Obtaining a driver’s license is something that most Illinois teenagers look forward to when they turn 16. Studies show that car accidents are the leading cause of death for teenagers in the United States. The first year after teens get their license are the most dangerous. During this period, new drivers are four times more likely than adult motorists to get into an auto accident. Besides the lack of experience behind the wheel, other reasons can include distracted driving or driving while intoxicated. These types of crashes can lead to minor or serious injuries depending on the circumstances. In certain cases, parents can be held liable if they were negligent in by not properly supervising their child, which resulted in actions that caused the accident and any subsequent injuries.

Contributing Factors to a Collision

Statistics show that even if a motorist takes his or her eyes off the road for a few seconds, this can lead to a rear-end collision or other type of crash, often with devastating consequences. In addition, when a motorist is intoxicated, his or her reaction time is much slower than when sober. Going over the posted speed limit also presents a major risk since the time needed to stop if the car ahead brakes is much greater.

Some of the most dangerous teen driving behaviors that can cause a crash include the following:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by a frightening experience. A person may suffer from PTSD after being directly involved in a terrifying incident or even after simply witnessing it. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 39 percent of car crash victims develop PTSD.

A motor vehicle crash can be a sudden and devastating event for a driver and passengers to go through. The aftermath of a car accident may include injuries such as broken bones, lacerations, or whiplash. However, victims can also exhibit characteristics of PTSD in the days, weeks, or months following the crash. This can significantly affect their day-to-day living. That is why it is imperative to seek medical treatment and legal guidance for pain and suffering, especially if the accident was due to the negligent behavior of another driver.

Symptoms of PTSD

Many people who are involved in automobile accidents are able to recover from their injuries in a few weeks. For example, a fractured or broken leg can be fixed by wearing a cast for approximately 30 days. It is normal to feel some anxiety after being involved in an auto collision. Some crash survivors, however, suffer emotionally and mentally for an extended period of time due to the traumatic nature of a crash.

The winter holiday season is a time for special family and friend gatherings. Whether they are Christmas shopping or traveling to visit relatives, more people are on the roadways, which can wreak havoc on traffic. In addition, this time of year also brings inclement weather, especially in Illinois and throughout other parts of the country. Snow, sleet, and wind can cause blizzard-like conditions that can make it difficult for drivers to see in front of them. These “white-out” factors often result in chain-reaction crashes and multiple-vehicle pile-ups. This is why it is especially important to remember basic safe driving tactics to avoid serious injuries due to a car accident.

How Traffic and Weather Can Impact Travel

Regardless if you are making a long-distance trip to visit relatives or just heading across town, you should follow the rules of the road. However, you should also be aware of how weather and holiday traffic can affect your route. Here are some helpful strategies for driving during the busy and chaotic holiday season:

• Plan ahead: Before embarking on your trip, make sure your vehicle is in proper working order for extended travel. This can include installing snow tires and making sure your windshield fluid and antifreeze fluids are full. You should also keep an emergency kit in your vehicle in case your car breaks down or traffic comes to a standstill.
• Stay awake and alert: Make sure you get plenty of sleep before a long drive that may take you across state lines. If you are driving drowsy, you risk falling asleep behind the wheel and crashing into other cars, medians, or even buildings.
• Reduce your speed: Give yourself plenty of time considering long traffic delays and lower speeds due to snowy or icy conditions. When precipitation hits the pavement and freezes, it will take a car longer to brake and come to a complete stop. Although you may be in a hurry to get from place to place, slowing down can save being involved in an accident.
• Drive defensively: Be aware and alert of other drivers on the road. Other motorists may not be paying attention or could be intoxicated and therefore driving recklessly. Never assume what another driver is going to do, but be prepared for sudden lane changes or turns ahead of you.
• Do not drive impaired: It is illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol in every state. It is the time of year for office Christmas luncheons or New Year’s Eve parties, where alcoholic beverages may be served. If you choose to drink, call an Uber or appoint a designated driver who is sober.
• Avoid distractions: Distracted driving can be just as dangerous as impaired driving. Glancing at your phone, eating, applying makeup, or changing the radio station all take your eyes and attention off the road. Even just a few seconds of distraction can greatly reduce your reaction time if the car in front of you suddenly stops.

Contact a Bloomingdale Personal Injury Attorney

When winter weather hits, Illinois motorists need to adjust their driving habits. Even if you are careful about your behavior behind the wheel, other drivers may not be as diligent. If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a vehicle collision, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as medical bills and lost wages. A skilled DuPage County car accident lawyer from the Law Offices of David W. Clark, P.C. will examine the details of your case to determine if negligence played a role. To schedule your free consultation, call our office today at 630-665-5678.

There is no denying that the Midwest has some of the most extreme weather, from hot and humid summers to bitter cold winters with a rainy season in between. Illinois winters have a reputation for exhibiting some of the worst conditions. Snow and ice can wreak havoc on traffic and cause serious problems for motorists. Truck drivers need to be extra cautious due to the size and volume of their vehicles. It is a proven fact that it takes longer for a truck to come to a complete stop than a car. In blizzard-like conditions, a truck accident can result in serious to severe injuries for the truck driver as well as the occupants of a car after a collision.

Safety Measures for All Drivers

When the seasons change, Illinois motorists need to change their driving habits. Regardless if you are operating a semi-truck or a compact car, precipitation of any kind warrants slowing down and taking other measures. Here are a few safety precautions to keep in mind when traveling in hazardous weather on the highway:

• Stay calm: If you feel yourself panicking behind the wheel, try to relax and take deep breaths to calm yourself down.
• Slow down: Drive only as fast as your abilities and the capabilities of the vehicle permit for the road conditions.
• Control your actions: Your behavior on the roadway needs to be controlled and deliberate. Maintain a consistent speed, create more space between you and the car ahead in case that vehicle stops unexpectedly. Do not slam on the brakes, and steer gently.
• Turn on your headlights: Make sure to turn on your headlights even during the daytime if the weather is bad so other motorists can see you better.
• Use your turn signals: Do not make lane changes without alerting other drivers of your upcoming movements by signaling first. When getting off at an exit, for example, put on your turn signal before you start slowing down.
• Be aware of tire spray: Be aware of water spraying from a truck’s tires. A significant amount of spray means the roads are wet. If the pavement appears wet, but there is not a lot of spray, the precipitation is turning to ice. If the road looks wet but there is minimal to no spray, that could mean black ice.
• Watch other drivers: Pay attention to what the truck drivers are doing and if they are slowing down, you should too. This will help avoid a pileup in the event you have to brake suddenly.
• Do not stop: If visibility is poor, do not stop in the middle of the road because you will be hit from behind since the driver behind you cannot see either. Proceed along slowly until you can safely move your car off to the shoulder. Wait out the storm until you can see clearly ahead of you.

Even when the above safety tips are followed, accidents involving a truck can and still do happen. In some cases, another driver may have been distracted or intoxicated, which led to the crash. It is important to contact an experienced attorney to determine who is at fault in order to seek compensation for damages.

With fall upon us and winter approaching, parts of the country are already experiencing inclement weather. Heavy rains and winter storms can wreak havoc on driving conditions and pose a real danger to Illinois motorists. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) statistics, more than 5.8 million vehicle crashes occur every year. Approximately 21 percent of those involved hazardous weather. Slippery or icy roads can lead to a driver losing control of his or her vehicle, resulting in car accidents with serious injuries or even fatalities. That is why it is even more important for everyone on the road to be extra alert during bad weather and drive responsibly in order to avoid a potential collision.

Weather Factors That Can Lead to Crashes

There are various conditions that bad weather causes, and it often depends on the temperature outside. Based on how warm or cold the air is, precipitation can result in fog, rain, sleet, hail, or snow. If the air temperature drops, water on pavement can turn to ice, a significant driving hazard. Below are some of the major weather conditions that occur in Illinois, which can increase the chances of an auto accident:

• Rain and flooding: The average automobile can be swept off the road in one foot of moving water. In addition, streets covered by water can collapse. Attempting to drive through water can also stall a car’s engine, possibly leaving you stranded.
• Snow and ice: Icy pavement lacks friction and vehicle maneuverability, increasing crash risk. It can take up to 10 times longer to stop on an icy road as it does on a dry one. Experts suggest allowing 20 seconds of time behind the car in front of you.
• Low visibility: Foggy conditions reduce the distance a driver can see ahead of the car.
• Strong winds: Higher vehicles are most affected by high winds, but sudden gusts can blow any automobile off course. Also, striking any type of debris that is blowing in the wind at a high speed could be fatal, so it is imperative to travel at a slower speed.

Driver Behaviors That Can Cause Collisions

Today’s traffic enforcement patrols promote safe driving techniques in an attempt to reduce the number of accidents. From posted speed limits to DUI checkpoints to electronic signage alerting drivers of slow-downs ahead, they are all meant to keep our highways safer.