Most Common Causes For Car Crashes in Illinois

 Posted on January 15, 2024 in Car Accidents

Car crashes happen far too often in Illinois, some of which result in serious injury and death. Some of the busiest interstate highways in the US can be found in Illinois which lends itself to many of the vehicle crash statistics found in the reports provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Most of the car crashes are caused by the same conditions or driver behaviors that plague the entire country. Persons injured in a car crash who hope to seek compensation for damages incurred should consult with a local attorney as soon as they are able.

Distracted Driving

Anytime a driver’s attention is pulled away from the road they run the risk of a serious accident that could see themselves or others injured. Typical driving distractions include:

• Texting while driving
• Eating while driving
• Fidgeting with things inside the vehicle (dropped items, the glove box)
• Adjusting the radio
• Talking on a cellphone

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) claims that anything that removes a driver’s eyes from the road is considered a distraction. However, there are two other distraction types as well: manual and cognitive. When a driver removes his or her hands from the wheel it is a manual distraction. When a driver chooses to daydream or get lost in deep thought, taking their mind off the road, that is a cognitive distraction.

Driver Fatigue

Getting behind the wheel early in the morning after not getting enough sleep could lead to driver fatigue. The same can be said for lengthy road trips, nighttime driving, or driving while ill. Driver fatigue affects truck drivers more so than any other driver as they are often paid by cargo load. This incentivizes skipping rest in favor of making more money. Driving fatigue can impair a driver in the same way as one who drives under the influence of alcohol, so you should act accordingly.

Speeding and Driving Aggressively

More than most would like to admit, drivers tend to open up a bit while out on an empty highway and push the speed limits of their sports cars. Others may be late for work and feel they need to step on the gas a little bit to try and avoid their boss chewing them out for the fifth time this week. In either case, speeding is a detriment to everyone on the road – and even to those simply wanting to cross it. Slow down and obey the posted speed limits to mitigate the risk of a collision with another vehicle or a pedestrian.

Speeding can also lead to aggressive driving in the form of tailgating, traffic weaving, or running stop signs and red lights. Do yourself a favor and avoid a lawsuit and possible injuries by remaining calm and focused when behind the wheel.

Driving Under The Influence (DUI)

It would not be a car crash list without mentioning drunk driving. Alcohol impairs brain function and muscle coordination making it more difficult to brake in time or avoid obstacles in the road. Not to mention it is a surefire way to get yourself pulled over and see your license suspended. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of car crash fatalities in Illinois with the NHTSA reporting that close to half of all auto accidents that end in death involve someone driving under the influence.

Contact a Lake County, IL Personal Injury Attorney

Negligent behavior while out on the road can result in serious injury or death. If you or someone you know has suffered injuries due to another driver’s negligence, then do not hesitate to reach out to the law office of Salvi & Maher, LLP. We can provide an experienced Waukegan, IL car accident lawyer to assist you in your lawsuit claim for damage and hardship reimbursement. Contact the firm right now for a free consultation using the number 847-662-3303 to get started.