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Governor Quinn Signs Chicago Speeder Cameras Into Law

2012-02-13T19:42:32Z

I wrote last fall about a controversial law that the Illinois legislature passed, which would allow the city of Chicago to install speeder cameras around the city. Mayor Emanuel was heavily endorsing the law and was touting it as a measure that would help protect children. The cameras are apparently going to be mainly positioned around schools and parks. Governor Quinn finally signed the measure into law last week.

These cameras have had plenty of skepticism from the the public, media and other lawmakers. State Representative Ann Williams, who represents part of the North side of Chicago, is one politician who opposed the new law. She told the Chicago Tribune about her concerns: "I feel that having cameras on every corner really changes the character of a neighborhood," Williams said. "Imagine walking through your neighborhood on a beautiful day, looking up, and there's a camera pointed at you. I just don't know if I want that feeling on every corner in every neighborhood."

Other people has argued that these cameras were being installed merely to raise revenue for the city. Mayor Emanuel has disagreed with this theory from the beginning and has stated time and again that the purpose for these cameras is to protect children. Governor Quinn echoed this sentiment: "I think that you've got to understand that if you save even one life, you are saving the whole world," Quinn said during an appearance at a high school on the Far South Side. "I mean, what do you say to a parent that's been there from the day their son or daughter was born and they're killed by a speeding motorist next to their school or their park?

"I think our job is to rise to the occasion and do what's necessary to protect our kids."

I think time will have to tell whether these cameras were useful. We will have to look at the statistics after a year or two to see if the amount of vehicle-pedestrianaccidents have decreased in Chicago. It will also be important if the amount of vehicle-pedestrian accidents decrease in the specific areas where the cameras are placed.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago vehicle-pedestrianaccident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

NHTSA To Require Rear-View Cameras On All Vehicles

2012-02-04T20:58:20Z

It is every drivers worst nightmare - - backing their vehicle up and unexpectedly striking the person behind you. This happens more than you would think as Business Week recently reported that every year 292 people die and 18,000 are injured by back overaccidents. Based on this epidemic, former President Bush signed into law the Cameron Gulbransen Kids Transportation Safety Act in 2008. The law was named for a two-year-old boy who was killed in 2002 when an SUV driven by his father backed over him. The law gave National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) three years to come up with new rules to “reduce death and injury resulting from backing incidents” by requiring “additional mirrors, sensors, cameras, or other technology to expand the driver’s field of view.”

As a result, the NHTSA is expected to issue a regulation requiring rear-view cameras on all new automobiles sold in the U.S. starting in 2014. NHTSA says the cameras will cut the number of deaths by half, to 146 a year. Yet the auto industry is questioning the prospective rule, calling it an example of overregulation by the federal government. NHTSA estimates it will cost automakers as much as $2.7 billion to install the devices on 16 million cars every year, which works out to about $18.5 million per life saved.

There has been quite a bit of backlash from the auto industry due to the increased costs that they will bear. Does the auto industry have a viable argument? Were these same auto giants making the same arguments when the government began requiring seat belts in the early 1960s or later when they were required to add air bags. I think this is the cost of doing business and that consumers are due fair protection from the products placed in the open market. Once could argue that the new regulation is a little overreaching. This could be true, but I believe - - at a bare minimum - - auto makers should be required to install rear-view cameras on all SUVs, truck and vans as the line of sight behind them begins at approximately 20 feet, which can make it impossible to see a small child directly behind the vehicle.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or a Chicago back overaccident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 32-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com style="font-size:12.0pt;font-family:"Times New Roman","serif";mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"">

Study Shows Distracted Pedestrians More Like To Be Involved In Accidents

2012-02-02T18:47:11Z

The University of Maryland Medical Center released an interesting study last month which revealed that pedestrians wearing headphones are more likely to be involved in car accidents and train accidents than pedestrians without headphones.

The research revealed that 116 accident cases from 2004 to 2011 in which injured pedestrians were documented to be using headphones. Seventy percent of the 116 accidents resulted in death to the pedestrian. More than two-thirds of victims were male (68 percent) and under the age of 30 (67 percent). More than half of the moving vehicles involved in the accidents were trains (55 percent), and nearly a third (29 percent) of the vehicles reported sounding some type of warning horn prior to the crash. The increased incidence of accidents over the years closely corresponds to documented rising popularity of auditory technologies with headphones.

Dr. Lichenstein and his colleagues noted two likely phenomena associated with these injuries and deaths: distraction and sensory deprivation. The distraction caused by the use of electronic devices has been coined "inattentional blindness," in which multiple stimuli divide the brain's mental resource allocation. In cases of headphone-wearing pedestrian collisions with vehicles, the distraction is intensified by sensory deprivation, in which the pedestrians ability to hear a train or car warning signal is masked by the sounds produced by the portable electronic device and headphones.

Remember to always be aware of your surrounding if walking around town listening to your ipod as you could be increasing the chances you are struck by a vehicle. Another option is to lower the volume level enough so that you can hear and remain aware of the surrounding traffic.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago pedestrian accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

2012 Could Bring New Traffic Laws In Illinois

2012-01-30T16:36:13Z

Last week, Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White held his Advisory Committee on Traffic Safety meeting in Springfield, which revealed several new laws that could be proposed in 2012. The Daily Herald reported that Secretary White discussed some interesting new laws that could be crossing the governor's desk by the end of the year. Below are some of the proposed laws:

• Requiring helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers.

• Banning drivers from using hand-held cellphones.

• Tightening the penalties for misuse of disabled parking placards and licenses.

• Eliminating a loophole allowing 18-year-olds to obtain a license without any formal driver's ed classes.

• Upping the age teens can apply for learners' permits from 15 to 16 and strengthening nighttime restrictions.

• Cracking down on repeat offenders caught driving without insurance and driving on a suspended license.

I think it will be impossible to pass a complete cell phone ban. Distracted driving has become a huge epidemic in Illinois and throughout the country as it has been proven to be a major cause of car crashes in the law few years. As I have suggested before on this blog, I think one way to curb distracted driving car accidents is to stiffen the penalties against drivers who cause vehicle accidents while using their cell phones. One possibility is increasing the penalties to the same level as a drunk driving accident. It takes time for drivers to adapt to new laws (i.e. seat belt laws) before they begin to change their driving habits. If drivers know they could face stiffer penalties if they text and then cause an accident, it may persuade people to put their phones down when driving.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago accident attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Winter Weather Is Finally Here

2012-01-21T23:44:57Z

It took quite a while, but winter weather has finally hit Chicago and most of the Midwest. Six inches of snow hit the ground last week, quickly melted away, and another batch fell yesterday and last night. Driving in the snow and ice can be treacherous and - - if not careful - - can lead to a serious car accident. The Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) website provided a comprehensive checklist for drivers to be aware of when driving through ice and snow. Below is the list of tips.

· In RAIN, FOG, SNOW or SLEET, do not overdrive your headlights.

· Stay within the limits of your vision.

· Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Do not start until your windshield is defrosted.

· Drive slower and increase your following distance. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.

· Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade or roadway surface. Watch for slick spots especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots. Be prepared to react physically and mentally.

· If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection.

· If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction then straighten your vehicle.

· When you approach a snow plow from behind, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the plow. You should not try to pass in blowing snow. There may be a vehicle in that cloud of snow! Allow more distance between you and the plow, they may be spreading salt.

· Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow which covers the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways. Slow down and approach with caution. A snow plow may be at work clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.

· Be careful after a minor rear end accident. If you are bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion the other driver and drive to the nearest police station, 24-hour store, service.

Most important, always remember to buckle up, even if you are in the back seat as Illinois now requires all passenger to wear their seat belts.

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Is Driving With A Cold As Dangerous As Drinking And Driving?

2012-01-06T20:27:48Z

The UK Telegraph reported this week that recent studies performed by Cardiff University and the Young Marmalade insurance company showed that driving with a cold or flu can be just as hazardous as drinking alcohol and driving.

A small scale trial was performed which showed that drivers that had a cold or the flu had much slower reaction times and breaking became much more frequent. It needs to be pointed out that neither Young Marmalade or Cardiff University provided any statistics or numbers that resulted from their study. Also, apparently the slower reaction times were not a result of cold medicine but rather a lack of sleep, which made sick drivers less aware.

The findings back up work done by Cardiff University Common Cold Unit which showed that those with colds and flu suffered from poor reaction times and alertness and were a third more likely to hit the roadside curb.

Halfords Winter Driving Expert Mark Dolphin said: "We want our customers to stay safe. You shouldn't drive if you are not feeling well. The best place to be when you have flu or a heavy cold is at home, but if you really must go out, get someone else to take you and avoid driving.

This is an interesting study that I think has some merit, but I think I would like to see more concrete statistics and a more widespread study that tests a larger control group.

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

New Law Requires Illinois Backseat Passengers Wear Seat Belts

2012-01-03T15:10:12Z

A somewhat controversial traffic law that passed the Illinois legislator over the summer came into effect on January 1, 2012. The new law requires all back seat passengers wear a seat belt. The new law gives police officers the ability to pull a vehicle over if they view the any passenger not wearing their seat belt.

Illinois became the 26th state to require back seat passengers wear their seat belts. Despite many complaints that this law is overly intrusive, lawmakers believe this will help save lives. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has concluded that using shoulder belts in the back seat reduces the risk of a fatal injury during a car crash by 44% in cars and 73% in vans and SUVs. Unbelted passengers also put others in the car in danger during an auto accident and increase the other passengers' rate of injury or death by 40%.

There have also been studies that a belted passenger in the back seat will prevent that passenger for being forced forward and injuring the front seat passengers.

The initial fine for this law is $25.

Cook County Watchdog Group Finds Hidden Flaws In Trucks

2011-12-22T17:14:05Z

The Chicago Sun Times reported this week that a Cook County watchdog group, led by Cook County Inspector General Patrick Blanchard, found that the County was has been hiding multiple flaws in trucks so that they will pass inspection. Many of the practices used by the County highway department include: installing new tires on snow truck during inspections and then having them removed; not supplying each truck with a fire extinguisher; and vehicles used for repairing potholes not having an up-to-date vehicle inspection sticker.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle to the Sun Times that the person overseeing these issues was not living up to his duties and is no longer in the position. Rupert Graham, the highway superintendent appointed to the job under former board president Todd Stroger, stepped down in August of this year.

It is not clear whether any of the hidden faults in the County's fleet of trucks caused any vehicle accidents. At least it was not mentioned in the report or in the Sun Times article. It is also not clear as to what steps the County will be taking to make sure all of their vehicles up to code and in safe working condition. My opinion is that Board President Preckwinkle has been accountable on a lot of issues since taking office and that she will start taking the appropriate steps to make sure vehicles are better equipped and pass inspection.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com. style="background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto; " face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#3d3c3c">

NTSB Recommends Total Ban On Cell Phones In Vehicles

2011-12-17T17:08:00Z

I wrote last week about the drastic increase of drivers who texted behind the wheel.The National Highway Traffic Safety (NHTSA) administration found these text and drive results among U.S. drivers through various studies.

These findings appeared to have sent a serious jolt throughout the federal government, as the board dedicated to keeping highways and roads safe - - the National Highway Safety Board - - has recommended a complete ban on cell phone use while driving. The only exception would be in case of emergencies. The government (in my opinion rightfully) believes that texting and driving is an epidemic similar to drinking and driving. According to the NHTSA there were 3,092 roadway fatalities last year involved distracted drivers. Though they believe the number may actually be higher. Federal officials have taken to calling phone use behind the wheel "the new DUI."

This type of restriction is going to face serious opposition I believe from both Republicans and Democrats. There will also be strong opposition from each state as they will argue that it is an issue they can legislate themselves. Personally, I think it will be difficult to justify a complete ban on cell phone use for drivers as so many people rely on their phone for business purposes. Yet it appears that the government studies are correct in asserting that texting and driving is an epidemic similar to drinking and driving. As I mentioned last week, until people recognize the potential consequences of texting and driving (similar to not wearing a seat belt or driving while drunk), then people will continue to type on their phones while driving. How do we change this mentality? For now it will take time, but just like drinking and driving laws, the local, state and federal governments need to enact stiffer penalties.

Texting & Driving Increases By 50% In 2011

2011-12-11T19:14:02Z

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released some startling news last week about texting and driving. According to several different studies performed by the NHTSA, drivers who have texted on their phones while behind the wheel increased by 50% over the past year.

The NHTSA takes an annual snapshot of drivers' behavior by staking out selected stoplights and intersections to count people using cell phones and hand-held Web devices that allow them to text, view directions, check emails, surf the Internet, or play games. At any given time, just under 1 percent of drivers were texting or manipulating hand-held devices. The activity increased to 0.9 percent of drivers in 2010, up from 0.6 percent the year before.

In a separate telephone survey of drivers, 18 percent said they've sent texts or emails while at the wheel. That number jumps to half among younger drivers, ages 21 to 24.The survey also found that most drivers will answer a cell phone call while driving and most will continue to drive while they talk. NHTSA surveyed 6,000 drivers ages 18 or older in the national poll conducted a year ago and released Thursday.

"What's clear from all of the information we have is that driver distraction continues to be a major problem," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland said.

This is somewhat disheartening news considering the amount of effort state and federal legislators have done to enact bans on texting in driving the past few years. It is illegal to text and drive in the city of Chicago along with a statewide ban in Illinois. I have said this before but, it seems to be more apparent than ever, that people in the U.S. are reacting in a snail like pace to adapt to the new texting and driving laws. This is similar to the way this country reacted to seatbelt laws in the 1960s. I guess people do not realize just how dangerous it is to text and drive. Maybe local and state legislators need to consider stiffer penalties, especially if a the texting causes a car accident involving personal injury or property damage.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious car accident or truck accident in Illinois, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Illinois Dept of Transportation Prepares Drivers For Winter Weather

2011-12-05T19:30:55Z

If you live in Chicago you realize that winter is upon us as the high temperatures are only going to reach the mid 30s all week and possibly only 27 on Friday. Light snow is also in the upcoming forecast. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is gearing up for the winter season and their website provides several tips for Illinois motorists to help them avoid car crashes during dangerous conditions:

-don't crowd the snow plow
-drive slow when approaching intersections to avoid black ice
-keeping the gas tank at least two-thirds full to help prevent the fuel line from freezing
-carry an emergency "car care kit" containing jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a -small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit

"Illinois State Police districts are coordinating road safety plans with the tollway and IDOT to ensure that our traffic enforcement priorities include safe driving, safe roads and safe access for all citizens during the winter months," ISP Division of Operations Mark Piccoli said in a release.

Last year IDOT spent $84.6 million on snow removal, and for this winter season they have 1,732 pieces of equipment and 3,960 employees to keep routes clear.

You can check road conditions by calling 1-800-452-IDOT, or online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and clicking on the winter road conditions icon.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Ford To Introduce Technology To Help Drowzy Drivers

2011-11-17T20:12:08Z

I saw an interesting article recently on autoconverse.com, which discussed Ford Motor Company's ventures into anti-drowsy driving technologies. Ford plans on implement two different types of technology into various 2012 models including the Explorer.

The first type of technology is a camera system mounted behind your rear view mirror, which analyzes road markings to help you steer in your own lane in case you doze off while driving. The second is a watches for certain signals such as swerving and provides a visual signal on the dashboard accompanied by a chime suggesting it’s time to stop for coffee.

These are important advances in vehicle technology as studies show the dangers of nodding off while driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration car crash data estimates that about one in six (16.5 percent) deadly crashes, one in eight crashes resulting in occupant hospitalization and one in fourteen crashes in which a vehicle was towed involve a driver who is drowsy.

I wonder if the trucking industry will start implementing these types alert systems into their vehicles? Or better yet, will they make this type of technology a requirement in all tractor trailers?

If you or somone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago trucking accident or Chicago car crash, then call Chicago car accident attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicag.com.

Are Speeding Cameras In Chicago Another Example Of Big Brother

2011-11-10T16:12:30Z

The Chicago Tribune reported this week that Chicago Mayor, Rham Emanuel, is pushing forward with full steam a state law that would allow cameras to catch drivers speeding through school areas and other spots with high pedestrian traffic. The proposal, which has already passed the state Senate, would allow the city to issue $100 tickets if caught speeding on camera.

Mayor Emanuel has stated that the only reason for the fast action on this measure is to protect pedestrians, "my goal is only one thing, the safety of our kids."

Despite the the noble stated purpose by Emanuel and his administration, there are numerous critics asking the question as to whether these cameras are necessary. Multiple sceptics wonder if speeding is the actual cause for most vehicle-pedestrian accidents in Chicago.

Arguing for cameras, Emanuel has stressed statistics from a recent federally funded pedestrian study showing that over the five-year period (2005-2009), there were 861 crashes near schools that involved school-age children and occurred roughly around arrival and dismissal times. Those car crashes resulted in three deaths and 115 serious injuries, according to the study.

The report, however, did not analyze whether speeding was a contributing factor to those vechicle accidents, making it difficult to project how many might have been avoided if speed cameras had been in place.

Chicago officials acknowledge they have no studies that correlate speeding with car accidents involving children. Instead, they point to a body of federal reports showing that speeding contributes to a significant number of crashes, and the peril to pedestrians increases the faster cars go.

So the question remains (as with the red light cameras installed a few years ago), will the speeding cameras actually make the streets of Chicago safer? Are these pedestrian accidents occurring because of speeders, or are they due to other factors such texting and driving, drinking and driving or other distracted driving factors.

Other critics have mentioned that since the cameras are only being installed in the city, they cost will be bourn upon those who can least afford it. Also, is this another example of Chicago acting as Big Brother and intruding into the lives of its' residents?

It will be interested to see after the law passes and the cameras are installed whether pedestrian accidents in these areas actually goes down.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or a Chicago vehicle-pedestrian accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyer Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-5988-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

November Brings The Most Vehicle Collisions With Deer

2011-11-01T23:30:42Z

USA Today reported this week about the dangers of driving during the month of November - - for one specific reason - - the high number of deer that wander out to roads. For those who grew or live in rural areas, they are familiar with large amount of deer that pop out of the woods this time of year. late October through early December is mating season for North American deer, reports Rob Found, a biologist from the University of Alberta, in Edmonton. "Males are so focused on mating, they're not thinking straight," Found says. "They're looking for mates and for other males to fight."

This can be very dangerous for people driving at night, and sadly could have been the cause of a serious truck accident that killed seven people in Indiana last week.

For the fifth year in a row, West Virginia tops the list of states where a driver is most likely to run into a deer, State Farm reports. The other states in the top 10 are Iowa, South Dakota, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Montana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wyoming. State Farm reports that the number of deer/car collisions has actually decreased the past three years, likely because of the economy and people driving fewer miles. However, over the five-year period 2005-09, 1,017 people died in vehicle-animal collisions, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In a 2004 study, IIHS found that 60% of people who died in such crashes in automobiles were not wearing seat belts.

The questions remains as to the best way to avoid these types of car crashes. Professor Found performed a study which showed a dramatic decrease in the number of accidents in areas that have warning signs posted regarding possible dear crossings. The study showed that collisions dropped from 139 cases the previous year to 78 citywide once the signs were in place. "Our study showed that warning signs really do reduce deer-vehicle collisions," Found says.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384. Or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago Officials Launch Pedastrian Safety Awareness Campaign

2011-10-31T20:13:24Z

I have written in the past about the steps the city of Chicago has taken recently to promote the safety of pedestrians. This includes an ordinance passed that makes it illegal for not making a complete stop when pedestrians are waling at a cross walk. This safety push by the city counsel and Mayor Emanual comes on the heals of 32 pedestrians hat were killed by motor vehicles in 2010. The Chicago Tribune reported last week that city officials are promoting a giant public relations campaign to spread the word pedestrian safety throughout the city. Chicago officials have been highly involved in statewide legislation introduced last week
allow speed cameras on many Chicago streets to safeguard children and other pedestrians near schools and parks. Chicago received a $545,000 grant from the federal traffic safety agency to conduct a study released this summer that pinpointed specific pedestrian-related traffic threats, including hit-and-run accidents, and to zero in on hot spots for car crashes involving pedestrians. Fines range from $50 to $500. The new state law would require drivers to stop, not simply yield, for pedestrians.

The campaign includes which includes safety messages stenciled on sidewalks, stickers inside taxis urging passengers to report reckless cab drivers and flags for people to carry to boost their visibility while crossing streets. The initiative was kicked off with the placement of 32 mannequins — representing pedestrians killed in 2010 crashes across the city — on Wacker Drive downtown from Michigan Avenue to Wells Street.

The city announced a goal to reduce pedestrian fatalities to zero by 2020. In addition to the 32 deaths last year, about 3,000 pedestrians were injured in vehicle-related accidents citywide, records show. The safety push is being conducted by the city's Department of Transportation and Police Department, with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The pedestrian safety blitz was hinted at months ago with the launch of the city website chicagopedestrianplan.org.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident or Chicago car accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Serious Truck Accident Leads To 7 Fatalities Outside South Bend, IN

2011-10-28T18:13:20Z

USA Today reports today that there was a serious truck accident that occurred on Interstate 90 near South Bend Indiana. A mini-van carrying ten passengers either struck or slowed down to avoid a dear and were then struck from behind by a tractor trailer. Seven of the ten passengers in the mini-van died and the other three have been hospitalized. All of the passengers in the mini-van were related and apparently some of them lived in the Chicago area.

The semitrailer was going about 65 mph when it hit the van in the highway's eastbound lanes shortly after the van struck a deer about 8 p.m., Smith said. Both vehicles ended up in the center median, blocking traffic in both directions for several hours. Preliminary tests indicated that the trucker — Jesse Donovan, 24, of Johnston, R.I. — had not been drinking alcohol, Smith said. Donovan was released was a hospital after treatment for minor injuries.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago truck accident or Chicago semitrailer accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

October 16-22 Is National Teen Driver Safety Week

2011-10-22T21:28:01Z

October 16 through 22 is National Teen Driver Safety Week, and AAA's Foundation for Traffic Safety has been in the forefront about the state of teen drivers. AAA has concluded much more research needs to be done about the immediate transition for teens when they receive their license. As was reported in Forbes online, AAA has found that about 50 percent of teens are more likely to crash in the first month of unsupervised driving than they are after a full year of experience driving on their own, and they are nearly twice as likely to crash in their first month as they are after two full years of experience.

The Foundation for Traffic Safety's researchers analyzed the crashes of new drivers in North Carolina and found three common mistakes: failure to reduce speed, inattention, and failure to yield. These three behaviors accounted for 57 percent of all the crashes in which teens were at least partially responsible during their first month of licensed driving. Additionally, when researchers looked at specific types of crashes in relation to how long the driver had been licensed, they found that some types of crashes occurred at relatively high rates at first then declined quickly with experience. Car crash types that declined more slowly appeared to result not from lack of understanding, but from failure to master certain driving skills.

A second report from the Foundation for Taffic Safety, titled, Transition to Unsupervised Driving, studied 38 families with teenage drivers in North Carolina by collecting data using in-vehicle cameras. A total of nearly 6,000 video clips were analyzed. The study followed the teens during the first six months of licensed driving without their parents in the car. (An earlier phase of the study collected data from cameras during the period when the teens were learning to drive under their parents’ supervision.)

What do we make of the studies? I think one thing state's should consider is lengthening the time of supervised driving for teens, and possibly increasing the age of unsupervised driving to 17. This is just a thought, and more research needs to be done, but it is clear that teen drivers (especially within their first few months of unsupervised driving) are one of the main culprits for car crashes.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, at 312-588-3384 for a free consultation or go to www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago City Council Enacts Ban On Texting And Bicycling

2011-10-17T17:02:24Z

I have written here in the past about the multiple steps the state of Illinois and the city have Chicago have taken to prohibit texting and driving. Bans on texting and driving have been enacted locally and statewide. As The Huffington Post and The Chicago Tribune reported last week, Chicago has taken another bold step to protect motorists and bike riders by passing an ordinance that makes it illegal to text and bicycle.

Although this seems to be an obvious law to enact, it goes to show how much cell phones and smart phones are intertwined in peoples everyday lives and can be dangerous if they are not used in the proper setting. The ordinance, sponsored by Ald. Margaret Laurino (39th Ward), who is the chairman of Committee on Pedestrian and Traffic Safety chairman, fines violators $20 on their first offense, and up to $100 for three or more violations. The fine increases up to $500 if the violation occurs during a vehicle collision. Fines in Chicago for motorists who are caught texting and driving start at $75.

The ban, which Laurino described as "common sense" in leveling the playing field between bicyclists and motorists goes into effect in November. It was approved by the council without dissent.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron J. Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Oak Park, IL Considers Ban On Eating & Driving

2011-10-12T19:48:45Z

It is illegal to text and drive and Illinois. The law was enacted to prevent distracted drivers from causing car accidents. It was reported today in the Local Trib online site, that the town of Oak Park, which is located just west of Chicago, is considering an ordinance that would outlaw eating and driving. This is another step by local governments to help curb distracted driving accidents in their communities. A benefit that the town pointed out was that if tickets were issued, and are contested, they would be heard at the Village court call rather than the Cook County court call in Maywood. This apparently apparently would help the officer logistically attend court.

The ordinance was referred to the village’s legal department and it is not known when it will come back to the board. Trustees will be planning the 2012 budget for the next two months before going on their annual December hiatus, so the ordinance might not be addressed until next year.

It will be interesting to see if other Chicago area towns follow in Oak Park's footsteps if this new law passes.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

AAA Promoting "Heads Up Driving Week"

2011-10-07T20:48:46Z

We need to solute AAA and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, for their promotion of "Heads Up Driving Week." This is the 3rd straight year that AAA has asked drivers to away distractions and focus only on the road.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety posted these startling statistics about the dangers of texting and driving:

More than one million people have died in car crashes over the past 25 years in the U.S., with 33,788 lives lost in 2010 alone.

Drivers spend more than half their time behind the wheel engaged in distracted behavior.

Using a cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of crashing.

Eating, smoking, adjusting music or rubbernecking while driving can be just as dangerous as texting, emailing or talking on a cell phone.

Passengers are one of the most frequently reported causes of distraction, with young children being four times more

AAA also stated on their website that the majority of the public is concerned about texting and driving: " themajority of drivers – 94% – agree that texting or emailing while driving is unacceptable and 87% support laws against reading, typing or sending text messages or emails while driving..."

The question that remains is why the public continues to text and drive despite their strong sentiments against it? As I mentioned in an earlier post, I think it goes back to the driving public's willingness to adapt to new driving laws. There have been multiple reports that it took the public years to adapt to the seat belt laws that were enacted 50 years ago. Maybe it is taking the public time to adapt to a culture where it is socially unacceptable to text and drive. Maybe it will take stiffer penalties for the public to begin changing their behavior.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Cook County Sheriff Dept Teaching Dangers of Texting & Driving

2011-09-30T15:49:17Z

CBS Chicago reported earlier this week that Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart, and his department are traveling around to area high schools to preach the dangers of texting and driving. As we have learned through different studies the last few years, texting and driving can be equally as dangerous as drinking and driving. The Sheriffs used two important tools to drive this point home. The first was a driving simulator, which gave the students a first person view point of what can happen when texting and driving. They also show a video to students called "The Last Text," which gives real life accounts of the dangers of texting and driving. You can watch the short film by clicking here and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

It is amazing to me how times have changed. When I was in high school in the 90s, we had similar programs every year about the dangers of drinking and driving. Life for students who drive has become even more dangerous now that just about every teenager has a cell phone. It is not just kids who like to text and drive, which is why it is important that the Sheriff's department and others are spreading the word to young people about its' danger. Hopefully this strong message at a young age will help them make safe decisions while driving as they get older.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Dangerous Weekend For Pedestrians On Lake Shore Drive And Michigan Avenue

2011-09-25T22:23:13Z

The Chicago Tribune reported yesterday that there were two (2) separate pedestrians struck by vehicles on Lake Shore Drive late friday night and early Saturday morning. About 1:15 a.m. Saturday, a man was crossing Lake Shore Drive near Monroe Street when he was hit by a Cadillac Seville and killed, officials said. Preliminary reports said the incident was a hit-and-run, but later reports stated a 45-year-old man was taken into custody. Police said the pedestrian accident may be related to driving under the influence, but as of 9 a.m., no charges have been filed against the driver.

On Friday, a woman was left with serious injuries after she was struck by a CTA bus on Michigan Avenue near Wacker Drive, officials said. Shortly before 5 p.m., a CTA bus driver disobeyed a red light and struck the woman on the 200 block of North Michigan Avenue, said Police News Affairs Officer Dan O'Brien.

It is unclear at this point if these vehicle accidents took place directly on cross walks. Though, I think it is fairly obvious that there was negligence by the drivers in both accident. I have written previously about steps that Mayor Emanuel and the city council are taking to strengthen the local cross walk ordinances. They are asking for stricter enforcement by police and tougher penalties. After an ugly weekend like this, these new laws could not be enacted fast enough.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago pedestrian accident or Chicago traffic accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago Traffic Bottleneck Is The Worst In The Country

2011-09-23T00:08:23Z

The Chicago Trubune reported this week about a new traffic survey released by the American Transportation Research Institute and the Federal Highway Administration, which discussed some of the worst traffic bottlenecks around the country. And the winner is... right here in Chicago. The interchange where the Eisenhower, Kennedy and Dan Ryan Expressways merge near downtown, ranked as the No. 1 bottleneck for truck traffic in the U.S. The Kennedy-Edens Expressway junction on the North Side of Chicago came in at No. 8 in the northbound direction and No. 32 for southbound travel.

The American Transportation Research Institute study used GPS and onboard monitoring equipment to track freight trucks along highways. The average speed recorded at the Circle Interchange was 29 mph; 47 mph on I-65 at I-80; 35 mph northbound on the Kennedy-Edens junction and 48 mph southbound, the report said.

No statistics were taken on the number of vehicle accidents or which of these bottlenecks has the most trucking accident and car accidents. Click here to view the survey results.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago car accident attorney, Aaron Bryant, at 312-588-3384 for a free consultation or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Some Chicago Area School Districts Using Poor Crash Rated Cars For Drivers Ed

2011-09-21T00:57:43Z

I have previously written about the challenges car makers are faced when designing new vehicles. Often decisions are being made whether to design a vehicle that is crash-worthy or something that is fuel efficient and more environmental friendly. Apparently manly area school districts have been faced with the same delimma when choosing their cars for driver education classes. According to a report from the Chicago Tribune, several local school districts are choosing cars that have poor cash ratings because they are cheaper and more fuel efficient.

The study, which was done by the Tribune along with Cars.com, revealed that the more affluent your school district the safer your drivers ed vehicle will be. The study also showed that the Illinois does not track the type of cars being used nor are there any safety rules or regulations. The Tribune filed 60 Freedom of Information Act requests to get the year, make and model of driver's ed cars. The newspaper then compiled the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash test ratings for each car used in 2010 and 2011 and pressed districts for specifics about their cars. Some districts — particularly those that leased their cars from area dealers — did not maintain comprehensive records. The study also revealed that districts often place cost and fuel efficiency above crash test ratings and vehicle size — factors that experts consider when judging a car's safety.

The Chicago Public School District said that the oldest vehicle they use is a 1990 Dodge Shadow. Almost half the cars are pre-2000 Plymouth Breezes, Neons and Chevy Cavaliers, which garnered poor highway safety institute ratings. The school district in Will County also uses many older and more fuel efficient vehicles that do not have a very good crash worthiness rating. On the other hand, schools in the North Suburbs use much bigger and newer vehicles such as muscle type sport cars for their drivers ed classes. These vehicles all have a higher crash ratings.

There is no easy answer to this problem. It is well documented that CPS is cash strapped and their driver's ed vehicle fleet is probably not a top priority to spend money. Is this putting CPS students at a higher risk than students in wealthier districts? Is it fair for a child that grows up in a poorer neighborhood (through no choice of their own) be subjected to a vehicle that is less safe? I do not think so. Yet, like I said, there are no easy answers. Hopefully a serious car accident is not the cause for change by the state to address this issue.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com

Allstate Releases List Of The Safest Cities For Drivers

2011-09-05T22:15:52Z

For the seventh year in a row, Allstate Insurance, prepared its "America's Best Drivers Report," which ranks the 200 largest cities in the U.S. Fort Collins, Colorado was considered the top city by Allstate as the safest in united states as far as car collision frequency.

The report notes that the total number of car accidents has decreased in recent years, but the number of vehicle fatalities have not gone down in a proportionate level. Allstate attributes this discrepancy with human behavior behind the wheel. "Human behavior is the biggest cause of car accidents. It is vital for us to educate American drivers about safe driving behaviors they can demonstrate on the road that will help make our roadways safer," Mike Roche, executive vice president, Allstate's Claim Organization.

Allstate provided the following tips on their website to help prevent you from being involved in a car crash.

Minimize distractions - Engaging in any other activity while driving - talking on your cell phone, text messaging, changing a radio station, putting on makeup - is a distraction.

Be aware of road conditions - Ice, snow, fog, rain - all of these weather conditions require extra caution and slower speeds.

Leave a safe distance between your car and others around you - Maintain at least one car length space between your car and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles per hour of speed.

Steer clear of road rage - Reduce stress on the road by allowing plenty of time for travel, planning your route in advance, and altering your schedule or route to avoid congested roads. Remember not to challenge aggressive drivers and stay as far away from them as possible.

Maintenance matters - Ultimately, safety also depends on the maintenance of your car. Ensure that your car brakes, exhaust system, tires, lights, battery and hoses are in good working order.

IDOT Launches "Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over" Program For Labor Day Weekend

2011-08-30T15:15:52Z

The Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT), the Illinois State Police and local law enforcement agencies together organized wet lab demonstrations in Chicago and 5 other cities across Illinois. The events occurred as the 2011 “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” Labor Day campaign enters its second week of stepped-up impaired driving enforcement. The wet lab tests were performed to show alchohol's effect on drivers.

A wet lab occurs in a controlled environment in which a person consumes alcohol to a level of 0.08 BAC (the limit in Illinois). This allows observation of the real-life effects of impairment and the significant effects of alcohol on a person’s motor skills. Volunteer participants in today’s events attempted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFSTs) administered by police officers to show what happens in an actual Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrest. In addition, the drinking subjects showed how a vehicle equipped with a Breath Alcohol Ignition Interlock Device (BAIID) will not start when an impaired person attempts to drive.

The SFSTs are a sequence of three tests administered and evaluated in a standardized manner to obtain indicators of impairment as it relates to a DUI charge. The tests are administered systematically and are evaluated according to measured responses of the suspect.

“Illinois State Police want motorists to arrive at their final destinations safely during the holiday weekend and will be targeting designated areas looking for speeders, seatbelt violators, distracted drivers, and DUI offenders ,” said ISP Director Hiram Grau. “These are the Fatal 4 violations ISP will be enforcing during the holiday weekend. Violating any of these laws can result in fines and possible jail time and will be treated as criminal acts by the police and court system,” he added.

It will be interesting to see the final arrest numbers around the state and also the number of alcohol related car accidents during this crackdown. If there are an abnormally high number of arrests, will this be because of the increased number of police on patrol? Or will the numbers of arrests and/or car accidents be higher due to the holiday weekend? I think it is critical to look at the numbers a little deeper rather than take them at face value when determing the programs effectiveness. Regardless, this will be positive if there are a lower number of auto accidents than the typical labor day weekend.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago accident attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Study Shows It Is Dangerous To Be A Chicago Pedestrian

2011-08-23T16:08:56Z

I wrote recently about Chicago Mayor Rham Emanuel's plan to strengthen the local crosswalks laws. This ordinance could not come at a better time as a study reported on by the Chicago Tribune reveals the dangers for Chicago pedestrian walkers.

The study revealed that 80 percent of vehicle-pedestrian crashes in Chicago occur at intersections and commonly involve people crossing the street with the walk signal. The study showed that the 17,487 crashes between 2005 and 2009 involved 18,377 pedestrians. The experts who prepared the study believe these numbers reveal a traffic safety crisis despite a downward trend in the rate of pedestrians killed. Pedestrian fatalities in Chicago hit a 16-year low in 2009 with 34 deaths, down from 88 deaths in 1994, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation.

The Loop, Near North Side and Austin neighborhoods appear to have the highest number of auto and pedestrian accidents during this time period.

The study found that 78 percent of all crashes and 80 percent of fatal and serious vehicle crashes occurred within 125 feet of the midpoint of an intersection — at crosswalks or nearby.A 2010 state law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. The previous law required drivers to yield and stop when necessary.It's too early to assess the impact of the law, officials said. But IDOT provisional numbers for 2010 show 2,943 vehicle-pedestrian crashes in Chicago last year, 32 pedestrian fatalities and 409 serious injuries. Those accidents were not factored into the new study.

The Chicago Department of Transportation report that an average of two hit-and-run pedestrian crashes resulting in deaths or injuries take place each day in Chicago. Hit-and-runs account for 33 percent of vehicle-pedestrian collisions and 41 percent of those that are fatal, double the national average, officials said. That' comes to a total of 5,534 hit-and-runs over the five-year stretch, causing 3,683 deaths and injuries.

These are some startling numbers that the city has published. It will be interesting to see what Emanuel's proposed ordinance will actually say, and whether the 2010 state crosswalk law will actually make life safer for pedestrians.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago crosswalk accident or Chicago car accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Safety Questions Remain After Indiana Stage Collapse

2011-08-16T00:39:08Z

At this point most people have heard about the stage collapse at the Indiana State Fair over the weekend that left 5 people dead and 25 others injured. Apparently a wind gust estimated at 60 to 70 mph toppled the roof and the metal scaffolding holding lights and other equipment, which led to the stage collapsing onto a crowd of concert-goers awaiting a show by the country group Sugarland.

CBS News reported about several safety questions that have loomed following the accident. State fair officials have not said whether the stage and rigging were inspected prior to Saturday's show. Fair spokesman Andy Klotz said initially that the state fire marshal's office was responsible for inspections, but he backtracked Monday, saying he wasn't sure whose job it is.

A spokesman for the Indiana Department of Homeland Security said neither the fire marshal nor Homeland Security officials conduct inspections. And the city does not have the authority to inspect items on state property.

"We do have our own requirements within the city for temporary structures, and we do have our own permitting requirements," said Kate Johnson, spokeswoman for the Indianapolis Department of Code Enforcement. "But in this situation, we don't have that authority because it's state-owned property."

I think the first question that needs to be asked is who (which entity) was responsible for inspecting the stage and scaffolding, and why was the inspection not performed. The next questions that need to be answered are exactly how and why the fatal accident occurred. Was there a design flaw? Was there structural damage? Was the equipment too old? Once these questions are answered, then it will be easier to determine who was responsible and the process can begin to determine who will compensate the families who lost loved ones and for the 25 others who were injured.

The first place to look for these answers will come when the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration prepares their initial report. Those reports can sometimes take a few weeks, but often times will take months.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an Illinois accident or have an Illinois wrongful death case, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-588-3384.

Nickelodeon's Star Of ICarly Involved In Bus Accident In Southern Illinois

2011-08-15T23:46:10Z

The Chicago Sun Times reported this weekend that a tour bus carrying the star of the Nickelodeon tv show, ICarly, was involved in a serious auto accident. The actor, Miranda Cosgrove apparently suffered a broken ankle from the vehicle collision. A spokesman for the show said the bus accident happened early Thursday on Interstate 70 outside Vandalia, about 70 miles outside St. Louis. There were five people on the bus transporting the 18-year-old TV star and "Kissin U" singer from her Wednesday-night show in Ohio to her scheduled Friday night stop in Kansas, her publicist said in a statement Thursday. The good news: Her rep said that there were no serious injuries to the people on the bus and "everyone will be fine." The bad news: Cosgrove's "Dancing Crazy" summer tour, which was scheduled to conclude at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix on Oct. 23, has been postponed until further notice.

The passengers are probably thankful that there were not more serious injuries. Any type of car accident can be terrifying, but I imagine it is worse when on board a charter bus, where it would be difficult to see exactly what was happening or how the accident occurred.

I have not seen any reports discussing how the bus accident occurred or who was at fault.

If you or someone you love has been involved in an Illinois bus accident or Illinois car accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Illinois Increases Speed Limit For Illinois Semi Trucks

2011-08-12T18:32:00Z

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn recently signed a new law that will increase the speed limit for trucks from 55 mph to 65 mph on four (4) lane highways throughout most of the state. There is an important caveat for the bill, which keeps the speed limit at 55 mph in all the counties in the surrounding Chicagoland area. These counties include Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane and McHenry. Other legislation dealing with truck weight and size standards also was signed Wednesday in Quincy by Quinn. The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2012.

I am not sure wether this is necessary legislation. I think it will be important to track the rates of highway trucking accidents at the new speed compared to previous years. I assume the legislation was passed to help clear traffic congestion on highways, and presumably, to make highways safer. I cannot say one way or the other right now if this increases safety. I will be looking for articles from highway safety experts to weigh in on this issue.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago truck accident or Illinois truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Survey Shows Even Good Drivers Speed And Text

2011-08-03T20:06:04Z

The Chicago Tribune reported recently about an Allstate study that revealed many interesting findings about supposed "good" drivers. The surveys revealed that 89 percent said they’ve driven faster than the speed limit, 45 percent said they’ve driven when they’re so tired they could fall asleep and 34 percent conceded they had sent an e-mail or text message while driving, according to the survey of 1,000 adults polled by Financial Dynamics for Allstate insurance company. 70 percent of those who responded said they had to slam on the brakes or swerve to avoid a car accident after they became distracted.

These are somewhat startling statistics. I guess one could compare this to the early implementation of the seat belt. I have read that when the seat belt was added to vehicles in the early 1960s, only about 10 percent of drivers actually buckled up. It took several decades before drivers became smarter about the dangers of not wearing your seat belt. Study's show that approximately 80 percent of drivers wear their seat belts today. The evolution in seat belt use most likely came from stricter state laws and city ordinances along with a fervent public safety movement. Hopefully the same evolution takes place with the use of cell phones while driving. Evidence is overwhelming that it is extremely dangerous to text or talk on the phone while driving. It will be interesting to see if these statistics change in the next 5 to 10 years.

Should you or someone you love become injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago Completes First Protected Bike Lane

2011-07-29T16:18:43Z

NBC Chicago reported today that the Chicago Department of Transportation completed its' first fully protected bike lane on a stretch of Kinzie Avenue in the River North neighborhood. The half-mile lane on Kinzie stretches from Milwaukee Avenue to Wells Street. The lane completely separates cyclist traffic from vehicle traffic.

The bicyclist lane is the first step by the Rham Emanuel administration, who pledged to make Chicago a state of the art bicycling city. The plan aims to make roads safer for bicyclists and hopefully clear up some of the congested traffic we see day in and day out in Chicago.

Typically, cycle tracks are separated from vehicles by planter boxes or construction barriers, however for this pilot project, flexible posts were used instead.The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) originally received a $3.2 million federal grant to build a test track on Stony Island Avenue between 69th and 77th streets, but the project was dropped due to low cyclist traffic.The next phase of protected lanes are expected to be added to Jackson Street between Halsted Street and Damen Avenue.

Click here to watch the press conference from today's announcement.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago bicycle accident or Chicago car accident, then call Chicago car accident attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Mayor Emanuel Steps Up Protection At Pedestrian Crossings

2011-07-29T16:18:20Z

"My administration is committed to making our streets safer for pedestrians." This is the pledge Rham Emanuel made recently when discussing the new ordinance that would provide stricter enforcement of pedestrian cross walks.

If you work in the Loop or live in one of Chicago's dozens of neighborhoods, you know that many of the main streets and boulevards have designated cross walks for pedestrians. The purpose of these cross walks is to allow the free flow of walkers without having walk to a stop light or to j walk. They are also designed for protection. Unfortunately many drivers to not recognize these cross walks by not stopping or slowing down when pedestrians attempt to cross.

Emanuel further stated “The ordinance … will clarify our safety laws to better protect pedestrians and support a vigorous, creative, public awareness campaign to help educate all who use our roads about pedestrian safety.”

Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein is also suggesting narrower streets, slower speed limits and intersections where vehicular traffic is stopped for 14 seconds every other light cycle to give pedestrians a chance to cross in every direction, including diagonally. Further, the ordinance would would require drivers to come to a full stop when a pedestrian is crossing at an “uncontrolled crosswalk” — an intersection with no traffic signal or stop sign. The ordinance also would authorize Klein’s department to maintain “temporary awareness signs” on the public way to promote pedestrian safety. The signs would include temporary safety messages “stenciled on the sidewalk” or “crossing flags” at key intersections.

This is a positive step for the for the Emanuel adminstration, who also recently made a pledge to make Chicago one the most bicycle friendly cities in the united states. Click here to read the entire article about the proposed ordinance in the Chicago Sun Times.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or a Chicago pedestrian accident, then call Chicago accident attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago Completes First Protected Bike Lane

2011-07-25T23:57:47Z

Ford To Recall Over 20,000 Trucks

2011-07-21T00:36:05Z

The Detroit News online site reported today that Ford Motor Company is recalling over 20,000 of its' Ford Ranger trucks manufactured this year. This has been a common occurrence by many of the major auto makers over the past year and a half. I have reported multiple times in the past about Toyota's trouble with its' brake and electronic systems. BMW and Lexus both also had recalls in the past year.

Ford announced that it is recalling these pickup trucks because of a defective switch could cause the turn signal, tail lights and brake lights to fail. Ford said the recall affects about 20,000 2011 Ford Ranger pickups built between January and April at its Twin Cities Assembly Plant. It also includes about 6,000 vehicles that were serviced with a defective switch including some 2004-2011 Ranger, 2002-2005 Excursion SUVs, and 2002-2007 F-250, 350, 450 and 550 trucks.

Ford did report to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration that they do not know of any accidents or injuries due to this default. The company told dealers on July 8 to stop selling the vehicles with the defective parts until they were repaired. The vehicles being recalled that were previously repaired with faulty parts were serviced between January and June of this year.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Chicago car accident or believe they have an Illinois auto defect case, then call Chicago auto defect attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

2011 Safe Drivers Act Introduced In Congress

2011-07-20T03:12:08Z

I have written many times in the past about the dangers of cell phone use while driving. These dangers including talking on your cell phone, texting, emailing or surfing the internet. Up to this point, the U.S. Congress has left it up to states to regulate their distracted driving laws.

This could change shortly as Carolyn McCarthy, D-N.Y., has introduced legislation that would federalize driving and cell phone usage, laws that are currently managed by individual states. [1] Under the proposed legislation, the bill would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation to set up a nationwide standard, prohibiting cell phone use while driving. The lone exception would allow drivers to call for help during an emergency.

The proposed legislation includes some exclusions such as allowing drivers to use voice-operated, vehicle-integrated devices, as well as voice-operated GPS systems. McCarthy’s bill would require the DOT to conduct a study on distracted driving, focusing particularly on the issue of cognitive distraction and the impact of distraction on young and inexperienced drivers. Within two years, the DOT would be required to report its findings to Congress, providing recommendations for revising the minimum distracted driving prohibitions and penalties states must comply with. States would be given two years to comply with the law or face a 25 percent reduction in federal highway funding.

This is a similar approach that federal government used in the 1990s when they strongly encouraged states to adopt stricter drinking and driving laws, specifically the .08 blood alcohol limits.

Many believe this is long over-due as distracted driving accidents are one of the leading causes of vehicle fatalities. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that 5,474 people died as a result of driver distraction in 2009, accounting for approximately 1 in 6 of all auto crash fatalities that year.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or a Chicago trucking accident, then call Chicago car accident attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago Honor Student Charged For Alleged Deadly Vehicular Crash

2011-07-15T00:24:52Z

The Chicago Sun Times reports that a Chicago teenager and honor student, Marquis Harrison, has been charged with the vehicular death of Chicago 911 dispatcher Marciea Adkins. The 16 year old admitted he was drunk on vodka and high on marijuana and ecstasy when he stole a car and crashed into a 911 police dispatcher, killing her as he tried to elude officers, authorities said Monday.

Adkins was driving home after her shift, said Roderick Drew, a spokesman for the city’s Office of Emergency Management and Communication. Harrison is an honors student, basketball player and quarterback of the football team at Urban Prep Charter Academy’s East Garfield Park campus.

During Sunday’s police chase, Harrison ran through a stop sign at Armitage and Hoyne avenues and slammed the silver 2004 Range Rover he allegedly stole into Adkins’ car, causing it to careen into a fire hydrant, Costello said.

Emergency workers had to extricate Adkins from her car before she was transported to Illinois Masonic Medical Center, where she succumbed to her injuries.

This is a tragis story obviously because of the pointless loss of Ms. Adkins, an innocent bystander. It is also tragic because Harrison, a promising young man, who apparently excelled both academically and athletically, will most likely lead the life as a felon, all for a pointless joy ride. I hate discussing stories such as these but they are all too common of a tale in a city the size of Chicago.

If you or someone you love is a victim of a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Illinois Governor Quinn Signs New Seat Belt Law

2011-07-11T15:26:37Z

The Chicago Sun-Times reported last week that Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn, signed into law which requires all vehicle passengers to wear seatbelts. The law requires those sitting in the back seats to buckle up as well.

The law was introduced and signed in an effort to help protect Illinois drivers from suffering serious injuries and lower traffic fatalities for those involved in car accidents. The law carves out exceptions for taxi cabs and emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and police cars, and would also does not include buses.

State police director Hiram Grau aplauded the law and described the measure as "common sense legislation that we are very much in support of." "We're going to work very closely with other local and state agencies to make sure these laws are enforced," Grau added, according to WJBD Radio.

Others opposed the law as an example of government overreach. Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-Alton) told the Daily Chronicle he did not support the measure as he was "not in favor in dictating what the public should do. It is a choice."

The law; as well as a similar piece of legislation making it illegal for passengers to ride in trailers, wagons and other similar vehicles being towed on highways; will officially go into effect on January 1, 2012.

If you or someone you love has been involved in a serious Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago car crash attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.