Vehicle Fatalities Dropped in Illinois in 2014

 Posted on February 09, 2015 in Personal Injury

For the sixth year in a row, motor vehicle deaths fell below the 1000 mark across the state. Every year, motor vehicle deaths and crash statistics are released by the state Department of Transportation. In 2014, the preliminary numbers show there were 914 deaths involving motor vehicles. This is a drop from the 991 deaths cited in 2013. The highest concentration of motor vehicle deaths was in Chicago City, Cook County and Lake County. Causes of the Accidents While bad weather was a factor in some accidents, most of the accidents turned fatal because of the use of a cellphone while driving, or failure to use a seat belt. Additionally, only one-third of the fatalities involved alcohol. Illinois has taken several initiatives to make the roads safer. The Department of Transportation's newest safe driving campaign is called "The Driving Dead Series." Featuring one of the stars from the show "The Walking Dead," this series helps promote safe driving habits by connecting with younger viewers. It is an innovative online campaign that follows characters in a zombie-filled, post-apocalyptic world. The goal is to reduce the number of young drivers who mix drugs and alcohol with driving. The state's mandatory seat belt law, "Click It or Ticket," requires every passenger and driver to wear a seatbelt or risk a fine. As of last year, the state banned the use of all hand-held devices while driving and prohibited texting while driving. The fines start at $75. Moreover, because it is a primary law, a driver can be pulled over for texting or using your cell phone while driving. The installation of guardrails, rumble strips, and other barrier systems are also believed to have contributed to the lower number of fatalities. Even with all of these safety measures, fatal crashes are still a problem. As of January 30, 2015, there have already been 43 fatal crashes and 45 deaths. Motor vehicle accidents, especially in the winter months, can be exceptionally dangerous. The icy conditions, strong winds, and snowfall can make driving nearly impossible at times. Car accidents, whether fatal or not, can cause significant damage to drivers, passengers, other cars and pedestrians. If you have been involved in a motor vehicle crash, you may be entitled to a variety of damages, including compensation for medical bills, time away from work, vehicle damages and more. However, there are time limits in place if you wish to file a lawsuit. Contact Our Experienced Accident Attorneys Have you been injured in a car accident in Chicago-area or the suburbs? Reach out to the DuPage County car accident attorneys at Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices for assistance. We can advocate aggressively on your behalf to help you recover the compensation you deserve.