Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog

Red-light cameras reducing number of fatal Chicago car accidents, study finds

February 10, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Fewer Chicago car accidents are being reported at intersections as red-light cameras are being credited for reducing fatal intersection accidents by 24 percent in 14 of the nation’s largest cities, ABC7 reported.

As our Chicago personal injury lawyers reported last year, red-light cameras at Chicago intersections number about 200, with plans to install the cameras at numerous intersections in suburbia. Detractors say the cameras increase the risk of rear-end collisions, are an invasion of privacy, and are in place to provide millions in citation revenue to local governments.However, Time Magazine reports the study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety concluded the cameras have saved 159 lives in the last five years and would have saved 815 lives had they been installed in the nation’s 99 cities with populations over 200,000.

“The cities that have the courage to use red light cameras despite the political backlash are saving lives,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.

The study found 22 fewer fatal Chicago car accidents were blamed on red-light runners with the cameras in operation from 2004 to 2008 than the 69 deaths that were reported from 1992 to 1996. A reduction of 32 percent. And, perhaps debunking the myth of the increase in rear-end collisions, the report found the total number of fatal intersection crashes also declined slightly, from 175 to 170.

However, don’t count the ACLU among the supporters. Forbes Magazine reports Chicago’s emergency management officials are busy defending the cameras after an ACLU report blasted the network over privacy concerns and a lack of regulations.

To that end, the IIHS argues traffic offenders should not be portrayed as victims.

“Somehow, the people who get tickets because they have broken the law have been cast as the victims,” Lund says. “We rarely hear about the real victims – the people who are killed or injured by these lawbreakers.”

Red-light runners killed 676 people and injured more than 113,000 in 2009, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
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Chicago school bus crash – one killed and two injured

February 9, 2011 | By Dave Abels

An in Illinois school bus versus car accident that occurred on a inbound Dan Ryan Expressway today has claimed the life of one person and injured two children, according to the Chicago Tribune. The collision occurred this afternoon when a motor vehicle struck the rear of a stalled school bus.

The bus was broken down in the left lane and left shoulder in the area of 75th Street. No students were on the stalled bus at the time of the bus crash, which occurred around 2:20 PM.

Rescue workers that responded to the scene had to use tools to extricate the occupants of the car, as it had become wedged underneath the bus. Unfortunately, the driver of the vehicle died at the accident site. Two children, ages eight and nine, were rushed by ambulance to Comer Children’s Hospital, reportedly in critical condition.

Chicago drunk driving car accidents could someday be eliminated by new technology

February 6, 2011 | By Dave Abels

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration unveiled new technology last week that could someday eliminate the threat of drunk driving car accidents in Chicago and elsewhere.

Our Chicago personal injury attorneys frequently report on the dangers of drunk driving crashes in Illinois. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports alcohol was involved in 42 percent of fatal Illinois car crashes in 2009. A total of 381 motorists were killed as a result of drunk driving crashes.The Illinois Department of Transportation reports at least 85 people were killed and 316 seriously injured in Chicago car accidents involving alcohol or drugs in 2009.

As authorities continue to look for ways to reduce the dangers of traffic crashes involving alcohol, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is working to develop the Driver Alcohol Detection System for Safety (DADSS).

Unlike ignition interlock devices — which are temporarily placed in the cars of some repeat DUI offenders and test for the presence of alcohol before the car will start — the DADSS is designed as standard equipment installed by the manufacturer. Prototypes work by either passively testing a drivers breath for the presence of alcohol or by touch, such as a thumbprint.

“Drunk driving continues to be a national tragedy that needlessly claims the lives of thousands of people on our highways each year,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We need to put an end to it.”

Federal data shows drivers in fatal accidents with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit of .08 are eight times more likely to have been previously convicted of DUI than drivers who did not test positive for the presence of alcohol at the time of a crash.

The research has the support of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and other road-safety organizations. “Auto makers have stepped up to help turn cars into the cure,” said MADD President Laura Dean-Mooney. “This project has made substantial progress and this technology could one day be an important step in our efforts to eliminate drunk driving.”

The $10 million government effort is being conducted in conjunction with the Automotive Coalition for Traffic Safety, which is an industry group representing most of the world’s auto manufacturers.

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland called it the “new frontier” in automotive safety but cautioned it won’t replace common sense.

“Whatever the future holds for these advanced drunk driving prevention technologies, one thing remains clear; no technology can, or should, ever replace a driver’s personal responsibility not to drive drunk,” Strickland said.
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Inspection reveals code violation in Illinois elevator accident

February 4, 2011 | By Dave Abels

Chicago premises liability attorneys at our office reported last week that a toddler was seriously injured in Joliet after falling down an elevator shaft in a hotel. The Naperville Sun is now reporting that a switch that was used by the child to open the elevator door should have been locked at the time of the accident.

The safety issue was disclosed by Joliet’s chief building inspector, who is stating that the failure to have the switch locked was a code violation. He also stated that the switch should have been shielded or should have required a key to work.

Elevators in Joliet are reportedly inspected by private companies that are licensed by the state, and not inspected by the city itself. Due to this accident, the fire marshal has temporarily suspended the licenses of two inspectors as it continues to investigate this Joliet elevator incident.

Chicago pedestrian accident claims life of 47-year-old man on the South Side

February 3, 2011 | By Dave Abels

An Illinois truck versus pedestrian accident has resulted in the death of a 44-year-old man in the Bridgeport neighborhood, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The accident happened just before 3 PM on Wednesday in the 2800 block of S. Archer Ave.

The pedestrian was hit by a Chicago Department of Transportation truck. The city employee remained at the scene until police arrived. The Chicago Police Department issued the driver tickets for operating a vehicle in reverse and for striking a pedestrian. The name of the truck driver has not been released. It was also not reported whether the truck involved was out clearing snow after this week’s blizzard.

The pedestrian victim died at the scene of the accident, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. An autopsy is scheduled for today. The name of the victim has not been released.

Chicago car accidents a danger during Super Bowl weekend

February 2, 2011 | By Dave Abels

While Super Bowl Sunday will not be as chaotic with the Bears out of the picture, the fact remains that the biggest football day of the year is also among the most dangerous days for Chicago car accidents caused by drunk drivers.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers urge party hosts and football fans to celebrate responsibly, designate a driver and avoid drinking and driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is partnering with the NFL, Mothers Against Drunk Driving and a number of other organizations in promoting the safety campaign, “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.” “Football is one of America’s favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don’t plan ahead,” said David Strickland, NHTSA Administrator.” Whether you’re at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend’s house, designate a sober driver before the game. And remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.”

Nationwide, about one-third of all traffic fatalities involves a drunk driver. Nationwide, about 11,000 people a year are killed in drunk driving accidents, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Alcohol involvement was cited in more than 4 in 10 fatal crashes in Illinois in 2009, accounting for 381 of 911 fatalities.

The following safety tips have been adapted from information provided by the NHTSA:

-Leave your keys at home if you plan to drink and have a plan before setting out for the evening.

-Put the phone numbers for local cab companies in your phone.

-If you are hosting a party, offer plenty of food and non-alcoholic drinks.

-Never serves drinks to a guest under the age of 21.

-Set a time to stop serving alcohol, say at the end of the third quarter or an hour before the end of the coffee. Serve coffee and dessert.

-Do what’s necessary to prevent a party guest from drinking and driving.

-Have a place for guests to spend the night if necessary.
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Study finds fewer Chicago pedestrian accidents in 2010 — fatal accidents increase nationwide

January 31, 2011 | By Dave Abels

After four straight years of decline, fatal pedestrian accidents were on the rise again in the first six months of 2010, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association.

Our Chicago injury attorneys know pedestrian accidents are a serious problem in Chicago and the surrounding area. The Illinois Department of Transportation reports 30 people were killed in Chicago pedestrian accidents in 2009 and another 3,069 were injured. Statewide, pedestrian accidents killed 141 people and injured more than 15,000.Illinois recorded the 12th-highest number of fatal pedestrian accidents. However, it was among the states to report a reduction in the number of pedestrian accidents in the first half of 2010. A total of 46 fatal Illinois pedestrian accidents were reported, compared to 50 during the first six month of 2009.

The most were recorded in California and Florida — in fact California, Florida, Texas and New York accounted for nearly half of all fatal pedestrian accidents nationwide. Wyoming and South Dakota recorded the fewest pedestrian accidents.

Nationwide, 1,891 died in pedestrian accidents during the first six month of 2010, compared to 1,884 during the same period of 2009, according to the GHSA report. Twenty-eight state reported a decrease, while 18 reported an increase.

Those ages 45 to 64 were most likely to be killed in a pedestrian accident, followed by those ages 30 to 45, and those over the age of 65.

“Nationally, pedestrian fatalities account for about 12 percent of overall traffic deaths, a small but significant portion,” said GHSA Chairman Vernon Betkey Jr. “Given that we have made so much progress in this area, GHSA is concerned to see this reversal.”

The organization said an increase in distracted driving may be partly to blame.

“Anyone who travels in a busy city has seen countless pedestrians engrossed in conversation or listening to music while crossing a busy street,” Betkey said. “Just as drivers need to focus on driving safely, pedestrians need to focus on walking safely – without distractions.”

A renewed focus on pedestrian safety is warranted and should include prioritization, data analysis, engineering, laws and enforcement and education, according to the GHSA report.
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Illinois hit-and-run car crash kills 2

January 30, 2011 | By Dave Abels

A deadly Chicago-area auto accident has resulted in two deaths in the Northwest suburbs, according to WLS 890 AM. The collision occurred Thursday night in Hoffman Estates and the Illinois state police are reporting that a motorist involved fled the scene.

Hoffman Estates Police responded to an accident involving at least two vehicles on Golf Road just after 7:30 PM. At the scene they found one of the automobiles engulfed in flames. One victim, a 62-year-old Hoffman Estates resident, died at the scene. A second victim, age 32 of an unknown address, was pronounced dead less than an hour later at St. Alexis Medical Center in Hoffman Estates.

Autopsies on Friday found both victims died of multiple injuries sustained in a car accident, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office.

Government continues push to reduce distracted driving auto accidents in Chicago, elsewhere

January 28, 2011 | By Dave Abels

The federal government is launching the “5500 campaign,” a new public service announcement to coincide with the one-year anniversary of FocusDriven, the first nationwide non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for victims of distracted driving accidents.

Our Chicago personal injury lawyers frequently report on the dangers of distracted driving. Nationwide, about 5,500 people are killed and 500,000 are injured each year in car accidents caused by distracted driving.”In our new PSA, we want to remind people that each and every distracted driving fatality is someone’s loved one, and that person’s family is in tremendous pain,” said FocusDriven President Jennifer Smith. “Our new campaign will urge the public to put down the phone and focus on the drive. We cannot wait until others are killed or injured to take action. The statistics show that it’s no longer ‘if’ someone you know will be affected by distracted driving, it’s ‘when.'”

The organization’s one-year anniversary was also marked by support from Safeway and the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety, which seeks to reduce work accidents in Chicago and elsewhere that are caused by distracted driving. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that about 40 percent of workplace fatalities result from transportation accidents, accounting for 1,682 deaths last year.

“Distracted driving is a deadly epidemic and when it comes to road safety, we will not take a backseat to anyone,” said Secretary Ray LaHood. “That’s why distracted driving will continue to be a major part of DOT’s robust safety agenda. Together with advocates like FocusDriven and NETS, and employers like Safeway, we can put an end to this deadly behavior and save lives.”

As we reported recently on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, LaHood has come under fire for what some safety advocates see as a hyper-focus on distracted driving, which may come at the expense of focusing on other causes of serious and fatal accidents.

As part of the anniversary, the Department of Transportation also released the latest in the “Faces of Distracted Driving series.” We reported previously on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog that the series features messages from family members of those killed in distracted driving accidents. One of the most recent features 17-year-old Emily Reynolds. Her older sister Cady was killed in 2007 when a teen texting on her cell phone crashed into Cady’s car in Nebraska.

The “Faces of Distracted Driving” series is available here.

Meanwhile, Safeway grocery stores is the latest employer to implement a distracted driving policy; the company now prohibits its 1,525 truckers from using cell phones — hand-held or hands-free, while driving. Bill Windsor, chairman of the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety said 5,000 public and private organizations, representing more than 20 million U.S. employees, have now enacted distracted driving policies.

“Employers can make a real difference in keeping their associates safe both on and off the job by educating them about the dangers of distracted driving and adopting policies to prevent it,” he said.
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Chicago area elevator accident – two-year-old boy falls 30 feet down an elevator shaft in Joliet

January 26, 2011 | By Dave Abels

An Illinois premises liability accident has resulted in severe head injuries to a toddler that were suffered in a fall down an elevator shaft at a Joliet Hotel, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting. The boy, who fell approximately 30 feet on Sunday afternoon at a hotel located at 26 W. Clinton St., was airlifted from Joliet’s Silver Cross Hospital to Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago and is expected to survive.

Guests heard the boy crying from the elevator and the desk clerk called the police for help. The elevator was stopped between the first and second floors and was not moving.

Video footage shows the child left his third floor room and went to the elevator, followed by his mother who brought the boy back to the room. A few minutes later, the video shows the boy going to the elevator and pressing the call button. He entered the elevator and began pushing buttons.