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Labor Day Weekend Traffic Is Predicted to Be Deadliest since 2008
Labor Day weekend is well known to be a time of year
that many American freeways are congested with drivers.
The National Safety Council (NSC) has predicted that this
year’s holiday festivities could be the deadliest Labor
Day weekend to date. At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C.,
we strive to protect our clients’ safety and pursue their
best interests when it comes to
auto accidents
whether it is a holiday or a normal, everyday occurrence.
Illinois: One of the Most Dangerous States to Drive In
The NSC has predicted this Labor Day weekend will become the deadliest on record since 2008. The NSC has also found that Illinois road deaths are up 24 percent from previous years, and it does not seem to be improving. The NSC concluded that, with dangerous roadway incidents growing, Illinois is one of the deadliest areas to travel through in the United States. This is troubling news for many residents who are simply looking for a fun and safe Labor Day weekend.
Teen Driver Safety Tips
Preparing the teenager in your life to be a
good driver
starts long before they get their driver’s license. There
is great benefit to discussing topics such as distracted
driving and driving under the influence early on.
Instilling responsible behavior behind the wheel is
something you can begin focusing on weeks, even months,
before your teen heads off to take their test at the DMV.
1. Talk about dangers on the roadway.
One of the very best ways to start off on the right foot with readying your teen for the road is to communicate. Open up discussion about common dangers on the roadway and allow your teen to express their own thoughts on actions they believe can place them at risk behind the wheel, and why they feel that way.
Total Loss Collisions in Illinois
Being involved in a
car accident is a jarring experience, from dealing with any injuries
to filing the police report. Even the most minor rear-end
collision can cause a big shake-up when it comes to
interacting with the other drivers involved and reporting
damages to your insurance company. In the case of total
loss, the effects can be especially devastating.
If you find yourself involved in an accident that results in a total loss, keep the following in mind:
1. It is up to you to report the accident and file a claim.
While this is true for any collision, when it comes to a total loss, this is particularly important in regards to insurance claims. The larger the loss, the greater the expense required for damage and repairs. This also applies to any medical bills, documentation, and potential lawsuits that ensue due to the crash. The sooner you act and the more details you provide, the better you protect yourself should a lawsuit arise.
Will Better Vehicle Design Reduce the Number of Rear-End Collisions?
According to a recent report in The Chicago Tribune,
rear-end collisions continue to be one of the most common
types of
car accidents, responsible for over 40 percent of all crash incidents
on roadways in the United States.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that distracted driving and drug-impaired related crashes have increased since 2009, both factors undoubtedly contributing to rear-end incidents, though other behaviors such as speeding also continue to play a role in these types of collisions.
Regardless of the cause for these sad statistics, rear-end collisions have been and will continue to be an issue on our roadways, although efforts are being made through enhanced vehicle manufacturer design and other technology advancements to combat the problem. New, innovative efforts are continually being introduced with hopes that these advancements will prevent needless injury and even save some lives.
Steps You Need to Take When Involved in a Tollway Accident
Every Illinois driver knows just how challenging it can be
to navigate the state’s tollway system. The traffic alone is
overwhelming, and when you add in the highway structures and
merging lanes, the complexities of the system can be
downright intimidating.
Car accidents on the tollway
are especially common due to the fact that vehicles are
operating at high speeds - a treacherous combination when
paired with that high-volume traffic and those merging
lanes.
What to Do When You Experience an Accident
1. Assess the scene for injuries - No matter what, your
first course of action following the initial crash should be
to look for signs of any injuries. If someone is hurt, call
911 right away. You can worry about everything else once you
are sure help is on the way. 2. Find the nearest toll plaza
or tollway maintenance facility - If there are no injuries
and the vehicles are drivable, ask a tollway employee to
contact a trooper and have them let them know that you need
a crash report. 3. Move your car - If your vehicle is
driveable, be sure to move your car from the roadway as soon
as possible. Waiting until a trooper arrives to move your
car can create a hazard for everyone else driving on the
tollway. 4. Exchange information with the other drivers -
Exchange basic information, such as your names, phone
numbers, and driver’s license numbers. Also, swap your VIN
(vehicle identification numbers) along with the make and
model of each car. Don’t forget to exchange your insurance
information as well. 5. Obtain a copy of the crash report -
You will need to get a copy of the crash report from the
Illinois State Police. You can submit a written request for
this or contact the Illinois State Police District by phone.
6. Follow up - If you are having difficulty obtaining a
crash report with all the necessary details, contact the
police district again by phone or in person. It also does
not hurt to follow up with your insurance agency as well to
ensure you understand the next steps and how your policy
will be carried out in the aftermath.
7. Consult with an attorney - If you or any of your passengers were injured, it is crucial to contact a qualified Lake County car accident attorney. Proper legal representation can ensure that your rights are protected and your questions and concerns are addressed. If you have been in a tollway car accident, call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.
Red Light Cameras: A Blessing or a Curse for Drivers?
All across the country, cameras are being installed at
various intersections to catch drivers who run red lights.
At first glimpse, the concept seems like a good one. The
idea behind red light cameras is to help decrease speeding
behaviors and reduce the number of
car accidents
by catching and ticketing those who fail to abide by highway
limits, but sadly in an effort to curb the number of
accidents and injuries that result from speeding through
intersections, red light cameras tend to cause more
problems.
The Red Light Camera Program Debate
Not only do many drivers report that red light cameras are
rigged against them and that they are ticketed unjustly, but
more and more people are actually being injured because of
red light camera installation. Many drivers stop short to
avoid being caught, while others attempt to speed up to run
the light before it turns red, only to hit the brakes at the
last minute when they realize they are too late. A study
done several years ago by the Federal Highway Administration
revealed a 15 percent increase in rear-end incidents due to
red light cameras, despite their success with decreasing the
number of front-to-side collisions. Along with arguments
that revolve around the dishonest use of the cameras to
generate state revenue, other concerns have mounted in
recent years over the overall effectiveness of red light
camera programs. Many legislators argue the programs fail to
deliver on safety claims from many angles, stating that
yellow light intervals at city intersections fall
dangerously short and do not line up with national
standards. These concerns, combined with rear-end collision
spikes only intensify the debate: Are red light cameras a
gift or are they really just another safety risk?
Common Accidents and Injuries
While rear-end incidents tend to be some of the most common
collision types seen among red light camera related
accidents, pedestrian injuries are also a problem, as it is
not uncommon for pedestrians to be struck as they cross
intersections. Drivers and their passengers often experience
whiplash, knee, neck, and back pain injuries as a result of
being involved in a red light camera accident. No matter how
minor, one small injury can lead to weeks, months, or years
of residual pain, as the effects of any collision can carry
on or reemerge over time.
If you have been in a collision due to a red light camera at an intersection, you need to contact a qualified Lake County car accident attorney to secure proper legal representation. Do not miss out on financial compensation that might be due to you for the pain and suffering you endure after the accident. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.
School Bus Safety: What Every Driver Needs to Know When School Is Back in Session
Every fall, the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration estimates that around twenty-three million
students nationwide depend on school buses for regular
transportation to and from school. Although
school bus accidents
do happen while traveling on the roadways, for the most
part, a majority of bus collisions are due to children
walking to and from the bus. Only a portion of reported
accidents are actually due to buses being in motion and
colliding with other vehicles. This is why the NHTSA,
teachers, and communities as a whole harp so extensively on
the need for school bus education for both drivers and
students.
Key Prevention Tips
So, what are the most important rules of thumb for those
sharing the road with students taking the bus to school
everyday? What can you do as a parent, neighbor, and citizen
to ensure our youth is safe as they travel to and from
campuses each day? Basic driver awareness can go a long
away. Keep the following five safety tips in mind as you
operate your vehicle on the roadways this school season:
1. Pay attention to the driveway.
Preventing school bus accidents begins from the moment you
put your car in reverse to back out of your driveway to
leave for work or school in the morning. Be sure to check
your mirrors and look behind you before you exit your
garage. It is easy to miss children walking or bicycling to
school on the sidewalks and streets as you hurry to leave
the house.
2. Watch your speed.
This seems like an obvious one, but all too often drivers
who are not mindful of their speed end up missing school bus
“STOP” signs or fail to see children congregating around
sidewalks and bus stops as they wait for their bus to
arrive. Slow down and remain vigilant, especially before and
after school hours.
3. Watch for groups and gatherings.
When children get together in groups or gather around bus
stops, street corners, and along sidewalks, they often dart
out into the street to play or veer into traffic when they
are distracted by one another. Exercise extra caution when
you spot these gatherings by slowing down and practicing
defensive driving.
4. Understand the system.
Familiarize yourself with the flashing signal light system
and the standard state school bus laws. In general, when you
see yellow flashing lights on the bus, this means the bus is
about to stop and load or unload children. If the lights are
flashing red, an extended arm that says “Stop” appears,
indicating that children are in the process of getting on or
off. When the lights are red, you are required to bring your
vehicle to a complete stop until the sign and lights
disappear.
5. Keep your distance.
When you approach a school bus, always allow a safe distance
between your vehicle and the bus. At times, children will
dart around the back of the bus or run around the sides,
making it difficult to anticipate and react quickly behind
the wheel. Keeping a safe distance between you and the bus
is one simple, surefire way to help prevent needless
accident and injury.
If you child has been injured in a school bus related collision, make sure you speak with a qualified Lake County car accident attorney right away. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.
Bicycle Safety: Tips for Sharing the Road
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
reports that an astounding 48,000 bicyclists were injured in
crashes back in 2013, and almost 750 bicyclists died due to
vehicle-related collisions.
Bike accidents
continue to be a prevalent problem on Illinois roadways and
all across the nation, which is why the NHTSA encourages
drivers to be aware of their influence on the road and to
hold themselves accountable for their behavior behind the
wheel.
Doing Your Part to Help Keep Bicyclists Safe
Here are some simple ways you can do your part to help keep
bicyclists safe when you hit the road:
1. Treat bicyclists as you would other drivers.
Did you know that by law, bicyclists are considered
vehicles, too? They technically have the same exact rights
and responsibilities as motorized vehicles. Many drivers are
unaware of this simple fact. This means when you are sharing
the roadway with bicyclists, you are required to yield to
and extend the same driving courtesies to them as you would
other motor vehicles. Use your signal, keep a safe,
reasonable distance when following behind, and always watch
your speed.
2. Do not drive distracted.
Distracted driving is deadly no matter what, but driving
distracted when surrounded by bicyclists is especially
dangerous, as bicyclists have certain disadvantages, such as
limited visibility and traveling at lesser speeds. Texting,
talking on the phone while driving, interacting with other
passengers, or fidgeting with GPS devices can all pull your
attention from the road and cause you to miss bicyclists as
they navigate the roadways around you.
3. Share the road.
Mutual respect is key when it comes to protecting one
another on the roadways. As a driver, you should always aim
to share the roads with bicyclists. This means respecting
their boundaries and making safety priority for you both.
Bicyclists are required to follow the same traffic patterns
and road rules as vehicle drivers. They must obey the same
lights, signals, and road signage. Do not crowd, race
around, or drive aggressively around them. Be patient,
courteous, and most of all, vigilant.
Despite our best efforts as drivers, sometimes accidents happen. If you have been injured in a bike accident caused by a vehicle driver, it is important to speak with a professional Lake County bike accident attorney the moment you experience a collision. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.
Impaired Driving Accidents: More Than Just Operating under the Influence
All too often, impaired driving accidents are attributed
to drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and
other drugs. While it is true that DUI is a primary cause
for careless
car accidents, injuries, and fatalities, another form of impaired
driving is just as much to blame: drowsy driving.
The Other Form of Impaired Driving The
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
reports that more than 7,000 people have been killed over
the last decade due to drowsy driving. Alcohol and other
substances can and often do intensify the effects of an
already drowsy state, making it that much easier for a
driver to fall asleep behind the wheel, but even with the
absence of alcohol or other drugs in a driver’s system,
simply being too sleepy to drive is still a form of
impaired driving.
Contributing Factors Drowsy driving not
influenced by the effects of drugs can happen at any time
of day. If you are too tired to drive or become too tired
after being in the car for some time, you run the risk of
falling asleep behind the wheel. Studies show specific
times of day tend to be riskier than others, however. The
hours between midnight and 6 a.m., in particular, are
common hours for drowsy driving incidents, thanks to the
natural shift in our body’s circadian rhythm.This internal
clock is what helps regulate our body’s sleep, and is
often the reason drivers grow increasingly drowsy behind
the wheel during these hours. Studies also show that
drowsy driving crashes often take place when there are no
other passengers in the car, and there is typically no
sign of braking beforehand.
Preventative Measures The number one way
to prevent yourself from causing a drowsy driving
collision is to ensure you get enough rest on a daily
basis. This means making sure you get at least seven to
eight hours of sleep each night. Practice staying vigilant
if you must drive during those peak drowsiness periods. If
you are crossing lanes or running into highway rumble
strips - especially if you are alone - make the decision
to pull over somewhere and park so you can rest before
getting back on the road. Additionally, if you are already
tired or plan on driving during late night or early
morning hours, avoid drinking alcohol, which significantly
increases your chances of causing a collision.
Dangerous Choices Teen Drivers Make
Teen-related
car accidents
are every parent’s worst fear. Handing keys over to the teen
in your life when they are finally legal to drive is perhaps
one of the most nerve-wracking things you will experience as
a parent or mentor throughout the course of their lifetime.
The freedom that may be given to a teen when they acquire a
driver’s license is a positive, exciting experience, but it
also opens them up to a number of new dangers on the road,
increasing their overall risk of being involved in a
collision.
Teen Driving Behaviors That Place Them - and Everyone
around Them - at Risk
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration (NHTSA), research shows that inexperienced
drivers, typically 16 and 17 years of age, dominate many
fatal crash statistics. Certain driving behaviors in
particular significantly increase a teen’s chance of causing
or being involved in a collision. Adults and teenagers alike
are guilty of these habits, but teens tend to be more easily
influenced by their peers and are more likely to make such
decisions behind the wheel. Ignoring Seat Belts - This is
one of the most common choices teens make behind the wheel,
which in turn places everyone at risk. According to data
from the National Occupant Protection Use Survey (NOPUS) and
the Fatality Analysis Report System (FARS), teen years are a
critical time for seat belt habits. Studies show that seat
belt use declines during these years and that encouragement
and awareness are strongly needed. Studies also indicate
that parents, in particular, play a huge role in the
prevention of accident and injury among teen drivers, and
that simple reminders to use seat belts can make a
significant difference in nationwide fatality statistics.
Distracted Driving - Distracted driving problems have been
on the increase over the last decade due to a shift in
access to technological devices behind the wheel. Teens are
especially susceptible to texting and talking on the phone
while driving, but other behaviors, such as interacting with
other passengers, eating, or playing with the radio are all
to blame for distracted driving-related accidents and
injury.
Influenced Driving - Sadly, due to peer pressure and other external influences, many teens make the decision to operate a vehicle while intoxicated or under the influence of other drugs, such as marijuana. Not only does this put them at risk for accident and injury, it also places them at risk for the serious consequences that accompany breaking underage drinking and driving laws. NHTSA statistics show that when the consumption of alcohol is involved, the severity of crashes among 15 to 20-year-olds is increased. There is also a correlation between the tendency for underage, teen drivers who have been drinking and driving to also not use seat belt restraints, which further enhances the chances for such accidents to be fatal.
Contact a Lake County Vehicle Accident Attorney Who is Ready to Help You
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a motor vehicle accident, contact our office. Call 847-662-3303 to set up a free initial consultation at one of our four convenient locations. There is no risk because we only collect fees if you collect compensation. With offices in Libertyville, Waukegan, Richmond, and Chicago, we represent clients in Lake County, Cook County, DuPage County, and McHenry County.
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