt use, put a stop to drunk driving and distracted driving and encourage drivers to put safety first."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) early projections indicate traffic fatalities declined three percent between 2009 and 2010. Since 2005, there has been a steady drop in traffic deaths; in fact fatalities have decreased 25 percent. The fatality rate has also dropped to a record low of 1.09 fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled, a decrease of .04 from 2009.

Regional breakdowns include:
-Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Alaska saw a 12 percent drop in fatalities.
-Arizona, California and Hawaii saw an 11 percent decline.
-Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut had the largest increase in fatalities at 18 percent.
-Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan had the next highest increase at almost 4 percent.

"The decrease in traffic fatalities is a good sign, but we are always working to save lives," said NHTSA Administrator David Strickland. "NHTSA will continue pressing forward on all of our safety initiatives to make sure our roads are as safe as they can possibly be."

Numerous safety and public awareness programs like "Over the Limit. Under Arrest." for reducing drunk driving and "Click It Or Ticket" to increase seat belt use have contributed to reducing traffic fatalities. Two national summits, hosted by the U.S. DOT, on distracted driving and Distraction.gov has brought the disturbing issue of distracted driving to the masses.

Last year the NHTSA revealed its revamped 5-star rating system which includes more intense crash test standards. And it gives the public much more information on how vehicles fared in the crash tests. Automakers need to voluntarily and quickly report safety defects in order to keep the driving public safe. Technology like forward collision, lane departure warnings and electronic stability control are needed to continue to reduce crashes.

Continue reading "Traffic fatalities down nationally, Chicago car accidents a summer danger" »

Spring is in the air which means it is time to get those bicycles out of storage.

Our Chicago injury lawyers want to warn riders and motorists alike to do their part in reducing the risk of Chicago bicycle accidents.

The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) conducted its inaugural bicycle count study during the summer and fall of 2009. The results showed that thousand of bicycles travel the city streets every day.

"This study confirms what we already knew: That bicycles are a popular and convenient way to travel in Chicago," said CDOT Commissioner Bobby L. Ware.

Counts were taken at: 26 locations, during warmer weather conditions, for 24 hours on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and in warmer-weather conditions. All but two locations had shared or dedicated bike lanes.

Of the 26 locations, 17 were observed having more than 200 bicyclists a day. One of the locations counted over 3,000 cyclists.

With increasing bicycle traffic, "dooring" (when a driver opens their vehicle door in the path of a rider) has become an issue. CDOT's Bicycle Program continues to deal with this dangerous behavior by motorists with the following methods:

-Bicycling Ambassadors and police held enforcement events in 8 wards at 18 locations addressing "dooring" behavior.

-Producing several safety videos which included the topic of "dooring".

-Continues to gather data related to "dooring" incidents.

In 2011, Bicycling Ambassadors will work in 15 wards at 30 locations along side police targeting "dooring". CDOT's Bike Program staff will go to police roll calls in 4 districts to speak about issues related to behaviors that endanger cyclists.

Bicyclesafe.com outlines the 8 different types of crash scenarios encountered by cyclists:

-Vehicle door opens in the path of cyclist.

-Oncoming vehicle makes an unexpected left turn right in front of the cyclist.

-A vehicle on the right pulls out of a driveway, parking lot or side street into the path of the cyclist.

-A vehicle passes a cyclist then suddenly makes a right turn directly in front of them. Or when a cyclist passes a slow vehicle on the right the car suddenly turns right.

-Cyclist gets hit because they are riding against traffic.

-Cyclist at red light is waiting in drivers blind spot and gets hit by turning vehicle.

-A vehicle hits a cyclist from behind y not paying attention.

-Cyclist gets hit exiting the sidewalk.

Continue reading "Spring Increases Risk of Chicago Bicycle Accidents" »

Authorities earlier this month kicked off the construction season, reminding motorists to be careful when driving in work zones.

Our Chicago car accident lawyers know the dangers workers face in their efforts to improve our roadways. We understand the horrific injuries caused by distracted drivers in Chicago who crash into a roadway work zone. The consequences are often deadly for drivers as well.

This comes on the heels of Governor Pat Quinn's announcement regarding work projects this year to improve 105 bridges and 490 miles of road.

“We are excited to move forward with these projects that will create jobs and make our roads safer,” Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. “We believe they will spark economic development and enhance the quality of life for residents across the state.”

The multi-year construction plan for 2012 through 2017 includes replacing or rehabbing 611 bridges and making improvements to 3,248 miles of roads.

A multitude of agencies have joined together to promote safety, particularly around work zones.

"As Illinois kick-starts its annual construction season, we want to ensure that motorists and workers protect themselves and others while traveling through work zones," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "The state experienced historic two-year lows in traffic fatalities in 2009 and 2010, which resulted in part from strategic partnerships, excellent engineering, impactful traffic safety campaigns, effective programs and consistent motorist compliance to state law. We strongly encourage all motorists to be alert for workers in these zones, slow down, buckle up, obey posted speed limits and drive free of distractions like cell phones and texting devices."

This is the second year for Illinois distracted driving laws, which forbids the use of hand-held cell phones while in construction or school zones. Texting is also prohibited by any driver at anytime.

Construction has already begun on the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway to make improvements to the 50-year-old roadway. "While construction is under way, we remind drivers to slow down and stay alert in work zones and remember that texting while driving is always illegal when you're behind the wheel in Illinois," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur.

Key contributing factors in work zone crashes are speed and inattentiveness. Preliminary statistics for Illinois in 2010 indicate that there were 28 fatal crashes in work zones, resulting in the deaths of 32 people.

"Illinois State Police Troopers will strictly enforce work zone speed limits and the "move over" law which requires motorists to slow down and, if possible, change lanes when approaching police, emergency or construction vehicles displaying flashing warning lights," Interim Director Patrick Keen said. "We will also strictly enforce Distracted Driving laws which restrict the use of a cell phone in a construction zone and texting while driving."

In 2004 harsher work zone speeding fines went into effect:

-Speeding in a work zone the first time will cost you $375.
-If caught speeding a second time the fine is $1,000 and you lose your license for 90 days.
-If you hit a worker the fine is $10,000 and a maximum of 14 years in jail.

Remember – See Orange. Slow Down. Save Lives!

Continue reading "Road Construction Increases Risk of Illinois Car Accidents" »

As the weather improves and the temperatures continue to rise, motorcycle enthusiasts are starting to get the itch to return to the roadways this spring. Illinois motorists are reminded to be prepared for motorcyclists who will begin traveling on roadways because there will be an increased risk for Chicago motorcycle accidents.

Our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys have a growing concern in early spring each year knowing that over 50% of motorcycle accidents involving another vehicle are the fault of the driver and not the rider.

Illinois Department of Transportation along with other motorcycle advocates like A Brotherhood Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) and Gold Wing Road Riders Association (GWRRA) are sending a message this spring with the launch of "Gear Up" Campaign.

"IDOT is dedicated to motorcycle safety in Illinois and has developed a proven and effective traffic safety program to positively impact motorcyclists and the general public as a whole," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "Motorcyclists are among the most vulnerable of highway users, and we want to work together to promote motorcycle safety and help protect all of the motoring public."

The "Gear Up" Campaign is meant to address the accidents that are caused by the rider by offering training and information on proper equipment to use while riding. Free training courses and educational material will be offered to motorcyclists with a registered license in Illinois in an effort to keep riders safer.

Though motorcycles account for less than 3% of vehicle registrations, almost 14% of all vehicle fatalities involve a motorcycle. Safety can be vastly improved with the use or proper equipment while riding, as well as proper training in handling the motorcycle.

"Our goals are to educate our members in proper riding techniques and safe operation and to improve public acceptance and awareness of motorcyclists while maintaining a friendly, fun atmosphere," said GWRRA Illinois District Director Dan Ribbing.

The "Gear Up" campaign offers the following safety tips from IDOT:

-Awareness of your abilities and experience are the key to a safer ride. Don't try advanced maneuvers before you gain the needed knowledge and experience.

-Never operate a motorcycle under the influence of alcohol.

-Obeying traffic laws decreases the risk of an accident significantly.

-Motorcyclists should always maintain proper licensing. Approximately 20% of riders killed in motorcycle accidents are not properly licensed.

-Proper riding equipment like gloves, long pants, jackets, goggles, and DOT-approved helmets should be worn by all riders on motorcycles. Bright colors increase visibility to other motorists and can add further safety precautions.

-During the 2011 training season, IDOT will make 25,000 free training slots available to motorcycle riders. Gain as much access as possible to free training and safety programs.

To learn more about Illinois motorcycle safety courses or general information about safety while riding visit Start Seeing Motorcycles.

Continue reading "Spring a Dangerous Time for Chicago Motorcycle Accidents" »

A common goal each year for city and state officials in Illinois is to reduce the number of Chicago car accidents leading to traffic fatalities. Illinois Department of Transportation and Illinois State Police recently announced, for the second straight year, the state recorded less than 1,000 traffic fatalities in 2010.

Those figures still rank Illinois among the nation's 10 deadliest states.

Our Chicago car accident attorneys are warning motorists that as the economy improves and people get back to work, the number of serious and fatal car accidents is expected to increase.

State and local officials may think that the milestone is commendable but the fact still remains that three people a day are killed in Illinois car accidents. In 2009, Illinois reported 911 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. In 2010, the preliminary data shows 923 fatalities occurred from motor vehicle crashes on Illinois roadways.

"IDOT is encouraged by this historic accomplishment, but understands that continued perseverance and hard work are essential to maintain or decrease the number of traffic fatalities in years to come," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "In recent decades, the goal of achieving fewer than 1,000 roadway fatalities in a state of this size was considered impossible, but now it is reality."

A key element in reducing the number of traffic fatalities, or so it is believed, is the awareness, training, and engineering programs that are being funded and supported by city and state officials. Programs such as Occupant Protection, Motor Carrier Safety, Work Zone Safety, Drunk Driving, Motorcycle Safety and Teen Safe Driving have been the focal point over the last year or so in order to improve traffic safety and driving behaviors.

"We commend the efforts of our partners, as we spotlight the numerous effective programs administered by IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety and our partner agencies," said Hannig. "We also applaud motorists’ continued efforts to drive safely and comply with highway safety laws in Illinois."

A strong partnership between Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation will continue to play an important role to keep Illinois roadways safe. IDOT has beefed up patrol around peak holidays and enhanced visibility of law enforcement officials in an effort to reduce the number drunk driving accidents as well as seatbelt usage in the state.

"The Illinois State Police is proud to continue its partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies to help reduce traffic crash fatalities. We remain committed to improving safety on Illinois roadways, and will utilize all available resources to provide safety education programs which promote safe driving habits," said Interim Director Patrick E. Keen. "Although it is difficult to attribute the reduction of traffic crash fatalities to a single factor, there is no doubt that the combined efforts of law enforcement personnel, the Illinois Department of Transportation and our private partners have significantly contributed to saving lives. With the continued support and cooperation from the motoring public, we can help keep the momentum going for years to come."

State and local officials want to take credit for the reduced statistics. But practicing safe driving behaviors is the best way to avoid becoming one.

Continue reading "Reduction in Chicago car accidents reported; state still among the nation's most dangerous" »

The word on the street is that new technology could soon determine the safest roads to travel in Illinois and throughout the country. Our Chicago car accident lawyers frequently report about the dangers of congested roadways leading to Illinois car accidents.

USA Today recently reported that AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety surveyed over 2,000 drivers in 2009 and found that 73% of them would consider using data from a website that determined the safest roads to travel, especially on roads that aren't familiar to them.

There are currently numerous states participating in a pilot program to develop a website that will determine the safest roads. Illinois is one of 8 states participating in the new program. Other participants located in various parts of the country include New Mexico, Utah, Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, Florida, and Iowa. If proven successful, more states would be added throughout the course of this year.

Similar to other map websites that can determine the short distance both in time and mileage, the new website will use the same parameters. Users will log onto the website and put in city to city where they want to travel. The website will then determine which is the safest route based on highest rates of traffic deaths and serious injuries, as well as engineering features. Provided the information remains updated and accurate, this could be an extremely valuable tool for families who like to plan vacations traveling by car.

The program is expected to take two to three years to make comprehensive determinations regarding the nation's safest and deadliest routes. It will also allow state and local officials to use the data on fatalities, injuries, and safety features to improve the safety of their streets, highways, and interstates.

The University of Minnesota Center for Excellence in Rural Safety currently provides an interactive website that allows drivers to map fatal crashes. SafeRoadMaps.org originated in 2008 and has proven quite popular, with over 10 million viewers visiting the site in its relatively short time of existence.

The concept for the new technology is good but reliability still needs to be proven. Finding the safest route could help Illinois road trippers get where they want to go safely but the best determinant is to practice safer driving behaviors. Avoiding behaviors like distracted driving, road rage, and drunk driving can get you there safer than any website can.

Continue reading "Internet could put safe routes at your fingertips, reduce risk of Illinois car accidents" »

Since everyone ages differently, should senior citizens be permitted to make their own personal decision of when it is time to give up their car keys and sell the Oldsmobile or Caddy? personal injury attorneys in Chicago and elsewhere in the country understand that this is a dilemma that many senior citizens and family members are faced with these days.

A recent article in Ithaca Journal reports that, though most states require a shorter license renewal period for senior citizens, there is no age cut-off of when seniors are no longer permitted to drive. This inevitably leaves the decision up to the senior citizen who drives to church, the grocery store, bingo and social events -- often despite their health conditions or abilities to be safe drivers. Studies are showing that from ages 75 to 84, the fatality rate per 100 million miles driven is equivalent to that of the teenagers, who are typically considered the most dangerous drivers on the road. Elderly drivers ages 85 and older have a much higher fatality rate than teens, almost four times higher.

Do motorists have reason to fear elderly drivers causing Illinois car accidents? We posted previously on our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer Blog that 11.4% of the 1,434 fatal Chicago crashes in 2008 were from drivers age 65 and older.

There were 157 fatalities in 2008 in crashes involving a driver 65 and over in the state.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration offers several resources to help elderly drivers and families. If states fail to establish an age cut-off for driving privileges, knowing the signs of when your driving skills are diminishing can help protect you and your loved ones from the anguish that so often accompanies a serious or fatal accident.

Driving Safely While Aging Gracefully is one resource to consider when determining if your driving skills are diminishing. The program offers the following tips:

-Vision should be tested annually. If you have trouble seeing lane lines, pavement markings, street signs, pedestrians, or other vehicles, especially at night, have your vision tested immediately.

-Sit on a cushion if you have trouble seeing over the dashboard and at least 10 feet in front of the car. Adjust your mirrors before you put the car in drive to avoid headlight glare.

-Difficulty looking over your shoulder, moving your foot from gas to brake pedal, moving your head from left to right, and raising your arms to the top of the steering wheel are all symptoms of declining physical fitness that can affect driving skills. Seek medical attention to help treat these physical deficiencies.

-An increase in stress or confusion, slowed reaction and lapses in attention span are all serious symptoms that must be identified in order to avoid traffic accidents.

Senior citizens with clean driving records should be given the benefit of the doubt when it comes to being a safe driver. However, knowing your capabilities and evaluating them honestly is what will keep senior drivers and other motorists safe on Chicago roadways.

Continue reading "Seniors drivers at high risk of Chicago car accidents" »

Chicago teens are encouraged to participate in the "JST DRV" Radio PSA Contest being held nationwide. The Business Journals recently announced a trip to Honolulu for the Youth Traffic Safety Conference and $1,000 to the teen who creates the best public service announcement targeting distracted driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 164 lives were claimed in 2008 involving young drivers in Illinois car accidents.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers recommend that teens participate in the competition in order to better understand what a serious problem driving distracted is in this country. In 2009, the NHTSA reported over 5,400 fatalities and 448,000 injuries in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted driving.

Data provided showed that 16% of fatal crashes involved distracted driving in 2009. The under-20 age group had the highest percentage of involvement in distracted driving fatal crashes at 16%.

"A quarter of all teens admit to texting behind the wheel and, in 2009, the highest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes was under the age of 20," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. "We know we have to engage teens in order to put an end to distracted driving. With their help, we can educate teens and adults about making smarter choices that will save lives."

The National Road Safety Foundation and National Student Safety Program are two organizations launching the PSA contest. Teens participating in the "JST DRV" Radio PSA Contest must be between ages 14-18 and are required to submit a 15-30 second voice announcement about the risks and dangers of driving distracted. In addition to the first place prize, three runners-up will each receive a $500 scholarship along with a Bluetooth hands-free device.

"The JST DRV Radio PSA Contest hopes to engage young people in communicating important messages about distracted driving in their own voice," said Michelle Anderson, operations director of the National Road Safety Foundation.

For more information about the contest, you can visit www.nrsf.org or www.adtsea.org/nssp. The deadline for entries is March 25, 2011. The winning message will be broadcast in May during National Youth Traffic Safety Month.

Continue reading "Contest aims to reduce Illinois car accidents among teens" »

The installation of red light cameras is saving lives according to a recent study by Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

Chicago is one of 14 cities used in the study to determine if red light cameras decrease the number of Illinois car accidents occurring at intersections.

The recent study shows our Chicago personal injury attorneys that, despite the outrage by Chicago drivers regarding red light cameras, they are helping to minimize tragedies at intersections. The report contends if cameras had been installed in all large cities there would have been 815 lives saved during the last five years.

This based on the fact that 159 lives were saved during this same time period in the cities that utilize red light cameras. The study showed that fatal red light running crashes decreased by 24% from 2004-2008.

The City of Chicago indicates that red light camera enforcement began back in 2003 when the City started a pilot program at two intersections: Peterson and Western, and 55th and Western. These two locations were chosen based on available crash data. By the beginning of 2010, a total of 189 intersections had the red light cameras installed. Chicago drivers can go to the city's website for a full list of red light camera intersections located in Chicago.

According to Chicago Sun Times, there is speculation of how effective the cameras are, with some arguing rear-end collisions and other accidents have resulted in an increase in fatalities at intersections.

City officials find the installation of red light cameras cost effective in the sense that it isn't taking manpower to cite the violation. But Chicago drivers remain outraged by the $100 citations according to a recent article in Medill Reports Chicago.

The article explains that tickets are issued when drivers fully enter an intersection after a light turns red which includes drivers who roll through right turns. Motorists will not be issued a ticket if they enter an intersection before the light turns red, come to a complete stop before making a right turn, or pull ahead of the white line but don’t' fully enter the intersection. Proceeding through an intersection illegally triggers an underground sensor which takes three pictures and records a 12-second video. Last year, 52,511 Chicago drivers contested the red light camera violation that they were cited for.

There were a total of 763,419 red light tickets issued in Chicago last year.

Chicago Breaking News reports red light camera citations have become easier to dispute upon the recent law passed January 1st of this year. The new law offers flexibility to motorists cited for a camera violation. In an effort to stop abuse of red light cameras the new law allows drivers the following:

-There will be more room permitted when creeping up to the edge of an intersection before coming to a complete stop.

-Turning right without stopping is still not permitted but it will no longer be required of drivers to come to a stop at a white line several feet away from the intersection.

-Law enforcement officers or retired officers hired to look at violations must review and approve citations.

-Chicago or Cook County violations must have video reviewed by police officers, retired officers, or fully trained technicians hired for this purpose.

-All ticketed motorists must be given access to the video for viewing on the internet.

Continue reading "Red-light camera debate continues; fewer Chicago car accidents reported" »

Most people would agree old habits die hard. Is it therefore more likely that distracted driving leading to Chicago car accidents breaking a habit rather than understanding the law.

Our Illinois personal injury attorneys believe it’s a combination of both. Drivers allow themselves to get distracted by cell phones while driving. But some may not necessarily aware that Illinois passed a ban on texting law for all drivers a little over a year ago.

A recent article in Chicago Tribune reported an online survey indicated that 40% of Illinois Tollway customers didn't know texting and driving was illegal.

Texting was banned for all drivers in Illinois January 1, 2010. The use of hand-held cell phones was banned in 2005. More than 500 vehicle crashes occurred in Illinois during the first 6 months of 2010 due to cell phone and texting.

There were almost 5,500 fatalities in the United States in 2009 as a result of a distracted driving. Distracted driving was the cause of 16% of overall traffic fatalities in 2008 and 2009.

The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced a new statewide campaign "Drive Now. Text Later."

The campaign features a succession of three professionals: a school bus driver, airline pilot, and surgeon that remind drivers "He should be focused….and so should you."

The results of the online survey raised some eyebrows. "We were surprised to learn that so many of our customers were simply not aware that texting while driving is illegal in Illinois," said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. "This campaign is intended to remind us of the potentially deadly consequences that go along with texting while driving. Our customers need to focus on safe driving and remember that they can’t do both."

Posters will be placed at tollbooths, stores, rest stops, and driver's license facilities. Public service announcements will be heard through radio and television. Bumper stickers and adhesive window stickers will be placed on vehicles. A roadway message board is another method that will be used to express the dangers of texting while driving.

Illinois residents will be able to go to a website that will feature downloadable information like safety tips, a fact sheet, and print-ready posters and fliers.

"Distracted driving is an extremely dangerous activity that continues to plague our society today," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "We hope the joint ‘Drive Now. Text Later.’ campaign involving the Illinois Tollway, IDOT, State Police, Secretary of State and AAA Chicago will immediately impact and positively shape motorist behavior statewide. This historic partnership between state and private organizations demonstrates our collective commitment to continuously and effectively improve traffic safety on Illinois roadways."

State officials are doing their part but Chicago drivers need to now do theirs by paying attention and obeying the law.

Continue reading "Anti-texting campaign aims to reduce number of Illinois car accidents caused by distracted driving" »

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers cannot profess to be breaking big news when we say it is shaping up to be a brutal winter in Illinois and throughout the Midwest. Reviewing safe winter driving tips with your family, and making sure your vehicle is in proper working order, remains critical as we all hope Punxsutawney Phil was right in forecasting an early spring.

As we reported last month on our Chicago Car Accident lawyers blog, safety around Chicago snowplows is another important aspect when it comes to avoiding a winter-weather car accident in Chicago or the surrounding area.

Gov. Pat Quinn began the week by issuing a Disaster Declaration. And the Illinois Department of Transportation activated the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield.

“The entire Midwest region of the country is expected to be hit with a serious winter storm over the next few days, and it is important that we are prepared so that Illinois residents are safe and warm in the days ahead,” said Governor Quinn. “We will be increasing efforts to make sure that our roads are clear and that our most vulnerable residents are staying indoors and staying warm.”

Those who have a choice should stay off the roads during winter weather events so road crews can work to restore safe travel and emergency crews are not distracted by dozens of minor crashes. “But it’s also important that people prepare themselves for this storm by stocking their homes with food, water, flashlights, radios and other necessities.” said Joe Kilinger, Illinois' EMA director.

Illinois Storm Safety Tips include:

-Don't travel unless absolutely necessary. Check the forecast and make someone aware of your travel route.

-Give snow plows plenty of room to operate. DO NOT count on a plow operator being able to see you.

-Beware of black ice. Take it slow at intersections, highway ramps, bridges and shady areas.

-Maintain at least two-thirds of a tank of gas.

-Carry an emergency kit, including traction material, blankets, food and first-aid.

-Carry a fully charged cell phone.

-Buckle up.

-Get interstate conditions at 1-800-452-IDOT or www.gettingaroundillinois.com.

Continue reading "Tough winter increases risk of Chicago car accidents" »

Our Chicago accident attorneys want to remind drivers to drive with caution. According to a recent report by the National Safety Council, Illinois is one state where motor vehicle deaths have increased in 2010 even though the nation as a whole has reported a 4% decrease in deaths.

The National Safety Council reported 31,740 motor vehicle deaths for the months of January – November 2010, a decrease from the previous year, which reported 33,180 traffic fatalities. The last three years have reported a 13% decrease in motor vehicle deaths, according to the NSC.

Considering the fact that passenger vehicle registrations continue to rise each year, that is a considerable accomplishment. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported an increase in vehicle registrations, from 200,012,521 in 1999 to 239,890,985 in 2008. During the same 10-year span, the fatality rate per 100,000 vehicle registrations decreased from 16.06 in 1999 to 10.57 in 2008.

Illinois reported 861 motor vehicle deaths from January – November 2010. This is a 2% increase from the previous year recorded at 847 for the first 11 months. Though the number increased this year, there is still an 8% decrease for the last three years.

The NSC is now measuring nonfatal injuries by medically consulted injuries rather than a disabling injury. Meaning any injury requiring medical attention is considered a nonfatal injury. There were a total of 3,100,000 medically consulted injuries from motor vehicle crashes during the first 11 months of 2010.

The real concern to Illinois drivers is the economic repercussions of a motor vehicle accident. The NSC reported $216.5 billion as the estimated cost of motor vehicle deaths, injuries, and property damage during the first 11 months of 2010. This is a 12% increase over 2009. Though this covers everything from medical expenses to lost wages to administrative costs, it is overwhelming to most in a struggling economy. Chicago motorists should seek help if they find themselves in the midst of an accident claim in order to protect their current and future financial well-being.

Continue reading "Illinois bucks national trend -- more car accidents reported in 2010" »

Harsh winter weather and snowy conditions have done more than cause flight cancellations in Chicago and across much of the nation. Area roads have gridlocked and a host of Chicago car accidents have been reported so far this year, including six accidents across Illinois involving snow plows, WREX-13 reports. Most of the motor vehicle-snow plow crashes have been rear-end accidents.

Wet, snowy or icy roads played a role in 173 fatal Illinois car accidents in 2009 and left more than 17,000 motorists, passengers and pedestrians injured. Of those, 64 crashes were involved rear-end collisions that killed 72 and caused another 17,900 injuries, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports. Overall, there were 800 Illinois car accidents a day in 2009, two of them fatal. On average, every 10 hours during 2009 a motorist was injured due to an Illinois car accident.

The Oneida Dispatch reports that a snow plow travels about 35 m.p.h. to maximize clearing potential, and, that often on highways snow plows will travel side-by-side to cover more ground. So, if the snowy conditions don’t snarl traffic, the rate of speed and buddy-system clearing practices will.

Illinois motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to practice the following guidelines when sharing roadway with a snow plow:

~ More often than not when a passenger vehicle driver is involved in an accident with a snow plow, the car driver rear-ends the snow plow. With that in mind, give snow plows maximum following distance. In fact, the safest place for a passenger car is in the area where the snow has been cleared and the road has been salted.

~ Always yield to a snow plow and never assume the driver can see you. If you must pass a plow, be prepared for a change in road surface conditions and give the plow a wide berth. Only pass a plow if you can clearly see the road ahead and on roads where passing is permitted. Be aware that the plow may dump deicing materials.

~ Anticipate that snow plows may operate alongside the road as well as in the travel lanes. Snow plows often move along the shoulder or at entrance and exit ramps and medians. Remember that aside from traveling well below the posted speed limit, a snow plow is likely to back-up in a travel lane. Note that when passing a snow plow a driver can experience “white out” conditions either due to plow discharge or actual weather.

~ Make sure that during the winter weather season you travel with an emergency kit. Your kit should include: a bag of sand or salt, a shovel, a flashlight or flares, jumper cables, an ice scraper, a working cell phone, enough non-perishable food and water, and a change of warm, dry, clothes.

Continue reading "Snow plows involved in six Illinois car accidents so far in 2010" »

The St. Charles Patch reports nearly 200 new state laws went into effect starting January 1st one of which permits Roadside Memorials at the site of fatal accidents.

Our Chicago auto accident attorneys sympathize with families who have lost a loved one in a fatal accident and hope that the new law can preserve memories as well as bring awareness to the risk of fatal accidents in the Chicago area and throughout Illinois.

This new law will allow families to buy and erect a fatal accident memorial at the site of their loved one's accident. It is the hope of state officials that this program will bring awareness to reckless driving by remembering its victims. Previously, only victims killed by drunk drivers were permitted to place a memorial at the spot of the accident.

A spokesman for the Department of Transportation said victims' families currently make their own roadside memorials and as long as they are not distracting they can stay in place. This law will bring uniformity to the memorials and will eliminate the potential risk to friends and families trying to place these memorials themselves.

An article in the Rockford Register Star reported Senator Linda Holmes was the bill's sponsor. She was contacted by a constituent who had lost her 5 year old son. Her husband and son had been in the car when they got a flat tire.

Since there was no shoulder they pulled into the right hand lane and put on the emergency flashers. Though many vehicles went around the disabled car, one sadly did not. The driver was distracted by a fallen cigar and crashed into the disabled vehicle at 55 mph. The impact was so great the rear of the car was caved in 3 feet and the car was propelled 173 feet up the road. The 5 year old was in his safety seat in the rear of the car. He survived the impact but died two hours later at the hospital.

The memorial marker will have the message "Reckless Driving Costs Lives" with the victims name and date of the crash.

Additional laws that went into effect include:
-Brian's Law: Creates teams to investigate deaths of state operated facility residents with mental and/or developmental disabilities.

-Child Protection: Increases fines to drivers who don't secure children in child restraint systems.

-Dangerous Animals-Primates: You are not allowed to possess any primate unless you are a designated facility.

-Intoxicated Vehicle Instructors: You can not be instructing a minor driver who has an instruction permit if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

-Railroad Safety: It is a crime to place any object on railroad tracks making an unsafe railroad condition.

Continue reading "New 2011 laws include permission for roadside memorials in wake of Chicago car accidents" »

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.

Continue reading "Woman found dead month after suburban Chicago car accident" »

Distracted driving is becoming more and more prevalent as a cause for the number of traffic accidents occurring in the United States each year. It only takes a split second to become distracted and cause serious injury to another driver in a Chicago car accident.

Any distraction that takes your mind off the task of driving is a concern. Although there are many types of distractions, there are three that drivers experience the most. First, a visual distraction is when you change focus from the road to something else like reading a map or looking at the person in the car with you. Second, manual distraction means physically taking your hands off the wheel to touch something else in the vehicle like a cell phone or the radio. Last, a cognitive distraction takes your mind off of driving like thinking about a family argument or work problem.

Texting is one of the worst activities to do while driving because it involves all three types of distractions at the same time. You take your eyes off the road to look at the device. You take your hands off the wheel to type. Your thoughts are concerned with typing rather than driving.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s 2009 research notes on distracted driving reported a 6% increase in fatalities from 2005.

Here are some facts about distracted driving for 2009:

-5,474 people were killed, and about 448,000 injured.

-Distracted driving was the cause of 16% of all the fatal crashes and 20% of injury crashes.

- A cell phone was the distraction in 18% of the fatalities and 5% of the injured.

-16% of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers were under 20 years old.

-Ages 30-39 had 11% of fatal crashes involving distracted drivers, 24% of the time it involved a cell phone.

Early this year the Chicago Breaking News Center reported on the case of a 49-year-old woman that was polishing her finger nails while driving. This distractive act caused her to hit and kill a motorcyclist.

The next time you get in your vehicle keep your eyes on the road, your hands on the wheel and your mind on driving. It could mean saving a life.

Continue reading "Distracted driving a leading cause of holiday car accidents in Chicago" »

Aggressive driving is a dangerous behavior that puts motorists at risk across the United States. All too often when you drive on a roadway you become a victim, a witness, or the offender of an aggressive driving incident. Not immune to it, Chicago traffic accidents occur all the time due to aggressive driving behaviors.

Our Chicago injury lawyers urge motorists to use extra caution while traveling this holiday season. Exercise patients, allow plenty of time and take weather conditions and traffic into consideration when planning your trip.

Everyone is required by law to take lessons and pass a driver’s test prior to acquiring a driver’s license. Most of us do this at the time we become of legal age to drive (16 or 17), while other’s wait until it becomes necessary for them to drive. No matter what the age or the circumstance, you aren’t taught to drive aggressively. Yet, it seems over time that bad tendencies evolve and drivers pick up bad habits that put themselves and others in danger.

Though the research is somewhat dated AAA Foundation found back in 1996 that at a minimum, there are an average of 1,500 injuries or deaths that occur each year due to aggressive driving. They also found no exact profile to account for the type of person that might be involved.

Though not residents of Illinois, there were two truckers from Wisconsin involved in a road rage fatality back in January while driving North of Chicago on Edens Expressway. The Chicago News Center reports Seddon was convicted after being found guilty of quarreling and then stabbing another trucker along side of the road. The two had been arguing over their radios, which lead to following too close and cutting each other off on the road. This behavior escalated and resulted in fatality once the drivers confronted each other.

The following are some safety tips to remember if you want to avoid road rage:

-Don’t antagonize other drivers by following too closely or changing lanes too swiftly.

-Don’t lay on your horn in an effort to get the vehicle in front of you to move when sitting an intersection.

-If possible, have someone drive you home after a stressful and emotionally draining day.

-Instead of reacting to other aggressive drivers, take a deep breath or pull off to the side of the road until you are calm.

Continue reading "Aggressive driving can lead to holiday Chicago car accidents" »

Despite the fact that teens can be stubborn and think they know everything, this holiday season is a good time to talk to your teen driver about the dangers of driving this time of year. It's possible that lack of experience and thoughts of being indestructible are reasons teens have a higher crash rate than other age groups.

OurChicago automobile accident attorneys urge parents to spend the time discussing the dangers of driving with teens in order to reduce the risk of serious or fatal injuries this holiday season.

In October, Illinois launched a new website addressing teen driver safety. The website can be used as a tool to help teens and their parents get the right information about driving safety and the laws that apply in the state of Illinois. This site comes at a good time because in January, a study that grades states on safety and highway improvements rated Illinois sub-par when it came to teen driving.

Recently the National Safety Council announced they are joining forces with the Allstate Foundation to push to make roadways safer in an effort to save lives of our young drivers. The Allstate Foundation will fund the new teen safe driving program for 10 states, Illinois being one of them.

Alarmingly in 2009, 3,500 teens were fatally injured in car crashes so the premise behind the program is to educate and advocate for teen safety when driving on roadways. The NSC will form groups in each of the ten states consisting of state and local police, health practitioners, hospital employees, teens, parents, and survivors of teen crash sufferers. Each group will study teen crash data and use numerous resources to then go out and speak to the public on teens driving safer.

Chicago has taken teen driving safety one step further. In an effort to help parents track their teens, Youth Driving Safe has invented a GPS tracking mechanism to install in your teens vehicle. The GPS will report back to the parent if the teen is speeding, altering from the driven route normally taken, and monitor pre-set driving habits. More importantly there is a contract that is designed for the teen and parent to mutually agree on specific driving habits and how alerts will be set-up. The contract provides an open line of communication and expectations between the teen driver and parent.

Keeping your teen safe on the roadways is physically out of your control but what you can do is set a good example by trying to educate them on the dangers involved.

Continue reading "Chicago teen driver awareness key this holiday season" »

Getting older is unavoidable but when does age become a factor in our driving skills? This week is dedicated to Older Driver Safety Awareness Week throughout the country. In an effort to reduce the number of Chicago car accidents involving elderly drivers it is a good time to increase awareness of the dangers.

As family members and loved ones get older we find it difficult to discourage them from driving. In taking their driving privileges away it may seem like you are stripping them of their freedom. As a result it puts more of a burden on us personally because we feel responsible for getting them out to run errands, go to church, etc. Not allowing elders to drive may be difficult because it means admitting someone is getting older and less capable.

The National Safety Council states that the mature drivers age group crash rate is higher than any other age group except teens. The NSC estimates that by year 2028, elderly drivers will increase 70 percent and it's possible that 100,000 older drivers will be killed in traffic accidents on the nation's roads.

According to Caring.com Illinois requires that drivers 75 and older pass a vision and road test in order to renew their driver's license. Renewing through the mail is no longer an option when you turn 75. Once a driver turns 81 they are required to renew their license every two years then at age 87 it becomes an annual renewal process.

According to a 2008 report by National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Illinois had a total of 1,434 fatal crashes of which 11.4% were drivers age 65 and over. In addition, there were 157 fatalities in traffic accidents for drivers 65 and over in Illinois.

Nationally, it seemed most likely that accidents involving an elderly driver were during the day (80%), Monday-Friday (72%), and more often than not involved another vehicle 69% of the time.

If you or someone you know is approaching the age where it may be difficult to drive, you may want to ask the following questions:

-How is your reaction time to unexpected events like changing traffic lights or animals crossing over the roadways?

-Is your eyesight failing and causing you inability to see road signs from a distance?

-Are you physically able to look over you shoulder, move your foot from gas pedal to break, or move your head to look both directions?

Continue reading "Older driver safety week spotlights risks of Chicago car accidents among seniors" »

The Chicago car accident attorneys and staff at VanPopering Law Offices would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday. With that said, we would also like to remind Illinois travelers that with the Thanksgiving weekend comes a significant increase in air and road traffic. And with more road congestion comes an increased risk of Illinois car accidents.

To address the stack up of traffic, the Illinois Department of Transportation has upped the statewide presence of law enforcement on Illinois roads. If IDOT officials get their way, motorists traveling through Illinois this Thanksgiving weekend will pass through 2,000 safety belt enforcement zones, 68 roadside safety checks and see close to 1,000 additional law enforcement officers patrolling Illinois roadways. Cops will be particularly diligent during evening hours when vehicle occupants are less likely to buckle up and more likely to get behind the wheel after having a couple drinks.

The IDOT hopes that beefed up enforcement – part of a two-week tandem statewide “Click It or Ticket/You Drink & Drive. You Lose.” awareness campaign – will encourage drivers and passengers to wear their seat belts while discouraging impaired driving.

It is estimated that in 2008 alone, nearly 13,000 unrestrained passengers and drivers were killed nationwide in car crashes. It is believed as many as 4,290 lives could have been saved had vehicle occupants simply buckled their seat belt. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, on average 38 unbuckled Americans die each day in car crashes. Nationwide, 45 million Americans neglect to buckle up and in Illinois slightly more than seven percent of the driving population fails to use a seat belt.

To date IDOT reports there have been 123 fatal car accidents in Cook County and 124 fatal crashes in the City of Chicago. Across the state in 2010 there have been 781 fatal crashes that claimed 843 lives. Alcohol has been linked to 246 deaths and 235 vehicle occupants were killed while unrestrained. Specific to the four days surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, in 2009 there were 2,893 Illinois car accidents that claimed 12 and left 806 injured.

Thanksgiving is the leading holiday in the state for crash-related injuries and second to Memorial Day for fatalities. Of the 12 killed during the Thanksgiving weekend, five died in crashes that were alcohol related.

To avoid getting cited for speeding or impaired driving, motorists can follow a few simple tips:

~ Leave early and set your cruise control. Not only will it make travel time less stressful, but it can also diminish fuel consumption. Share your travel plans, travel route, departure and arrival time with a trusted friend.

~ Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition – top off the fuel tank, check tire pressure and oil and radiator fluid levels. Pack an emergency bag that includes a warm blanket, water and non-perishable snacks.

~ Wear your seat belt and don’t drink and drive or drive while fatigued or otherwise impaired.

Continue reading "Illinois car accidents a Thanksgiving threat" »

As a driver, what is your first thought when a traffic light turns yellow in Chicago? The law says your first thought should be to ‘stop’, unless you think it isn’t safe and could cause a Chicago accident. While traveling on Chicago roads most drivers are aware of the shortly timed (3 second) yellow lights. According to state and federal law guidelines, three seconds is the minimum allowed by any state.

Back in 2003, Chicago began installing red light cameras to assist in tracking vehicles that didn’t make it through an intersection before the light turning red. As of May 2010, there were 189 intersections with these cameras actively working.

The Huffington Post reported back in March that it’s no surprise that short yellow lights and red light cameras are not a popular combination for Chicago drivers. This combination causes accidents when drivers slam on the brakes after they see the yellow light. However, the city loves this combination as they had over 64 million dollars in revenue generated by red light violations last year.

Chicago drivers would be happier if the city took the advice of a Texas A & M study, posted in the Huffington Post, concluding that adding 1 second to the duration of a yellow light decreased red light violators by 60% as well as decreased the number of accidents by 35 to 40%.

When approaching a major intersection keep in mind the following safety tips:

-On coming traffic always has the right of way if you are making a left turn.

-Make sure there is enough room between the car in front of you and your car.

-Be mindful of motorcycles, pedestrians and cyclists.

-Factor in delays when estimating your travel time.

-Look for vehicles by turning head twice when entering an intersection.

-Watch for vehicles running the red light if you are first in line waiting as your light turns green.

Continue reading "Quick yellow lights causing Chicago car accidents" »

Our Chicago car accident lawyers were not surprised to learn that a recent AAA Foundation study of the sleeping habits of American drivers found that more than 25 percent of those polled admitted to driving despite being so sleepy they could hardly keep their eyes open.

Or that driver fatigue has been linked to almost 17 percent of fatal car accidents and just more than 13 percent of car accidents involving injury.

Nor were we surprised to hear that teen drivers, younger drivers and men aged 26 and younger are the most likely to drive while drowsy than any other group. Also particularly at risk are shift workers, commercial drivers, or those who have irregular work, academic or social schedules, the Occupational Health & Safety reports.

Curiously enough, AAA reports, one in four drivers who said they’d fallen asleep while driving did so between the hours of noon and 5 p.m., and nearly 60 percent of them said they had been driving for less than an hour when they dozed off. The bottom line – fatigue can rear its ugly head at anytime and is far more likely to strike younger more inexperienced drivers who are additionally less likely to recognize the symptoms of fatigue or the toll it is taking on their judgment and perception.

This week is Drowsy Driving Prevention Week and, with more than 5,500 deaths linked to drowsy driving each year, we urge you to talk to friends and family about the dangers.

The National Sleep Foundation hopes to help younger drivers avoid a fall-asleep car accident with a few simple do-and-don’t tips:

~ DON’T drive if you have taken medication that can cause drowsiness or consumed any amount of alcohol.

~DON’T rely on the radio, or a shot of cold air from a rolled-down window to keep you alert and awake.

~ DON’T discount the importance of at least six hours of uninterrupted sleep. (With that said, 7 to 9 hours is preferred).

~ DO recognize that chronic inadequate sleep accumulates a “sleep debt” that can overwhelm you unexpectedly and without warning.

~ DO recognize that sleep deprivation can wreak havoc on how we perform during our awakened life. It is estimated that fatigue impacts work performance to the tune of $18 billion in lost productivity each year.

~ DO embrace the benefits of a dose of caffeine and a 20-minute nap.

Continue reading "Younger drivers most at risk of Chicago car accidents caused by drowsy driving" »

A hit-and-run Chicago car accident that injured the brother of state Sen. Anthony Munoz (D-Chicago), has led to felony charges against the 24-year-old driver, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers represent clients injured in hit-and-run accidents. We encourage those dealing with these crashes to contact an experienced law firm as soon as possible. Do not wait until a defendant is found an arrested -- drivers frequently flee the scene because they are not properly licensed or lack insurance. By bringing a veteran attorney into the case from the start, you stand the best chance of protecting your rights. In some cases, we will file suit against the assets of an at-fault driver. In other cases, we may be able to collect on other insurance policies in the household. In still other cases, particularly when a driver is not located or other means of collection are not available, we may be able to assist you in making a claim against your own insurance company.

The Sun-Times reports the crash happened outside a polling place in the 4000 block of South Archer. Shortly after the crash, a 24-year-old South Archer Street man was arrested and charged with a felony for leaving the scene of an accident with injuries. Chicago police report he admitted his involvement.

He is also accused of driving without insurance, and failure to exercise due care for a pedestrian in the roadway.

Martin Munoz, 40, was crossing Archer Avenue when he was struck by a westbound car. The force of the accident caused him to land on the car, damaging the windshield. An off duty Cook County Sheriff's deputy, who was working at the polling place, was able to pursue the vehicle and get its license plate number. The pursuit was stopped after the car ran a red light and went the wrong way down a one-way street. But the plate number matched the defendant's 1994 Nissan.

Munoz suffered a broken leg and head injuries. He has undergone surgery to have screws and a rod inserted into his leg.

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that unlicensed drivers have been involved in 145 of the state's 718 fatal crashes thus far in 2010.

Continue reading "Chicago car accident injures State Senator's brother at polling place " »

An Aurora man is facing 30 years in prison after being charged 17 times for driving without a license, the Chicago Tribune reports.

Our Chicago injury lawyers applaud any move that will get unlicensed and uninsured drivers off the streets. Too many of the serious and fatal accidents in Chicago and the surrounding area are caused by a driver that should never have been on the road. Frequently, such unlicensed drivers have been arrested and convicted of multiple DUI offense. The fact that they have no driver's license means that they also lack insurance. The result is that little or no insurance is being carried by some of the most dangerous drivers on the road.

Thus far in 2010, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 139 unlicensed drivers have been involved in the state's 697 fatal crashes -- a number that accounts for 1 in 5 of fatal accidents in Illinois.

The 34-year-old defendant has not possessed a valid driver's license since 1996. In addition to 17 charges of driving without a license, he was charged with two gang-related murders in 2007 and has been tried and acquitted in one of them. Charges were dropped in the second case.

In the most recent cause of driving without a license, a woman told police she let him borrow her car, which had been involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Continue reading "Chicago car accident leads to man's 17th charge of driving without a license" »

Our Chicago car accident attorneys know that car crashes kill more teenagers each year than homicides, suicides and cancer combined. We also know, that despite how it may seem at times, teenagers are far more likely to listen to and emulate their parents, particularly when it comes to teaching and reinforcing safe driving techniques.

In an effort to help parents and teens find common ground during the learn-to-drive process, the American Automobile Association (AAA) in partnership with the Illinois Secretary of State have launched an interactive online teen-driver safety resource. This new website arms parents with educational tools and tips that can be used to successfully guide both parents and teens through the instructional driving experience.

As part of the arsenal of tools, here are a few lesson tips for those first few practice driving sessions. With that said, before testing a young driver’s skill on the open road, have your inexperienced driver gain comfort and confidence behind the wheel by running through a series of drills in an empty parking lot.

~ STARTING/STOPPING: One of the most important lessons a young driver can learn is that every car handles differently. That larger, heavier, vehicles take more time to stop than smaller compact cars. That there is a gap between perceived stopping distance and actual stopping distance. With the goal of a smooth start and stop in mind, have your teen explore braking sensitivity for different vehicles. Make sure to remind them to put the car in park once the vehicle has come to a complete stop.

~ TURNING: Have your driver practice making both left- and right-hand turns while stopped and while moving. For this exercise, repetition is the key (and it reinforces the brake sensitivity lesson as well). Practice the five-second rule for signaling and remind your teen to scan all points along the roadway before entering a turn. Make sure to teach them to look ahead and anticipate how far they will have traveled in 20-30 seconds.

~ BACKING UP: Before moving into reverse, remind your driver to check all around the vehicle for people and things. This requires they use rear-view and side-view mirrors and that they actually turn and look out the back window. Reinforce that backing up should never exceed a “walking pace” speed.

A total of 6,428 motorists were killed in traffic collisions involving teenage drivers in 2008, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Illinois car accidents involving teenagers killed 164 motorists. By taking an active role in the education of your teen, you can help ensure that he or she has the knowledge and skills necessary to help stay safe on the road.

Continue reading "AAA and Illinois Secretary of State join forces to reduce crash risks for Chicago teen drivers" »

Later, the driver would tell police that he only took his eyes from the road for a split-second to reach for a cigar that had rolled off his seat and on to the floorboard, the Chicago Sun-Times reports.

That was all it took for a distraction-related Illinois car accident to claim the life of a five-year-old boy. As his father stood helpless alongside the road, the 26-year-old’s car plowed into the back of vehicle parked with a flat – flashers blinking – in the right-hand lane of a shoulder-less road.

After some time passed, the young boy’s mother inquired about placing a roadside memorial at the site where the accident occurred on Plainfield-Naperville Road. That is when she learned that the law permitted only DUI-related signs. Her grief transformed into a kind of activism. The mourning mother found herself pushing for legislation to include signage to memorialize her son and raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.

As of January 1, families will now be able to purchase memorials that read “Reckless Driving Costs Lives”. Memorials will remain in place at crash-site locations for two years before being handed over to the victim’s family.

The State of Illinois Distracted Driving Task Force defines distracted driving as “anything that diverts a driver’s attention ... from the primary task of navigating a vehicle”. Distractions can be visual, cognitive or manual. Distractions lasting three seconds or less are believed to be responsible for 80 percent of car accidents and 65 percent of near-accidents.

Aside from texting and talking on a cell phone, other, more common distractions include applying makeup, fooling with the radio, and reading a book, newspaper or roadmap. It is estimated that of the 8.5 million registered Illinois drivers, 10 percent of them using their cell phone while driving.

Continue reading "Death of toddler in Illinois car accident leads to passage of Roadside Memorial Act" »

Witnesses to the I-80 crash that ended in fire and left one dead on Sunday say the fatal Chicago car accident happened when a black F350 swerved and struck a green Chevy Malibu forcing it from the highway. The truck then became airborne, jumping a three-foot divider before striking another pickup head-on, the Chicago Tribune reports.

As it came to rest in a ditch alongside I-80, the Malibu burst into flames. Witnesses attempted to reach the 20-year-old driver, but were unsuccessful. The accident closed I-80 in both directions for several hours.

The Herald-News reported that the 59-year-old driver of the black F350 was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and arrested for aggravated DUI, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, improper lane usage and failing to wear a seatbelt.

In a separate accident, the Chicago Examiner reported that a 23-year-old Carpentersville man was charged late Sunday with leaving the scene of a fatal West Chicago car accident. The driver was traveling with five other men when he ran a stop sign and struck a car driven by a 27-year-old Schaumburg man who later died. Law enforcement awaits results of a toxicology report to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident.

According to a survey done by the National Highway Traffic Administration, three out of ten Americans are involved, at least once, in an alcohol-related car accident during their lifetime.

Continue reading "Two killed in separate fatal Chicago car accidents spotlight dangers for Illinois drivers" »

A speeding ticket in Illinois is about to get a lot more expensive. Starting Sept. 15, drivers tagged traveling more than 20 m.p.h. over the limit will see citation fees increase by $45, a jump that will cost between $120-140 depending on how fast the driver was going. For those speeding more than 30 m.p.h. – a fine that also requires a court appearance – the cost may bump up even more, the Chicago Tribune reports.

This is the first increase in fines since 1993. While most drivers are miffed by the hikes, particularly when unemployment is high and the economy is floundering, state officials see the fee increases as a way to generate money for the state. Law enforcement sees the hikes as another tool to dissuade speeders and potentially decrease the number of serious and fatal Chicago car accidents involving Illinois drivers and passengers.

The Chicago car accident attorneys at the VanPopering Law Offices have seen how a speeding driver can drastically alter the life of victims involved in a serious or fatal car accident. In fact, in 2008 alone, more than 30 percent of fatal crashes in Illinois were linked to speeding, claiming 385 lives. Nationwide, almost 12,000 lost their lives to speeding-related crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports the economic impact of speeding-related crashes at $40.4 billion per year, that's $76,865 per minute or $1,281 per second. Interestingly enough, almost 90 percent of speed-related crashes occur on non-Interstate roads.

Speeding is a form of aggressive driving. It not only allows less time for a driver to react to a road hazard, it exponentially increases the force of a collision. Studies show the risk of a fatal accident doubles for every 5 mph hour over 55 mph a vehicle is traveling at the point of impact.

Continue reading "Hikes in speeding fines aim to benefit Illinois state coffers and decrease number of Chicago car accidents" »

Before hitting the road to enjoy the long holiday weekend, the Illinois State Police is urging families to re-check that child safety seats are properly installed and to remind all passengers to buckle-up.

“Better road trips begin with safety,” said Illinois State Toll Authority Executive Director Kristi Lafleur said. “Seat belts and safety seats for children save countless lives each year. … we are committed to enforcing seat belt laws and working to educate the public on how to properly secure their children to make every trip a safe trip.”

Chicago car accident attorneys with VanPopering Law Offices know that a properly installed car seat and using safety restraints saves lives. Our attorneys have a solid reputation successfully handling claims arising from auto accident cases and are available for a consultation if you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a Chicago car accident.

In 2008, 454 children under age 7 were killed in car accidents nationwide. Of those killed, 152 were unrestrained. Children aged 13-15, who were most likely to not wear a seat belt, saw the highest number of car accident fatalities. Out of 342 fatalities reported, 238 – or 70 percent – were unrestrained. "Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children 3-14 years old", the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports.

Telling a child to buckle their seat belt takes only a second and buckling up yourself every time you get behind the wheel sets the best example. For more information about child safety seat guidelines, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.

Continue reading "State Police remind Illinois drivers to check child safety seats and buckle-up before Labor Day weekend travel " »

More than 1,100 motorists per day were involved in crashes on Illinois roadways in 2008, averaging 3 fatalities and 11 injuries a day, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Last Sunday, the Chicago Sun Times reported that 11 people were transported to hospitals in Naperville and Dowers Grove after an I-88 crash on Saturday left two with non-life threatening critical injuries.

Multi-vehicle accidents – like the recent I-88 crash – mean multiple accident victims which means multiple insurance claims and injury reports. If you have been involved in a multi-car accident on Illinois roadways, turning to an experienced Chicago car accident attorney can help you figure out how to best protect your rights.

The IDOT reports that in 2008, more than 10 million registered Illinois motor vehicles logged an estimated 106 billion miles throughout the state with 408,258 crashes. Most injuries and fatalities involved passenger cars driven on city streets and surrounding interstates and highways. In fact, Cook County has the most dangerous roads in the state for Chicago drivers, racking up 163,799 crashes that caused 203 deaths and more than 32,100 injuries.

The aftermath of a car accident, whether minor or severe, can be a confusing, painful time filled with decisions and choices that are fortunately unfamiliar for most Chicago residents.

When it comes to seeking long or short-term post-emergency medical care, dealing with medical bills, insurance adjusters and filing claims, lost work and wages, repair or replacement to your vehicle, perhaps even funeral expense, talking with an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help you better understand your rights.

Continue reading "Cook County roads most dangerous in the state for Chicago drivers" »

Talk to almost any Illinois driver and they’ll admit to knowing that texting or eating while driving can lead to an Illinois car accident. Illinois is, after all, one of 32 states that has enacted a texting-while-driving ban. But do drivers understand how dangerous and distracting driving with an unrestrained pet can be?

According to a recent AAA/Kurgo survey, apparently not.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports nearly one-fifth of all car crashes involved distracted drivers, claiming nearly 6,000 lives and leaving 500,000 people injured each year.

But what about the dangers of driving with Fido? The AAA/Kurgo survey-takers interviewed 1000 drivers nationwide and found that nearly a third of those polled admitted to being distracted by their dog while on the road. And while 80 percent of respondents admitted to bringing their beloved pooches along for a ride, less than 20 percent said they use a pet harness to restrain their dog.

The degree of potentially accident-causing distraction that comes with taking your eyes off the road to pet, feed or play with your dog is just one part of the problem. In the event of a crash, your pet becomes an unrestrained missile regardless of size.

Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, the AAA National Traffic Safety Programs manager told AAA/Kurgo survey-takers that a 10-pound dog in a 50 mph crash exerts 500-pounds of pressure on impact with a stationary object (such as an injured, seatbelt-wearing, driver or passenger), while an 80-pound dog in a 30 mph collision will generate almost five times that amount of pressure, or about 2,400 pounds.

Not to mention that an injured or traumatized dog large or small is an unstable creature that poses both a potential threat and an impediment to themselves, rescue workers, other accident victims, other drivers and your passengers.

We all love our dogs. Turns out, leaving them at home might be the best option. If you want to take them to the park, taking safety into account should be job one.

Continue reading "Dogs pose distracted driving danger for motorists; increase risk of Chicago car accident" »

The Chicago Tribune reports that the railroad crossing on Nagle Avenue near Avondale will be rebuilt after being the site of numerous accidents.

Our Illinois Injury Law Blog reported in July that Illinois was on a list of 10 states under federal mandate to improve railroad crossing safety. The state reported 78 serious or fatal crossing accidents last year. Our Chicago injury attorneys reported that a semi driver was forced to jump from the cab of his truck to avoid a collision with a train at the Nagle crossing on the same day the government released its list of dangerous crossings.

Authorities plan to rebuild the crossing before school starts next month; many students walk across the tracks to a nearby high school. The crossing has also been plagued by vehicles stopping on the tracks and becoming trapped in bumper-to-bumper traffic. More than 100 tickets have been issued to drivers in the past three years. The Illinois Commerce Commission has strongly recommended that the city take corrective action.

Better safety measures had been put off because of the expense. While building a bridge is the preferred option, officials announced that new signs, better pavement markings and other minor improvements should be in place by the first week of September.

Continue reading "Chicago railroad crossing accidents prompt improvements to intersection" »

A Chicago man pleaded not guilty this week to charges in connection with a fatal Chicago car accident that killed two teenagers, including a girl out celebrating her 18th birthday.

The Sun-Times reported that the 20-year-old man was indicted last month on charges of aggravated DUI and reckless homicide. He has also been charged with DUI, improper lane usage, failure to reduce speed to avoid an accident and having no insurance. He is in jail on a $2 million bond.

Tragically, some of the worst drivers on the road carry little or no car insurance. It is even more critical to seek the advice of an experienced Chicago injury lawyer in cases where an at-fault driver claims little or no insurance. An experienced law firm may be able to assist you in obtaining a judgment against the assets of an at-fault driver or in winning a settlement from your own insurance company.

In this case, police say the defendant was speeding down Sheridan Road in Wilmette at about 2:30 a.m. when he lost control and struck a fire hydrant and a tree. Three of the five people inside the car were killed, including two girls, ages 17 and 18, who were seated in the back. One of the girl's had just celebrated her 18th birthday. Two other passengers, ages 16 and 18, were hospitalized.

Teen are at high-risk for car accidents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 3,500 teens ages 15 to 19 were killed in car accidents in 2008 and more than 350,000 were treated in emergency rooms. While those ages 15 to 24 account for only 14 percent of the U.S. population, they account for about 30 percent of the total cost of all motor vehicle accidents.

Teen risk factors include:

Teens are less likely than adults to recognize hazardous situations.

Teens are more likely to tailgate and engage in other risky driving behavior.

One-third of male drivers involved in fatal crashes were speeding and one-quarter had been drinking.

Male students are less likely than female students to wear seat belts.

In 2008, half of teen deaths occurred between 3 p.m. and midnight and more than half occurred on the weekend.

Continue reading "Homicide charges filed in wake of deadly Chicago car accident" »

A bill signed by Gov. Pat Quinn this month will seek to cut down on the abuse of red-light cameras by reforming oversight of the programs in Illinois. Supporters hope the new rules will increase the effectiveness of the cameras, while reducing the risk of Chicago car accidents at intersections.

Several police chiefs applauded the move in a letter published in the Daily Herald. The chiefs noted that nearly 900 people were killed and more than 100,000 were injured in crashes involving red-light runners in 2007, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.

"We need stronger enforcement of traffic safety laws to prevent deadly crashes at our intersections, and red-light cameras make that possible," the chiefs wrote. The chiefs claim a 35 percent reduction in crashes has been realized at 10 Chicago intersections where the cameras are installed and that the number of t-bone accidents has dropped in half.

Detractors of the program question those findings and even suggest an increase in rear-end crashes at cameras equipped with the cameras as cars hit the brakes to avoid getting ticketed. And they claim cities are using them to generate millions in revenue without concern for accident reduction.

The new law will require independent verification of a violation before a citation is issued; meaning a technician will review the video of the alleged infraction. Cities must also post the location of the cameras on their websites and will not be allowed to charge an extra fee to motorists who challenge the tickets. It will also require municipalities to conduct a study of each camera's impact on safety and to post the results on the Internet.

The new law, which takes effect Jan. 1, 2011, also does not allow a motorist to be ticketed for crossing the white "stop" line as long as the vehicle does not enter the intersection.

Continue reading "Chiefs credit red-light cameras with reduction in Chicago car accidents -- new rules afford better legal protection to motorists" »

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that passenger seat-belt use has reached a record high of 92.6 percent as authorities push safety programs in an effort to reduce serious and fatal injuries in Illinois car accidents.

State officials credit the increase in seat-belt use for part of the reduction in the overall number of traffic fatalities, which declined by 16.8 percent during the first six months of 2010. A total of 361 fatal Illinois traffic accidents were reported through June 30, compared to the 434 traffic fatalities that were reported a year ago.

“We are extremely proud of the dedication, hard work and diligence shown by IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety, our partners, and Illinois motorists whose positive efforts have made this historic achievement possible,” said IDOT Secretary Gary Hannig. “Since the primary safety belt law took effect in 2004, the compliance rate has climbed from 83 percent to the most recent 92.6 percent. We continue to celebrate incremental improvements to the statewide compliance rate; simply put, when more motorists buckle up, more lives can potentially be saved.”

Seat belt use has increased from just 76.2 percent reported in 2003 to 92.6 percent in the survey just conducted. The primary enforcement law allows officers to pull drivers over for not wearing a seat belt. Prior to enactment of the law, a driver could only be ticketed for a seat belt violation during a traffic stop for some other violation, such as speeding.

Illinois joins 16 other states that have compliance rates of more than 90 percent.

How much it has contributed to the decrease in traffic fatalities is debatable. What is not debatable is the substantial reduction in fatal traffic accidents in recent years:

-2003: 1,454

-2004: 1,355

-2005: 1,363

-2006: 1,254

-2007: 1,248

-2008: 1,043

-2009: 887

Many believe a primary reason for the substantial reduction in accidents during the past several years has been the downturn in the economy.

Continue reading "Seat belt use cited as primary reason for reduction in fatal Illinois car accidents" »

Our Chicago car accident lawyers read with interest a recent article on MSNBC about a Yale professor who hopes to use vibrating car seats as the latest invention aimed at helping motorists avoid car accidents.

Nationwide, the U.S. Department of Transportation reports the overall number of fatal traffic accidents has declined in the last decade -- from 41,501 in 1998 to 37,261 in 2008. Certainly some of that decline has resulted from advances in automobile safety. Curtain airbags, backup cameras and crash-avoidance alarms can all assist a driver in preventing an accident. It's when drivers come to rely on such systems that we think their effectiveness begins to diminish. For example, a driver who relies on crash-avoidance alarms to avoid an accident while backing up, is more likely to get into a collision when operating a vehicle not equipped with the alarms. These inventions are a great addition to driver awareness-- but they are a poor substitute.

As for the vibrating seats, John Morrell, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Yale University, claims the "touch" technology is superior to visual or audio alarms because it comes with the ability to alert a driver to the location of the danger. The seats use vibrating cell phone motors to alert drivers to the presence of another vehicle in a car's blindspot and around tough-to-see areas at the rear of a vehicle. A car approaching at the right rear will cause the right-rear portion of the seat back to begin vibrating.

“Looking at an (light) and converting that into an image of a car in your blind spot requires a little more cognitive ability than if something's touching you,” Morrell told TechNewsDaily. “It's a more direct pathway into the brain, since touch gives you orientation for free.”

A peculiar twist (for those of you who were otherwise taking vibrating car seats in stride) is that the seat always vibrates. It just vibrates more to warn of an approaching car. Inventors claim the mild vibration during normal operation will help increase the awareness of the driver.

We think that is a stretch and point to the addition of the third brake light, which debuted at the center-rear of vehicles several decades ago. They were shown to reduce crashes so effectively that they were eventually mandated for all vehicles. Now that they are standard on every vehicle, they are no longer as noticeable and their effectiveness has largely diminished.

And we don't think you can put the impact of a vibrating seat in the same class as more brake lights. While we don't necessarily think it's a bad idea, we also wonder what happens to the seat during heavy bumper-to-bumper traffic!

Continue reading "Vibrating seats may be next tool in combating Illinois car accidents" »

The Sun-Times reports that a plan to install red-light cameras at suburban intersections is facing opposition, even as county officials claim the effort will reduce the number of Chicago car accidents.

Cook County is moving ahead with the plan to install cameras at 20 intersections in suburbia but village officials are angered that their input was not sought. Three cameras are planned in Arlington Heights, where officials previously decided not to install cameras out of respect for the public. The intersections are maintained by the Cook County highway department; a county spokesman said the cameras are being installed at intersections with a higher concentration of safety issues. The county would collect any revenue generated from the tickets. County officials estimate the cameras will bring in at least $2 million a year, the Daily Herald reports.

The cameras, which snap photos of red-light violators and send tickets in the mail, have become a hot-button issue, with detractors claiming they are being used to generate revenue and may even increase rear-end collisions at intersections. The Tribune reports that Schaumburg took the cameras down, despite ticketing 10,000 drivers in 2008 and generating more than $1 million in revenue.

Traffic statistics there showed that the cameras hadn't reduced collisions and the politicians acquiesced to irate motorists. Now the county has decided to install 6 cameras at intersections in Schaumburg. Nearly 200 cameras are currently operating at Chicago intersections. However, a recent study by the University of Illinois at Chicago found that crashes have not declined at camera equipped intersections, despite an overall reduction in traffic accidents citywide.

Chicago intersection accidents are a real concern. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports that about one-fourth of all fatal Illinois crashes occurred at signal-equipped intersection in 2008, accounting for 83,000 of the state's 408,000 crashes.

Continue reading "Red-light cameras coming to suburbia; reduction in Chicago car accidents debated" »

A police officer who had been accused of drunk driving will not face charges in connection with a fatal Chicago car accident, the Sun-Times reported.

Of the 1.043 people killed in Illinois traffic accidents in 2008, 42 percent involved alcohol, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

An Illinois personal injury lawsuit remains pending against the officer, who was involved in a Thanksgiving Day 2007 crash that killed two men, ages 21 and 22. The Cook County prosecutor's office dropped the aggravated drunk driving charges against the officer after a judge threw out key evidence in the case during a court hearing in April.

The accident happened shortly after 2:30 a.m. when the victim's Pontiac did not yield at a stop sign. The officer struck their vehicle with his Dodge SUV. Initially charged with misdemeanor DUI, those charges were later upgraded to a felony.

However, a judge ruled there was no evidence that the officer was drunk at the time of the accident. He was off-duty and prosecutors presented a videotape showing him consuming five shots and other drinks at a bar shortly before the crash. The officer wasn't given a breathalyzer until seven hours after the crash. The judge ruled the officer who administered the breathalyzer test lacked probable cause. Key blood-alcohol evidence was also dismissed from the case.

The rulings so enraged three members of the victims' family that they were arrested in a courthouse scuffle with police.

The officer is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal investigation.

You can watch and read the ABC7 report here.

The NBC report is available here.

Continue reading "DUI charges against officer dismissed in fatal Chicago car accident" »