Category Archives: IDOT

IDOT Issues “Ice And Snow – Take It Slow” Warning To Drivers

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If you live in Chicago, you woke up this morning with the first snow of the season on the ground. This was not a pretty site to a lot of commuters as it means their travel time increases and the roads become a lot more dangerous.  With the winter season upon us, the Illinois Department of Transportation has issued a campaign to drivers titled “Ice and Snow – Take it Slow.”

Authorities say when roads are hazardous, only make necessary trips. If you do go out, be sure to give snow plows plenty of room and watch out for black ice.

“If you were to encounter black ice, don’t slam on your breaks, just push through it and if you happen to slide, just steer into your slide a bit and you should make it through ok,” said Jeff Able, traffic operations engineer for IDOT.

Before the snow strikes, authorities advise you check your car’s anti-freeze, headlights, tires and battery. And make sure you have an emergency kit in your car, with water, snacks, flares and reflectors.

For Illinois road conditions this winter, call 1-800-452-IDOT.

To read the complete article about IDOT’s winter weather warning, click, here.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Illinois car accident or Illinois truck accident, then call attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384.

Illinois Department Of Transportation Issues Winter Driving Tips

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Winter is right around the corner and the Illinois Department of Transportation has issued a list of tips to help deal with the treacherous road ahead.

IDOT recommends your vehicle contain the following items this winter. These items should make your life easier and more importantly, much safer.

Your vehicle should be equipped with a winter emergency survival kit. The following items are recommended:

  • Ice scraper, snow brush, rags and paper towels.
  • Jumper cables, basic tool kit, antifreeze, no-freeze windshield washer fluid and extra drive belt(s).
  • Shovel, traction mats or old rugs, tire chains, salt, cat box litter or sand.
  • Blankets and extra clothing including hats, socks, waterproof boots, coats and gloves.
  • Non-perishable, high-calorie food.
  • Candles, waterproof matches and a metal container (coffee can) in which to melt snow into water.
  • Flashlight with extra batteries, flares or roadway reflectors.
  • A basic first aid kit and a fire extinguisher.
  • A cellular telephone with a backup power source might be the single most important safety item available. A citizen’s band radio is a good alternative.

    • Have a fun and safe holiday season and be careful on the roads.

    Should you or someone you know become involved in a car accident, truck accident or suffer from a personal injury, then call attorney Aaron J. Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384.

    IDOT Reports That Late-Night Driving Is The Deadliest Time On Illinois Roadways.

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    The Illinois Department of Transportation recently announced that drinking and driving and low seatbelt use leads to higher accident rates late at night. Nearly seven out of ten fatalities occurring between midnight and 3 a.m. involve a drinking driver, and less than three out of ten of those who died in crashes during this time were properly restrained by a safety belt.  The picture is completely different during the higher-traffic, daytime hours with less than two out of ten fatalities involving alcohol and nearly six out of ten properly restrained. 

    “Drinking and driving is inappropriate regardless of the time of day,” said Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken. “Data tells us the likelihood of being involved in a crash or fatal crash where alcohol is involved increases dramatically at night.  Therefore, the Illinois State Police will focus our efforts on DUI and seat belt enforcement during night time details.”

    According to data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the midnight to 3 a.m. time frame is the deadliest time on Illinois roads.  For the last four years (2005-2008) in Illinois, more motor vehicle fatalities occurred between midnight and 3 a.m. than any other time of day.  Fatalities occurring from 9 p.m. to midnight were close behind.

    Not coincidentally, the data also shows late night hours have by far the highest percentage of alcohol involvement.  For the last four years (2005-2008), 67 percent of the motor vehicle fatalities occurring from midnight to 3 a.m. involved a drinking driver.

    Equally troubling during the nighttime hours is the fact that motorists buckle up at a much lower rate.  Data shows for the years 2005-2008, the midnight to 3 a.m. and the 3 a.m.-6 a.m. time frame had the lowest belt use involving motor vehicle fatalities with only 27 percent of those who died in crashes properly restrained.  The 9 p.m. to midnight timeframe was second worst with only 32 percent of those who died were properly restrained.

    Remember to keep your wits about you when driving late at night as the data clearly show that there are far more drunk drivers on the road. And, of course, always buckle up no matter what time of day.

    Contact attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 if you or someone you know has been involved in a vehicle accident.