Why Are Car Accident Fatalities on the Rise in Illinois?

 Posted on July 29, 2020 in Blog Post

Studies from the National Safety Council (NSC) have reported some surprising news regarding car accidents. Fatalities from motor vehicle collisions increased 11 percent in the first quarter of the year in Illinois despite the fact that was when stay-at-home orders went into effect due to COVID-19. Although some restrictions have been lifted, many people are still working from home so the roads are significantly less congested than they typically would be during the summer months. Unfortunately, many drivers are taking to these open roads with a blatant disregard for traffic laws. Reckless driving has been a major concern for safety experts since the statistics show a jump in serious injuries and fatalities.

Dangerous Driving Behaviors

There are many actions behind the wheel that can be cause for concern. Negligent driving behavior seems to have increased on the empty roads. The reason for this may be the fact that motorists have a false sense of safety or security since there is not much traffic on the streets today. They might think that it is OK to speed or that law enforcement is busy with other duties and not out patrolling the somewhat deserted highways.

Distracted driving may also be a contributing factor to the rise in vehicle fatalities during the pandemic. Since there are fewer cars on the road, motorists may believe that it is safe to text while driving. However, even glancing at a phone for a few seconds greatly reduces a driver’s reaction time, which could result in a rear-end collision if a car ahead suddenly stops and he or she cannot stop in time. In other cases, a driver may simply be worried or concerned if a family member is sick with the virus, which can contribute to distracted driving.

In addition, a number of people may still be furloughed or unemployed, which can cause them to feel depressed or anxious. In some situations, they may turn to alcohol or drugs in an effort to alleviate their anxiety. If they decide to drive after consuming these illicit substances, it can significantly impair their ability to operate their cars safely. A blood alcohol content (BAC) over .08 percent is above the legal limit and can result in DUI charges in Illinois.

Contact a Glenview Personal Injury Attorney

Injuries suffered in a car accident can range from minor to catastrophic. In many instances, the negligent actions of another driver can cause a crash. Attorney Patrick Quinn at The Quinn Law Group, LLC has extensive experience working as a defense lawyer for insurance companies in personal injury cases. Our accomplished Des Plaines car accident lawyers can assist you with holding those accountable by determining liability and pursuing financial relief for your damages. To schedule your free consultation, call our office today at 847-232-7180.

Source:

https://ohsonline.com/articles/2020/05/22/motor-vehicle-fatality-rates-up-14-percent-in-march-despite-covid19.aspx