Rush Hour Driving Tips for the Chicago Area

 Posted on December 26,2018 in Lake County Injury Attorney

For most of those working in the greater Chicago area, commuting through heavy traffic is part of the necessary daily routine. While consistently dealing with traffic can bring complacency behind the wheel, rush hour driving can be quite dangerous. 

On December 20, commuters in Illinois were reminded of the increased risk that comes with heavy traffic, as a four-vehicle collision on the Kennedy Expressway resulted in the death of one man. If you regularly commute through heavy traffic to get to and from work, these simple tips could help you avoid a car crash. 

Maintain Safe Traveling Distance

When driving in heavy traffic, you should expect a lot of starts and stops. If you do not keep a consistent safe distance between you and the vehicle in front of you, it is possible you could cause and be the victim of a rear-end collision. The commonly used rule of thumb is to maintain a three-second distance between you and other vehicles. 

Avoid Speeding

As mentioned above, heavy traffic can lead to abrupt stoppages. Driving at speeds over the speed limit can endanger you and other travelers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), approximately 27 percent of all traffic collisions in 2016 were caused by speeding. Driving at a responsible speed will significantly lower your chances of an accident. 

Know Weather Conditions

Driving during winter weather in the Chicago metro can be frightening at times. Before you leave for your morning or afternoon commute, it is wise to look at the driving conditions in your area. If there is snow or ice present, driving at slower speeds and maintaining more distance between your vehicle and other cars can make all the difference in ensuring a safe drive to your destination.

Avoid Aggressive Driving

We all know driving in heavy traffic can be aggravating. In some instances, you might feel the urge to aggressively pass another vehicle or tailgate those who drive at slower speeds. In reality, these driving tactics only increase your risk of collision and injury. This winter, avoid aggressive driving, even if it means arriving to work a few minutes later than you wanted.

Contact a Waukegan Car Accident Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., we understand how devastating a car accident can be for your entire family. Damages to your vehicle can require costly repairs, and serious injuries often result in expensive hospitalization and potential loss of work. If you or a loved one were involved in a motor vehicle collision, it is important to seek experienced legal guidance. With many years of helping car accident victims receive the injury compensation they deserve, we are the right choice for you. To schedule a free consultation with a Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-fatal-crash-kennedy-20181220-story.html

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