Lake County Launches Holiday Driving Safety Program

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The holiday season is upon us and there are records numbers of people on the roads in the Chicagoland area. People are driving to visit family, go on vacation or just attending holiday parties. It’s important to take precautions before hitting the road this year. According to Patch.com, the Lake County Illinois Sheriff’s office and the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) are launching a holiday safety traffic initiative called  “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” and “Drive High, Get a DUI.” The program runs from December 17 through January 2.

The Lake County Sheriff’s office is urging all drivers to plan ahead and do the following before getting behind the wheel:

  • Plan ahead — Designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or arrange for a ride-sharing service.
  • Report dangers — If you spot an impaired driver, pull over safely and dial 911.
  • Buckle up — It’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

There will be extra police enforcement on the roads looking for excessive speeders, drunk and distracted drivers. The funding for the program comes from the President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure bill through the National Highway Traffic Administration and the funds are administered by IDOT.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, then please call the Chicago accident lawyers at the Bryant Law Group for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or you can go directly to the firm’s website at www.blgchicago.com.

IDOT Announces Delay In Kennedy Express Lane Opening

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I wrote earlier this fall that the Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) was expected to complete the construction on the I-90/94 (“Kennedy”) express lane construction by the “late fall.” Unfortunately they did not meet their own deadline as they announced this week that the express lanes would not open back up until mid-January 2025.

IDOT blames the delay on “software issues.” In their press release they stated, “Due to the complexity of the overall Reversible Lane Access Control system, additional time is needed to ensure the safety components are fully integrated and their functions operating seamlessly.”

This means continued gridlock on the Kennedy, especially from O’Hare airport down to the loop. The entire Kennedy construction project is $150 million project is expected to be completed next year. Phase 3 of the project includes construction on the outbound lanes.

Although discouraging that the express lane project was delayed, I think this is the safest and most prudent way for IDOT to proceed. It could be incredibly dangerous if there are any glitches with the entrance and exits of the express lanes. Let’s hope they actually meet this deadline.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a Chicago traffic accident or Chicago truck accident, then call the Chicago accident lawyers at the Bryant Law Group, LLC., for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or click here to go to the firm’s website at www.blgchicago.com.  

Illinois State Police Announce Results of Click It or Ticket Enforcement Program

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I wrote a few months back regarding the Illinois State Police’s (“ISP) special enforcement period referred to as “Click it or Ticket.” The ISP increased daytime and nighttime patrols focused on enforcing impaired driving, occupant restraint, speeding, and distracted driving, with the ultimate goal of lowering traffic fatalities in Central Illinois.

The ISP announced recently the following results:

Occupant Restraint Violations 12
Driving Under the Influence and Drug/Alcohol-Related Citations 0
Speeding Citations and Warnings 24
Distracted Driving Citations and Warnings 3
Total Citations 45
Total Written Warnings 2

Surprisingly there were no DUI arrests during this enforcement period. I think we can view this as a positive result as people seem to be more cautious or reticent to get behind the wheel if they’ve been drinking. I will be interested to see if there a decrease in traffic crashes during this time. The Illinois Department of Transportation provided funding for the Click It or Ticket program.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an Illinois car crash or Chicago truck accident, then call the Chicago accident attorneys at the Bryant Law Group for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or go directly to the firm’s website at www.blgchicago.com.

Winter Driving Tips Provided By IDOT

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Winter in Chicago is hear and with it comes slick roads, snow, ice and fog. These conditions can limit visibility and make driving much more dangerous. The Illinois Department of Transportation (“IDOT”) issued some valuable winter weather driving tips that will hopefully make your time behind the wheel much safer.

IDOT suggests drivers follow these rules and tips:

  • Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois.
  • Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking all are required in winter driving conditions.
  • Drop it and drive. Put down the handheld devices – it, too, is the law in Illinois.
  • Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
  • Avoid using cruise control in snow and ice.
  • Watch out for black ice on roads that appear clear but can be treacherous.
  • Be especially careful approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shady areas. All are prone to icing.
  • Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to make a trip, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route. Consider taking public transportation if it is an option.
  • Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit.
  • Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency.
  • Follow Scott’s Law. Slow down and move over for stopped emergency, construction and maintenance vehicles.

This list is a pretty exhaustive list, but should probably be followed year round. The suggestion that often gets overlooked is putting down your phone. If you need to use your phone for directions and you don’t have a screen that your phone can connect to, I highly recommend placing it on a stand so that you can easily follow the directions without taking your eye off the road. Of course, if you do have to use the phone, it is always safer to pull over to make that call or send that text or email.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, then call the Illinois accident attorneys at the Bryant Law Group, LLC. for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or go directly to the firm’s website by clicking www.blgchicago.com.

Illinois Tollways Launch New Traffic Managment Technology

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The Illinois Tollway Highway Authority announced this week that they were activating SmartRoad technology on the northern section of the 22-mile Central Tri-State Tollway (1-294).

SmartRoad, which recieved funding from President Biden’s bipartisan infrastructure legislation, will provid eal-time, lane-specific information on message boards detailing traffic incidents and lane closure notifications. It will aim to provide improved travel time information through upgraded traffic sensors, which will also be installed on ramps to monitor for potential backups. The technology will also provid inside lane and shoulder flex lanes, enabling the tollway to shift traffic around incidents and reduce backups. There will also be new high-definition roadway cameras and upgraded weather stations.

The technology will be placed placed every half mile between 95th Street and Balmoral Avenue on I-294. This will hopefully ease traffic in the area which will hopefully improve traffic congrestion on adjacent highways such as I-90/94. According to Illinois Tollways, more than 220,000 vehicles use the Central Tri-State Tollway daily.

If you or a loved one have been seriously injured in a Chicago traffic accident or Chicago truck accident, then call the Illinois personal injury lawyers at the Bryant Law Group, LLC for a free legal consultation or go directly to firm’s website at www.blgchicago.com.

GM Recalls Close To 500,000 Trucks

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The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”) announed this week that General Motors is recalling 461,000 trucks and SUVs based on a transmission issue. The vehicles recalled include the 2020-2022 Chevrolet Silverado, GMC Sierra, 2021 Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon.

The specific auto defect involves a transmission control valve on the impacted vehicles may fail causing the rear wheels to lock up, the NHTSA said, which would increase the risk of a crash.

GM dealers will install a new transmission control module software free of charge and GM will provide a special coverage program for repairing transmissions identified as containing a defective control valve.

If you own one of these types of vehicles, please contact your dealer as soon as possible to avoid any further risks.

Should you or a loved become injured from a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, then call the Illinois personal injury attorneys at the Bryant Law Group, LLC. for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or go directly to the firm’s website at www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago To Launch Camera Technology To Promote Traffic Safety

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Cities Today reported recently that Chicago will be launching a traffic safety program called Smart Streets Pilot, which will focus on enforcing parking violations in bus and bike lanes.

Cameras will be placed on buses and and city vehicles looking to enforce traffic lane violations. An initial 30-day warning will precede a ticket, but after this initial timeframe drivers will be fined for repeated violations. It is unclear what the fine amount will be after receiving the initial warning.

The two-year pilot program will operate in downtown Chicago with eight city enforcement vehicles equipped with cameras to monitor the streets, while the Chicago Transit Authority (“CTA”) will install cameras on up to six buses by 2025. According to the city’s Transport Commissioner Tom Carney: “By keeping bus and bike lanes clear of illegal parking, we can improve safety and reduce delays for commuters.”

The pilot’s results will be reported to the city council, assessing the impact on traffic flow, safety, and transit operations.

This is welcome news to Chicago bicyclists and pedestrians who commute downtown. Too often drivers park their vehicles blocking dedicated bike and bus lanes. This is incredibly dangerous for bicyclists, especially when it happens in densly populated areas like the Chicago loop. Let’s hope this pilot program motivates drivers to park their vehicles properly and eventually make Chicago’s streets safer.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Chicago traffic crash or Chicago truck accident, then call the Chicago personal injury lawyers at the Bryant Law Group for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or go to the firm’s website by clicking on www.blgchicago.com.

Illinois State Police Launch Click It Or Ticket Program In Central Illinois Counties

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The Illinois State Police (“ISP”) announced there are launching Safety Traffic Enforcement Patrols (“STEP”) in Vermilion, Macon, and Champaign counties during the month of November. The ISP will increase daytime and nighttime patrols focused on enforcing impaired driving, occupant restraint, speeding, and distracted driving, with the ultimate goal of lowering traffic fatalities.

According to the ISP, alcohol and drug impairment are a factor in 47% of all Illinois traffic fatalities. Also,  nearly 50% of vehicle occupants killed in traffic crashes were not wearing a seat belt. This extra patrols are being funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation.

Halloween and the holidays are right around the corner, so I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to order an Uber or have a designated driver if you are out and about and have been drinking. Also, please always buckle up.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a Chicago traffic accident or Chicago truck accident, then call the Chicago injury attorneys at the Bryant Law Group at 312-614-1076 or go to the website by clicking www.blgchicago.com.

Multiple Closures Will Tie Up Traffic In Chicago This Week

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According to multiple news outlets like ABC 7 and Blockclub, there will be multiple lane closures around Chicago this week.

The resurfacing of Dusable Lakeshore Drive continues this week as all but 2 southbound lanes will be closed from Irving Park Road and the LaSalle Street exit on Monday and Tuesday between 9:00 am and 4:00 pm. Also, the shouthbound lanes will be limited to 3 between Hollywood Boulevard and Lawrence.

On top of this, the northbound Kennedy exit at Ohio Street will be closed all week.

These are 2 major closures that will disrupt commute times. This may be good week to take the CTA (bus or train) or the Metra, if you are someone to prefers to drive to work. This could definitely limit your commute time and be less of a headache getting too or from work.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in Chicago traffic accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyers at The Bryant Law Group for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or go directly to our website at www.blgchicago.com.

Illinois Announces New Driver Safety Program

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Illinois Secretary of State, Alexi Giannoulias, announced this week that his office is launching a driver safety program focused on young drivers and distracted driving. This new program is part of National Teen Driver Safety Week.

The program, call “One Road, One Focus” will call for safety zones in areas where lots of crashes have happened. It will also ask lawmakers to fund new grants for local departments to start their own enforcement programs and remind prosecutors to get accused distracted drivers’ license suspended in the event of serious injury or death. Also included is a mandatory video teens will have to watch before they get a learner’s permit, which will start in 2025.

Giannoulias had this to say about the safety iniciateve: “No text or email is ever that important and certainly not as important as a child’s life. There is nothing that is more important than paying attention to the road.”

I applaud this new program as I believe many new drivers don’t understand, or at least forget, how dangerous it is to pick up your phone while driving. It only takes a second or two of looking away from the road before a car crash can occur.

If you have been injured in a Chicago traffic accident or a Chicago truck accident, the call the Chicago personal injury lawyers at the Bryant Law Group for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076 or click on the firm’s website a www.blgchicago.com to learn more.