Speeding Continues to Endanger Illinois Drivers

 Posted on April 27,2018 in Driving Safety

Late Wednesday night, April 25, a high speed collision in Southwest Chicago reminded Illinoisans of the inherent dangers that come with speeding. The accident, which occurred in Chicago’s Gage neighborhood, ultimately resulted in damage to nine vehicles, seven of which were parked. While no fatalities occurred in the accident, one fact is clear: the accident occurred because of speeding.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 10,000 Americans suffered fatal injuries due to speeding in 2016 alone. On average, speeding accounts for roughly 30 percent of all traffic fatalities in the United States. If you or a member of your family are injured in automobile collision, contact our knowledgeable team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys to discuss your case and your options.

Speeding Kills

Despite the overwhelming statistics that suggest that driving at excessive speeds endangers vehicle occupants and those traveling in the surrounding area, a large percentage of the population continues to speed. The NHTSA states that driving at speeds over the speed limit has a multi-faceted impact on the effectiveness of one's vehicle. When driving at high speeds, drivers are much more likely to lose control of their vehicle. Speeding also impacts a vehicle’s ability to brake. Even more concerning is the fact that when driving at excessive speeds, a vehicle’s safety restraint systems are severely limited in their general effectiveness. 

Reacting to Speeding Drivers

When drivers elect to drive at speeds over the legal speed limit, they endanger all the vehicles around them. So how should you react if you encounter a speeding driver? The NHTSA suggests that you avoid the speeding driver as much as possible. If you are in the left lane when you encounter a speeding driver, move to the right lane and allow him or her to pass. If you are driving next to a speeding driver, reduce your speed and give him or her the space to continue ahead of you — speeding drivers are much more likely to lose control of their vehicle. Lastly, do not hesitate to contact your local law enforcement if you believe that a speeding driver is endangering others on the road. 

Speak with a Compassionate Car Accident Lawyer in Lake County 

Despite our best efforts, accidents do happen. Unfortunately, irresponsible and aggressive driving tactics, such as speeding, endanger everyone on the road. At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C., we have decades of experience helping victims of motor vehicle accidents find justice. If you or a member of your family are injured in an automobile accident, contact our experienced team of Waukegan personal injury attorneys today.

Sources:

http://abc7chicago.com/2-drivers-missing-after-9-cars-damaged-in-gage-park-crash/3394056/ 

https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/812021

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