What Causes Most Illinois Car Accidents?

 Posted on September 18, 2015 in Personal Injury

New safety features continue to make cars safer than ever; however, people are still injured in car accidents every day. In Illinois, most accidents are caused by one of the three D’s: distracted driving, drowsy driving, or dunk driving.

Distracted Driving

The term distracted driving is often used to describe people who text and drive. While texting is deadly when combined with driving, there are several other distractions that cause thousands of injuries each year. These distractions include:

• Changing the radio station;
• Talking to passengers in the car;
• “Rubber-necking” or looking at the scene of an accident as you drive by; and
• Eating while driving.

It is impossible to list all of the ways drivers become distracted and end up causing a car accident. Still, any activity that takes your focus away from the road, even for a second, is too dangerous to combine with driving.

Drowsy Driving

According to several studies, we are a nation that does not get enough sleep. Driving requires an alert mind and quick reflexes. Two of the major side effects of sleep deprivation are the slowing down of reflexes and a loss of attention.

Lack of sleep makes driving more difficult. Driving without enough rest can impair a driver just as much as drinking alcohol. Coping tactics like drinking caffeine or rolling down the windows have been shown to only mask the symptoms of fatigue, but not cure them. Therefore, getting enough rest before driving is important, especially before a long trip. If a driver feels tired, he or she should pull over and not drive again until well rested.

Drunk Driving

Stricter drunk driving laws have not been enough to prevent thousands of drunk driving accidents. Some estimates show that as many as 300,000 drivers across the United States drive drunk every day. Drivers who have a blood alcohol level below the legal limit may still be impaired.

Alcohol is not the only substance that can result in impaired driving and cause dangerous car accidents. Certain prescription drugs, as well as illegal drugs like marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamines, interfere with a driver’s judgment, coordination and reflexes. If a driver has had any alcohol or taken any drugs that might interfere with his or her ability to drive, he or she should not get behind the wheel.

Speak with an Illinois Car Accident Attorney Today

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, please consult with a knowledgeable and experienced DuPage County personal injury lawyer right away to discuss your rights and possible claims. Call Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today to schedule your consultation today at 630-932-9100.