We live in a society that thrives on multi-tasking. Do you eat breakfast while driving to work or text an important client while behind the wheel? If you answered yes to either of those, you are in danger of either crashing into another vehicle, a pedestrian or flipping over. While multi-tasking can help you complete your to-do list faster, it can result in injuries or worse when you complete these tasks while driving.
According to Illinois’ distracted driving law, if you are found to be involved in distracted driving, you will be charged with hefty fines. Here are some ways you can prevent innocent drivers and people from getting injured and avoid those fines.
Turn off your phone before getting behind the wheel. If that isn’t possible, only address emergency calls. Plus, when you get a call you cannot ignore, pull over to the side of the road and then pick up. You can also use a hands-free device to answer calls if you are in a hurry. That way, your eyes will remain on the road and both your hands will remain on the steering wheel.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, driving while drowsy is one of the main causes of crashes and injuries on the road. Even if you are proud of your driving skills, if you drive when you are sleepy, you will put yourself and others in danger.
Don’t get high on coffee in a bid to stay awake and don’t try to get to your destination faster. Just pull over and take a quick nap. Better yet – take the day off and get some sleep.
If you have small children who can get a bit rambunctious on long drives, make sure you have an adult partner with you as well. That way you can keep your attention on the road and your partner will ensure the kids remain in the back seat.
If you are a teen driver, limit the number of friends you give a ride to. Over excited passengers can distract you, which can result in an accident.
Distracted driving remains a significant concern in Illinois, accounting for thousands of crashes, injuries, and fatalities each year. Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness and enforce stricter laws, a large number of drivers continue to engage in behaviors that divert their attention away from the road, thereby endangering themselves and other road users.
According to data from the Illinois State Police, driver inattention is implicated in over 1 million crashes across North America each year. This staggering figure underscores the severity of the issue, often leading to life-altering injuries and fatalities. Notably, research indicates that using a cell phone while driving increases the likelihood of being involved in a crash by a staggering 400%.
This statistic highlights how prevalent and dangerous this particular distraction has become. In response to this growing concern, Illinois has enacted stringent laws aimed at curbing distracted driving behaviors. One of the most significant measures is the ban on handheld cell phone usage while driving. Despite these laws, challenges in enforcement persist. Many drivers continue to engage in risky behaviors that endanger themselves and others on the road.
Several key factors frequently contribute to distracted driving incidents in Illinois:
Cell Phone Use – Engaging in texting, making calls, or using apps while driving diverts attention from the road and significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Eating and Drinking – Consuming food or beverages can be distracting, as drivers may divert their eyes from the road or take a hand off the wheel to handle items.
Passenger Distractions – Interactions with passengers, whether through conversation or assisting with navigation, can lead to lapses in attention.
Adjusting Vehicle Controls – Changing settings such as radio stations, climate control, or GPS directions can pull a driver’s focus away from the road, increasing the risk of a crash.
Personal Grooming – Habits like applying makeup or fixing hair while driving are not uncommon, and these actions can significantly distract drivers from their primary task of driving.
The consequences of distracted driving are far-reaching, resulting in millions of dollars in damages, medical expenses, and legal claims each year. In Illinois, law enforcement agencies are continuously working to issue citations for distracted driving violations. Increasing awareness and the legal ramifications serve as deterrents; however, the prevalence of distracted driving indicates that the issue is far from resolved.
To combat the rise in distracted driving incidents, Illinois has initiated several preventive measures:
Public Awareness Campaigns – The state runs educational campaigns designed to inform drivers about the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of staying focused on the road.
Stricter Enforcement of Traffic Laws – Law enforcement agencies are increasing efforts to enforce traffic laws related to distracted driving, ensuring that violators face appropriate penalties.
Promotion of Hands-Free Technology – The state encourages the use of hands-free devices to help minimize distractions related to cell phone use, allowing drivers to stay connected without compromising their attention on the road.
Understanding the statistics and factors related to distracted driving in Illinois equips drivers with the knowledge needed to make safer choices behind the wheel. By embracing responsible driving habits and remaining vigilant, motorists can play an essential role in reducing the frequency of accidents and fatalities on the road.
If you or someone you know has been involved in an auto accident and requires expert legal counsel to acquire damages, get in touch with us at the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens today. We will assign a team of expert car accident attorneys to your case who will protect your best interests and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, Personal Injury and Workers' Compensation Law Office, have offices in Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Woodstock and Barrington. We represent clients throughout the communities of Antioch, Waukegan, Grayslake, Barrington, Woodstock, Buffalo Grove, Deer Park, Gurnee, Lake Zurich, Round Lake, McHenry, Cary, Crystal Lake, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein, Vernon Hills, Wheeling, North Chicago, Zion, Inverness, Palatine, Wauconda, Island Lake, Fox Lake, Barrington Hills, Spring Grove, Lake Bluff, Lakemoor, Long Grove, Lake Villa, Kildeer, Wadsworth, Indian Creek, Fox River Grove, Lindenhurst and other cities within Lake and McHenry Counties Illinois.
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