We can all say goodbye to 2011 and hello to a fresh start. With the New Year come resolutions to make our lives better. Some may have made resolutions to lose weight, to quit smoking or to pursue new business ventures, but we’re asking all residents to make New Year’s resolution to be a better driver. By making this type of resolution, we can all make an effort to reduce the number of car accidents in Chicago. And to keep family and loved ones safer.Being a better drive can consist of many different things. Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that being a better driver can mean to pledge to curb distractions, to stay sober at the wheel, to slow down and quit speeding, to be more alert at intersections or even to stay more aware of bicyclists and pedestrians. Whichever most applies to you, we ask everyone to embrace these resolutions and to be more cautious behind the wheel. Safer roadways start with you! This is the start of a new blog series discussing the ways we can all pledge to stay safe at the wheel and to prevent a serious accidents. Happy 2012!
As we start off the New Year and make a conscious effort to be safer behind the wheel, we would like to remind drivers that road conditions can contribute to some serious accidents. According to the Chicago Tribune, icy roadways in the city caused a number of accidents and spinouts. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) was quick on the scene to lay down salt to help drivers keep traction. The ice came with this winter’s coldest snap so far.
The first week of 2012 calls for temperatures in the 20s and teen temps in the evening. Winds are expected to gust to 40 miles per hour.
IDOT reports that there were icy and slick roadways along the Bishop Ford Freeway, Eisenhower Expressways and on the Stevenson. There were a number on spinouts and accidents reported on the Dan Ryan and on the Stevenson.
In the early evening, Chicago’s Department of Streets and Sanitation let more than 130 snow-fighting trucks loose to take care of the main arterials and Lake Shore Drive. This area was the site of a 10-car accident that ended up blocking the southbound lanes at Randolph Street.
As the winter weather continues, drivers are asked to remain cautious while driving on snowy and icy roadways. This is the first of a blog series where we will be discussing some New Year’s resolutions that you and your family can make to help prevent fatal car accidents. You can start by adjusting your driving to accommodate the current weather conditions. We will also be discussing the dangers of driving while distracted, driving drunk, speeding while driving, remaining cautious at intersections and how to help keep our local bicyclists and pedestrians safe, too. We hope you have a safe and happy 2012 and consider making one of your New Year’s resolutions to be a better driver and to make our roadways safer for everyone.
If you or someone in your family has been injured in a traffic accident, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss the rights of accident victims. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.
More Blog Entries:
Officials Continue Efforts to Help Reduce Risks of Distraction-Related Car Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, January 1, 2012
Fatalities in Drunk-Driving Accidents in Illinois Drop Over the Years, Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog, December 30, 2011