Chicago Car Accident Lawyers Blog

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes urge seniors and those concerned about an older loved one’s ability to drive to get the facts and talk about the importance of keeping our older drivers safe.

Older Americans represent the largest and fastest growing segment of our population. And, while not everyone is the same, research shows that reflexes and driving ability deteriorate steadily after age 55 and can be exacerbated by loss of eyesight and hearing and other health problems, including arthritis.

Additionally, as we grow older we are considerably less able to deal with the trauma of a serious accident — research shows fatality rates are 17 times higher for seniors involved in a serious car accident.

AAA launched a new website last month — www.aaaseniors.com. The site provides families of older drivers with valuable information related to senior mobility challenges, as well as tools to help extend safe driving and/or assist in difficult discussions about transitioning older family members from a driving lifestyle.

“According to our research, many adult children of older drivers – the ‘sandwich’ boomers – are unaware that resources exist to effectively address the safety and mobility challenges of senior drivers,” said Brad Roeber AAA Chicago’s Regional President. “AAASeniors.com gives seniors and their families the tools necessary to create an action plan to help seniors manage the inevitable consequences of aging, continue to drive safely or transition to alternative modes of transportation, and remain independent.”

The site includes:

-Advice on how aging affects one’s ability to drive safely.

-A step-by-step guide on how to begin a conversation with an older driver about working together to develop a plan for the transition from driver to passenger.

– A variety of tools and resources from educational brochures and driver improvement courses, to tips on choosing a vehicle, to skill assessment tools and free community-based programs.

“Many adult children, grandchildren and seniors will at some point be faced with a difficult decision about a mature adult’s ability to drive safely,” said Dr. Alexis Abramson, one of the nation’s leading gerontologists. “I can’t stress enough how important it is to be proactive in developing a plan of action based on factual, compassionate and objective information, such as that found at AAASeniors.com.”

About Senior Drivers:

How Many In 1995 there were 16.5 million licensed drivers over 70 years old―a 47 percent increase from 1985.

Driving Habits Older adults wear safety belts more often than any other age group except infants and preschool children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Most older drivers recognize and avoid situations where their limitations put them at risk. They drive less after dark, during rush hour, or in bad weather, and they may avoid difficult roads or intersections, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Older adult drivers are less likely to drink and drive than other adult drivers, according to a study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine in 2005.

Safety Record Older drivers become more accident-prone with age, even though they drive less. Because older drivers are more fragile, their fatality rates are 17 times higher than those ages 25 to 64 .
The accident rate per mile driven rises steadily for drivers 65 and older, and those drivers are involved in more accidents per mile driven than any other age group except teenagers.
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Nationwide traffic fatalities hit the lowest level in almost half a century last year and the fatality rate, which accounts for variables like fewer miles traveled due to the economy and last year’s gas prices, reached the lowest level ever recorded, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

However, more than 1 in every 4 fatal Illinois crashes occurred in Cook County. In fact, Cook County had six times more fatal accidents than any county in Illinois. And the number of fatal accidents actually increased in Will County and Kane County, the state’s second and third deadliest.

The federal government is releasing nationwide traffic statistics for 2008 this month, which counted 37,251 traffic fatalities in 2008, a 9.7 percent decline from the 41,259 deaths recorded in 2007.

Chicago accident lawyers at Abels & Annes will present the findings on this blog and our sister blog, www.chicagopersonalinjurylawyerblog,com, in the coming days.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported the 3,998 fewer road deaths is the largest decline since 1982 and the lowest overall level since 1961.

“While the number of highway deaths in America has decreased, we still have a long way to go,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said.

Illinois traffic deaths declined by 16 percent, from 1,248 deaths in 2007 to 1,043 last year. The 205 fewer deaths in Illinois was the fourth-best decline in the nation after California (561), Florida (235) and North Carolina (243).

Illionois tied with Massachusetts for the 7th largest percentage decline, behind Wisconsin, Virginia, South Datkota, Montana, Nebraska and Delaware.

Cook County: Decreased to 274 fatalities in 2008, compared to 348 in 2007.
DuPage County: Decreased to 24 fatalities in 2008, compared to 37 in 2007.
Lake County: Decreased to 26 fatalities in 2008, compared to 36 in 2007.
Will County: Increased to 44 fatalities in 2008, up one from 43 in 2007.
Kane County: Increased to 40 fatalities, compared to 35 in 2007.

The only states to see an increase in the number of traffic fatalities were Vermont (11%), New Hampshire (7.8%), Wyoming (6%) and Delaware (3.4 %).

The federal statistics show the decline continued in the first quarter of 2009; the January-March estimate of 7,689 deaths represents a nine percent decline from a year ago. It was the twelfth consecutive quarterly decline.
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Insuring a rental car is critical in the event of a Chicago car accident — Illinois visitors and residents alike are encouraged to know the status of their coverage as we hit the height of summer tourist and driving season.

Chicago car accident lawyers at Abels & Annes remind motorists that driving a strange car in a strange area puts rental cars at increased risk for accident.

Insuranceagents.com has issued a reminder of the importance of making sure proper coverage is in place for a rented vehicle.

“The worst thing that could ruin your trip is finding yourself in an emergency and without any rental car insurance,” the agency said. “The costs for even a minor accident could be astronomical. Do you know if you’re already insured for a rental car, or do you need additional coverage?”

Those renting a car need to check their own car insurance policy to see if it includes rental car insurance. Another source of coverage can be your credit card, which can include coverage for cars rented using the card. However, such coverage often applies only to damage to the car and not personal injury or medical expenses.

“First call your auto insurance agent to verify whether your auto insurance policy extends to rental cars as well. In general, if you are traveling for pleasure, such as a vacation or visiting family or friends, your policy will also cover a rental car,” according to the Insuranceagents.com article, ‘Rental Car Dilemma: Would You Like Insurance With That?’ “Be careful though: any gap in coverage in your own auto policy applies to your car rental.”

The article warns business travelers that personal auto insurance often does not cover someone traveling for business and supplemental insurance from the rental agency may be required.

Some typical types of supplemental coverage includes:

– CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) and LDW (Loss Damage Waiver): These waivers cover you for any theft, vandalism, or physical damage resulting from an accident.

– PAI (Personal Accident Insurance): This coverage applies to any medical costs related to an accident with the rental vehicle.

– SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance): This type of coverage extends your liability coverage, usually up to $1 million.

-PEC (Personal Effects Coverage): If your personal property is stolen or damaged while inside the rental vehicle, it will be covered under this insurance coverage.

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Authorities are reminding motorists of the tough laws that are in place for those caught speeding in work zones through the summer construction season.

The Chicago car accident and worker’s compensation lawyers at Abels & Annes urge motorists to give our construction workers a break — drive safely so everyone can get home to their families.

“Construction season is in full effect and we want to urge motorists to comply with the posted speed limits in all work zones,” Illinois Department of Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said. “If you are caught speeding in a work zone, at minimum you will be looking at a fine of $375, and while some may think that’s harsh, you cannot put a price on a life.”

IDOT is joining the Illinois State Police and Illinois Tollway in reminding motorists of the tough penalties for speeding in construction zones. Lawmakers passed legislation in 2004 that targets speeders in construction zones because of the danger to construction workers and other drivers.

The state says the tougher laws have reduced work-zone fatalities by 50 percent. In 2003, there were 44 work zone traffic related fatalities with 5 workers killed; 2007 showed a consistent decrease resulting in 21 traffic related work zone fatalities with 2 workers killed.First time speeds, including those caught on camera, face a $375 fine, including $125 that goes to off-duty State Troopers to provided added enforcement in construction zones.

Second-time offenders face a $1,000 fine and a 90-day license suspension. Tickets in a construction zone also require a mandatory court appearance.

In addition, drivers who hit a worker are subject for up to a $10,000 fine and 14 years in prison. The law also permits photo enforcement of speeding in construction zones.

This summer, five vans will be deployed across the state. Staffed by State Troopers, the vans can take photographs of speeders and the tickets can be issued in the mail to vehicle owners.
The registered owner will not be liable if someone else is driving the vehicle.

To date, over 8,000 citations have been issued across the state.

“As the work zone season is well underway, we want to remind motorists the importance of slowing down and staying alert when workers are present,” said Illinois State Police Director Jonathan E. Monken. “In an effort to reduce fatalities and injuries, Troopers will be out in force strictly enforcing the 45 mile per hour work zone speed limit, both for the safety of construction workers and motorists. Drivers can expect to see aggressive enforcement with increased patrol cars, photo enforcement vans and motorcycle units to help save lives on our roadways during this construction season.”

Click here more information regarding photo radar enforcement.
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What do you do every day while driving that has the greatest potential to get you into a car accident?

The Chicago car accident attorneys at Abels & Annes begin the work week by examining the 10 deadliest driving mistakes motorists make, as compiled by MSN Autos.

As MSN Autos puts it, “Don’t just blame it on ‘them’ — everyone is guilty of making common driving mistakes that can endanger us all.”

Swerving
The No. 1 fatal mistake made by drivers is perhaps the most simple: not staying in their own lane. In 2007, 15,574 people died in crashes where the driver simply couldn’t stay in the lane, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Driving While Drowsy
In 2007 fatigued driving caused the deaths of 1,404 people, according to the NHTSA. More traffic fatalities occurred during the hours when most people are accustomed to being asleep (3 a.m. to 6 a.m.) than at any other time of day.

“Driving a vehicle when you are fatigued is as dangerous as driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs,” National Transportation Safety Board Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker said after a fatal highway accident in 2003 in which a college student who had been awake for the previous 18 hours was driving a carload of fellow students at 5 a.m.

Drinking and Driving
Every 40 minutes someone dies in a drunk-driving accident. (A little-known fact is that you can be charged with driving while impaired even if you’re under the legal limit of .08).

Young drivers are particularly prone to drinking and driving: The 21- to 34-year-old set is responsible for well over half of alcohol-related fatal crashes. Not surprisingly, the decision to get behind the wheel while intoxicated is made most often at night and on the weekends. According to the NHTSA, 60 percent of drivers who died after dark in 2007 were legally drunk. Alcohol is also a factor in half of pedestrian traffic deaths – both drivers and pedestrians are the culprits.

Overcorrecting
Overcorrecting or oversteering is a particularly perilous maneuver when you’re behind the wheel of an SUV driving on the highway at high speeds. Consider it a rollover waiting to happen. More than 4 percent of automobile fatalities a year occur because of drivers overcorrecting.

Speeding
Racing, driving faster than the posted speed limit or simply going too fast for road conditions comprises the second highest cause of death in fatal crashes, according to the NHTSA.

Once you hit 55 mph, you’re in the danger zone: 30 percent of fatalities occur at 55 or above.

Failure to Yield Right of Way
For drivers age 70 and above, failing to yield while merging into traffic is the top cause of crashes. In a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, drivers 80 and older simply fail to see the other vehicle they should be yielding to. Drivers 70 to 79 see the vehicle but misjudge whether they have time to proceed ahead of it. Failure to yield right of way was the fifth leading cause of fatal crashes in 2007.

Erratic or Reckless Driving
At its mildest, we’re talking about weaving and tailgating; at its most severe, this kind of driving involves steering down the wrong side of the road, exceeding the speed limit by 20 mph or doing more than 80 mph, and worse. Reckless driving can bring fines, jail time – and death. More than 1,850 fatalities in 2007 were the result of erratic or reckless drivers.

Running Red Lights
A whopping 75 percent of automobile crashes occur in cities, according to the nonprofit Insurance Research Council. The most common cause of these accidents? Hitting the gas when the light turns red.

Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Despite the fact that seat belt use is far more prevalent than even a decade ago – not to mention being legally required – 33 percent of people who die in vehicle fatalities failed to buckle up. Without a seat belt, car drivers and passengers put themselves at risk of being ejected from a vehicle, and 76 percent of the time the ejection ends in death.

Inattentive Driving
Eating, talking on a cell phone, typing text messages and fumbling with the car stereo all fall under the umbrella of inattentive driving, which was responsible for 4,704 deaths in 2007. Of these bad habits, cell phone use behind the wheel is becoming standard practice, with an estimated 1 million Americans driving and talking on the phone at any given time — those who use their cell phone while driving increase their risk of an accident by four times.

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