A number of lanes on the outbound Eisenhower Expressway near Austin were shut down because of a fatal SUV accident in Chicago that happened during early morning rush hour, according to NBC Chicago.
The accident occurred just before 4 a.m. on I-290 just west of Austin. The 18-year-old driver of the SUV was thrown from the vehicle when he lost control of his SUV, crashed into the median and flipped over. The young driver was killed in the accident, according to Illinois State Police. The teen driver was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident and speed might have been a factor in the crash.
Just a few days later, all of the lanes of the inbound Stevenson Expressway were closed for approximately six hours because of a fatal car accident with a dump truck, according to the Chicago Tribune.
Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand the dangers of driving on interstates and highways. High speeds often contribute to serious or fatal injuries. And morning and afternoon commutes are rife with distractions — including cell phones, breakfast, grooming and an array of assorted tasks best left outside the vehicle.
Here is the most recent data regarding Illinois Fatal Crash Data for year-to-date 2011 (August 11), provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT):
-There have been 460 fatal traffic accidents.
-Fatal accidents took the lived of 509 people.
-Fatality numbers for 2011 year to date was 518.
-We have experienced 9 less fatalities year to date from 2010.
Follow these safe driving tips to help prevent a fatal expressway car accident:
-Don’t tailgate. Make sure you keep a safe following distance by using the “3 second rule.” This means you should keep 3 seconds of distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. You are able to time this by finding a fixed object on the side of the road and measuring the amount of time between when the car in front of you passes the object and when you pass that same object.
-Look ahead. You are urged to keep your eyes on the roadway ahead of you so that you’re able to detect upcoming changes in speed or obstacles before you reach them. By looking ahead, you will have ample time to react to changing highway conditions.
-Abide by the posted speed limit. Speeding can increase your chance of a fatal accident.
-Be aware of your blind spots. Be aware of your surroundings at all time. Check blind spots before changing lanes.
-Always use your signals. Signaling before making any change in direction increases your predictability and decreases your risks for a serious collision.
-Keep to the right. The left lane on a divided highway is not a “fast” lane but more of a passing lane.
-After you pass someone, move into the right lane once you’ve safely cleared the vehicle.
-Carry a cellular phone in case of emergencies.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.
More Blog Entries:
Gov. Quinn Increases Speed Limit – Motorists Worry about Speed-Related Trucking Accidents in Illinois, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, August 10, 2011
Teen’s Car Can Help Keep Them Safe in Event of a Chicago Car Accident, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, August 8, 2011