Speeding Dangers on Illinois Tollways

 Posted on December 00,0000 in Speeding

The Illinois State Police report an overwhelming number of alarming statistics regarding speeding and its impact on car accidents and injury throughout the state, drawing our attention to the ongoing need to reduce speeding behaviors on our roadways. According to their statistics, approximately 32 percent of all fatal crashes are speed-related, and the number of vehicles operating at 65 mph or higher has increased over time, which has resulted in higher crash impact incidents and a significant increase in fatalities.

Tollway Speed Study Findings

Speeding is especially problematic on our Illinois tollways. A surplus of vehicle traffic operating at such a fast pace, particularly during rush-hour times, creates a prime opportunity for collision and injury. Still, many drivers choose to drive over the limit in an effort to get to where they need to be. The Chicago Tribune revealed a tollway report that found that only one in 20 people obey a 55 mph speed limit on tollways. Even worse is the finding that the average driver speed on tollways floats in the mid to high seventies.

Although limits on some tollway stretches have been bumped up to a maximum of 70 mph, tollway studies have shown that drivers are still pushing those limits and simply ignoring them entirely. Sources from the Chicago Tribune cite human psychology as a leading factor in the decision to speed on the tollways. For example, when drivers see others operating at speeds of 70 mph or more, they tend to go with the flow, in order to keep up with traffic. Some drivers simply do not feel safe enough to operate at the proper, posted speed limit or to drive under the limit, because they feel they are being forced to keep a lead foot on the gas pedal.

Determining Appropriate Speeds

Data from the tollway study showcased a clear finding that anywhere from 91 to 98 percent of drivers exceeded the 55 mph limit on various Illinois tollways, with average speeds ranging from 66 to 70 mph. It is ultimately up to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to determine the best speeds for drivers on highways, but the efforts are an ongoing process that requires time and study. Engineers must consider everything from ramp locations, traffic volume and flow, and crash history on each specific tollway.

If you have been impacted by a speeding-related collision on an Illinois tollway and are now in need of proper legal representation, it is time to talk with a knowledgeable  Lake County car accident attorney to ensure your rights are safe and sound. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a personal consultation.

Source:

http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2013-11-29/news/ct-speed-psychology-met-20131201_1_70-mph-illinois-tollway-tri-state-tollway https://www.isp.state.il.us/traffic/speedlimitenf.cfm