Why Are Traffic Fatalities on the Rise in Illinois?

 Posted on September 07, 2018 in Car Accidents

Throughout the past few decades, a variety of organizations have been working diligently to decrease the number of traffic fatalities in the United States. From Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), an organization founded in 1980 to increase awareness of teenage driving while under the influence of alcohol, to advertisement campaigns like “Click It or Ticket,” which hopes to incentivize drivers to buckle their seatbelts, these organizations have made monumental strides in decreasing deaths on American roadways.

Despite these efforts, traffic fatalities continue to rise here in the state of Illinois. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), there were over 1,000 car accident fatalities statewide in 2016 alone. Despite increased statewide initiatives to decrease drinking and driving, as well as other forms of dangerous or reckless driving, 2016 marked the deadliest year on Illinois’ roadways since 2008. Why the rise?

Increases in Reckless Driving Statewide

In spite of harsh criminal punishments and the aforementioned anti-drinking and driving initiatives, drunk driving continues to be a challenging issue for law enforcement officials throughout the state. According to the Illinois Crash Facts and Statistics report, over 800 Illinoisans were killed in drunk driving accidents throughout 2014. In all, drunk drivers were responsible for 30.4% of highway fatalities in 2014.

Other forms of reckless driving are also cause for concern in Illinois. With the rise of smartphone technology, more and more drivers are becoming distracted while driving. Nationwide, distracted driving resulted in 3,477 fatal car accidents throughout 2015. Reckless driving in the form of speeding and tailgating is also increasingly dangerous in Illinois, due to our inclement driving conditions during the winter months. Roughly 40% of all traffic fatalities in Illinois between the years of 2013 and 2015 were caused by drivers traveling at excessive speeds.

Remaining Safe on Illinois Roadways

Unfortunately, reckless driving is on the rise here in Illinois. Still, the best way to remain safe while driving is to drive responsibly. Avoid the urge to react to reckless drivers, keep a safe distance between your vehicle and other travelers, and never drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Set Up a Consultation With a Lake County Personal Injury Lawyer

At Salvi and Maher, L.L.C., our team of attorneys understand the inherent dangers of traveling on Illinois roadways. If you or a member of your family is injured in a motor vehicle collision, it is critically important to find the legal representation that can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for the damages you have suffered. To set up a free consultation with a Waukegan personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

https://www.dmv.org/articles/death-by-text-message-stats-show-how-technology-is-killing-us/

http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/arlington-heights/community/chi-ugc-article-companies-seek-to-raise-awareness-about-drive-2018-09-04-story.html