Illinois Starts "Operation Rogue Rider" to Stop Dangerous Motorcycle Riders

 Posted on July 19,2012 in Personal Injury

The state of Illinois started a new initiative on July 13^th which aims to take unsafe motorcyclists off of the roads. The scheme is termed "operation rogue rider" because it targets motorcyclists who dart between traffic, race over 100 mph, and speed on shoulders. Patrols will be set between Devon and Old Orchard Rd on the Edens Expressway. These roving watches might soon be expanded to the Dan Ryan Expressway and Interstate 57. Authorities are claiming that they receive nightly calls about dangerous motorcyclists. Between Skokie and Lincolnwood, hundreds of complaints have been received from local residents. It's not only other drivers that are noticing the dangers of motorcyclists. So far this year, the Chicago region has experienced 13 fatalities and 7 injuries in motorcycle crashes. That amounts to an 85% increase in fatalities and a 75% increase in injuries compared to the same period of time last year. Any motorist that is found guilty of driving recklessly could face up to a year in prison and fines up to $2,500. "Motorcyclists have a simple choice in the matter -- violated the law and face hefty fines and jail time, or abide by the law and ride safely," acting Illinois State Police District Chicago Lt. Jeff Grendzinski said. "Our top priority is for motorists to get to their final destination safely, and by implementing this enforcement plan, we save lives and prevent driving fatalities." While this is a safety measure for motorcyclists and other drivers to prevent auto accidents, it might be too late for some people. Injury and death are often the result of high speed accidents on highways. If you have been involved in a motorcycle or car accident, please do not hesitate to call a knowledgeable personal injury attorney today.