Though it is often cited as a major contributor to unsafe behavior among teens, peer pressure can also be a tool for positive change. Consumer Reports recently released a study indicating that peer pressure is increasingly being used to stop teen drivers from texting while driving. While teen drivers still suffer elevated rates of fatal car […]
Car Accidents
Backup Cameras And Blind Zones
Styling trends and the need for improved aerodynamics may be increasing the danger of accidents that occur while vehicles are backing up. The blind zones behind a vehicle are areas of great risk. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 221 deaths and 14,000 injuries are caused by back-over crashes every year. The blind zones behind […]
Drive Carefully Over Memorial Day Weekend
Holidays are often accompanied by an increase in dangerous driving. Drinking and driving may be the most notorious of holiday traffic problems, but countless serious car accidents are caused by people running red lights and committing other moving violations. According to a study by the National Coalition for Safer Roads, Memorial Day weekend may be the most […]
Intersection Safety a Major Concern in Chicago
In 2009, more than 7,000 fatal accidents occurred at intersections or were intersection-related, according to the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration. That equaled more than 20 percent of the total fatal motor vehicle accidents that year. Intersection safety is a major area of concern all across the country, particularly in more congested places such as Chicago. […]
Cars Not Designed With Child Safety in Mind
The auto industry has recently come under fire from national safety groups for employing technology that can distract a driver while the vehicle is in use. New research has pointed to a problem that could increase the danger to children if a car accident occurs. Many of the top-selling cars of the last several years make it […]
Inconclusive Data on Cell Phone Bans
Ever since cell phones became popular almost 20 years ago, Chicago residents have heard about the dangers of using them while driving. However, after almost two decades of research, there is still debate as to whether cell phones increase the likelihood of a serious car or truck accident. In addition, there is data that suggests the […]
Safety Over Sales in Curbing Distracted Driving
The Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board called out the makers of electronic products that contribute to distracted driving for putting sales figures over the safety of their consumers. In December, the NTSB called for a complete ban on cell phone use while driving in an effort to reduce car accidents caused by distracted driving. The […]
Hit-and-Run Accident Leads to Criminal Charges
A correctional officer was killed and three others were seriously injured when a pickup truck struck them during a jog last week. The fatal accident happened around 7 p.m. Tuesday evening. After striking the officers, the driver of the truck left the scene without stopping. He turned himself into authorities and is facing four felony charges of […]
Wrong-way Car Accidents are a Continuing Problem in Chicago
Traffic accidents are a common occurrence on Chicago roads, but these crashes are always unexpected for the drivers involved. One of the most disturbing recent trends in Chicago car accidents is the number of wrong-way crashes occurring throughout the metro area. Wrong-way crashes typically result in serious personal injuries and local officials are scrambling to figure out […]
Wisconsin Targets Alcohol & Seat Belt Safety
Wisconsin drivers are about to get a reminder about the dangers of driving drunk and riding in a car without a seat belt. The statewide campaign known as “Booze and Belts” will last until December 17th and is intended to reduce the number of deaths and injuries due to car and truck accidents. Police departments all over […]
