Have you ever been in a car accident? All accidents result in consequences, from parking lot fender benders to semi-truck overturns. The Illinois Department of Transportation reported just under 300,000 car accidents in 2021. With over 800 accidents happening daily, it’s important to understand what factors contribute to these incidents to help you avoid a potential collision.
What are the Leading Causes of Car Collisions in Illinois?
Many factors contribute to car collisions, but some are more common. Here are the leading causes of car collisions in Illinois:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. This can include talking on the phone, text messaging, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, checking the cosmetic mirror, and more. These type of accidents continue to rise due to increased reliance on smartphone technology and is the leading cause of accidents in Illinois and across the United States.
Driving Under the Influence & Drowsy Driving
Sadly, 23% of fatal crashes in Illinois are caused by drunk driving or operating while intoxicated. It is commonly known that alcohol severely impairs a person’s ability to function correctly. There are severe consequences for those who drink and drive.
Additionally, drowsy driving also impairs your ability to drive and react quickly. If you go long enough without sleep, some say it has the same effects on the human body as driving under the influence.
Unsafe Driving Tactics
This includes speeding, switching lanes too quickly, road rage, following the person in front of you too closely, and more. Drivers on the road have the ethical and legal responsibility to operate their equipment cautiously. When emotions are high, or drivers want to reach their destination sooner, many disregard safe driving tactics and cause accidents.
External Conditions
In addition to driver error, several external factors lead to accidents. This could be extreme weather conditions like heavy rain, ice or snow, or debris on the road. Additionally, 5% of crashes yearly in Illinois are caused by deer and other wildlife.
Accidents Happen, Even to Safe Drivers
The fact remains that no matter how safe you are as a driver, you will inevitably be involved in a car accident. If this happens to you and results in an injury, hiring an attorney and seeing what compensation you could be entitled to may be necessary. Contact us today to have an experienced car accident attorney review the facts of your case for free.