Collision Hotspots

 Posted on December 00, 0000 in Car Accidents

Every driver knows there are certain behaviors that place them at risk for car accident and injury on the roadway, such as texting behind the wheel or operating a vehicle while intoxicated. Dangerous behaviors that distract us from the road or prohibit us from safely operating a vehicle are risky on their own, but their threat is intensified around certain driving environments, where precise focus and attention are crucial in order to avoid serious collision and bodily injury. Roadway Areas You Are More Likely to Be Harmed or Cause Harm Collision hotspots in the state of Illinois are similar to those around the nation; certain areas tend to rack up greater accident statistics, no matter where you live or what kind of vehicle you drive. Here are three areas on our roadways that are especially prone to causing accident and injury:

1. Road Work and Construction Zones 

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IODT) reports that here in Illinois alone, there have been over 4,500 work-zone related crashes from the year 2010 to the year 2014, causing over 1,000 injuries and nearly 30 fatalities per year. The IODT also reports that you, the driver, are more likely to be harmed in a roadwork-related crash than the construction zone worker, especially where speeding is concerned. In fact, speeding is one of the biggest reasons for construction zone accidents, so it is imperative you follow the posted limits when passing through road work zones.

2. Tollways 

A number of factors make our Illinois tollways rife with risk. Due to increased traffic flow with vehicles operating at high speeds, not to mention fast-paced merging zones, it is no wonder that tollways make everyday travel dangerous for drivers. That danger is sadly multiplied when road construction zones are present, as distracted or speeding drivers often have a difficult time slowing down in time to avoid collision with barriers, other vehicles, and workers. If you commute via tollway, maintaining proper speed, staying off your cell phone and other devices, and obeying posted speed limits and roadway instructions offer you the best protection from accident and injury.

3. Intersections 

Intersections are just as dangerous - if not more so - for pedestrians as they are for drivers passing through them. Between light changes and crosswalks, a surplus of activity exists around intersections, making them more probable locations for accident and injury incidences. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHA) works with roadway authorities to enforce a number of preventative safety measures in these areas, including special engineering efforts, geometric roadway designs, and various traffic control devices, all with the goal to help protect both drivers and pedestrians. Alertness is key when approaching lights and crosswalks. Eliminating distractions and remaining aware of your surroundings can help spare you from becoming a collision statistic.

Should you have the unfortunate experience of being involved in an accident on any of these roadway collision hotspots, it is imperative you speak with a qualified Lake County car accident attorney to secure proper legal representation and receive any compensation you may be entitled to. Call Salvi & Maher, LLP today at 847-662-3303 for a one-on-one consultation.

Sources:

https://www.illinoistollway.com/travel-information

https://safety.fhwa.dot.gov/intersection/

http://www.idot.illinois.gov/Assets/uploads/files/Travel-Information/Pamphlets-&-Brochures/WorkZone%20IL%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf