Car accidents are traumatic and often life-changing events. Although communities throughout Illinois have taken great strides toward improving safety and educating people about the dangers of careless driving, accidents still happen far too often.
What are the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents on Illinois roadways? When you understand the factors at play, you can take action to avoid common driving pitfalls.
Six Common Causes of Car Accidents in Illinois
According to data compiled by the Illinois Department of Transportation, there were 298,347 motor vehicle crashes in the state in one recent year. While car accidents can happen for many reasons, some common causes account for most accidents on Illinois roadways. The most common causes of accidents include:
- Distracted Driving –Distracted driving remains among the most common causes of motor vehicle accidents. It is any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the safe operation of their vehicle. Texting, phone calls, eating, and even daydreaming are common distracted driving behaviors.
- Driving Under the Influence – Statistics show that of the 1,147 fatal accidents that occurred in Illinois, 21 percent of those collisions involved alcohol.
- Speeding –Speeding and traveling too fast for road conditions can lead to devastating car accidents because drivers have little time to react to changes in traffic patterns, turns, and sudden stops. Data indicates that speed accounted for 31.8 percent of total traffic crashes in Illinois and 12.6 percent of all fatal accidents.
- Failure to Yield – Understanding and following the rules of the road are crucial. Drivers who fail to yield the right of way can cause serious sideswipe and T-bone crashes.
- Drowsy Driving – Drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk driving since lack of sleep affects the body and mind in similar ways, impairing judgment and slowing coordination. Drowsy driving is a common concern for long-haul truck drivers, late-shift workers, and those with undiagnosed sleep disorders.
- Unsafe Lane Changes –Drivers must always pay attention to their surroundings. Unsafe lane changes are a common cause of sideswipe, multi-car, and rear-end collisions. The often sudden and unexpected nature of these collisions can cause drivers to lose control, potentially colliding with additional vehicles.
Other common causes of car accidents in Illinois include mechanical vehicle defects, inclement weather conditions, or poor visibility. Animal encounters are also a common cause of single-vehicle crashes. Crash statistics show that collisions with deer account for 4.9 percent of total motor vehicle collisions in Illinois.
How Can an Illinois Car Accident Attorney Help After an Accident?
At Bonifield & Rosenstengel, P.C., our car accident attorneys want to help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, no matter the cause of the car accident. We advocate for you and help hold careless Illinois drivers accountable for their actions, representing the people, not the most powerful.
After an accident, contact our office right away to request a free legal consultation. We take the time to review your situation, answer your questions, address your concerns, and outline all your options for pursuing compensation.