How to Recognize and Protect Yourself Against Reckless Drivers

 Posted on February 28,2019 in Car Accidents

On February 25, three men stole a motor vehicle in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. After the theft, the driver collided with two vehicles in the South Side’s Jackson Park. Local police have yet to release information related to injuries. The man was apprehended on-site and is now in custody. 

For drivers throughout the greater Chicago area, the accident served as a reminder of some of the extreme hazards that occur on our roadways. Not all reckless drivers are fleeing from the scene of a crime, but all are incredibly dangerous. In order to ensure the safety of you and your family, it is important to know how to recognize signs of reckless driving and how to react. Also, if you or a loved one are injured in a car accident caused by a reckless driver, talk to a personal injury attorney who can help ensure you get the compensation you deserve for a full recovery.

Reacting to Dangerous Driving 

Every year, thousands of Americans are injured in motor vehicle collisions caused by reckless and dangerous driving. If you notice a reckless driver on the road, it is important to act quickly. Maintain a safe distance from the dangerous driver and contact local law enforcement with information on the vehicle. Listed below are some of the most common forms of reckless driving: 

Driving Under the Influence

Despite the fact drunk driving can come with severe criminal punishments, thousands of Americans make the reckless decision to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Signs of drunk driving include swerving from lane to lane, reckless lane changes, and traveling at erratic speeds. If you notice a drunk driver, stay as far away from their vehicle as possible. 

Excessive Speeding

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding drivers fatally injured more than 9,700 Americans in 2017. Traveling at speeds well above the speed limit can severely impact a driver’s reaction time and lead to increased collisions. Speeding is especially dangerous when snow or ice is present on the road. 

Distracted Driving

One of the most common forms of reckless driving today is texting while driving. Due to advances in technology, cell phone use has risen at an incredible rate over the last decade. Today, the use of cell phones has caused a steady rise in annual motor vehicle collisions. Taking your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel is a serious safety threat.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer 

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our legal team fully understands how devastating a motor vehicle collision can be. If you or a member of your family is injured in a car accident, you should not have to suffer financially due to another driver’s negligence. To schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2019/02/25/old-town-armed-carjacking-crash-jackson-park/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/speeding