Category Archives: Illinois State Police

Winter Driving Tips From The Illinois State Police

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We were kind of lucky this winter in Chicago. December and January were fairly mild and we didn’t see a lot of ice or snow. That changed last week when the area was hit with what some are saying the 6th largest blizzard in Chicago history. Up to nineteen (19) inches of snow fell in certain parts of the metropolitan area.

With winter weather can com treacherous driving conditions. There is snow to deal with along with black ice and the resulting pot holes (though the city seems to be taking better care of these this year). The Illinois State Police have posted on their website some useful tips on how to prepare for winter driving and what to do in case you are stuck or have car issues.

What to do before driving in winter weather:

  1. Plan your travel, selecting both primary and alternate routes.
  2. Let someone know your travel routes and itinerary so that, if you don’t arrive on time, officials will know where to search for you.
  3. Check latest weather information on your radio.
  4. Try not to travel alone – two or three people are preferable.
  5. Travel in convoy (with another vehicle) if possible.
  6. Drive carefully and defensively. Watch for ice patches on bridges and overpasses.
  7. If a storm begins to be too much for you to handle, seek refuge immediately.
  8. If your car should become disabled, stay with the vehicle, running your engine and heater for short intervals. Be sure to “crack” a window in the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.

Here are some tips what to check in your vehicle before driving during the winter:

  1. ignition system
  2. fuel system
  3. brakes
  4. exhaust system
  5. wiper blades
  6. snow tires
  7. tire tread
  8. defroster
  9. proper grade oil
  10. cooling system
  11. battery
  12. lights
  13. antifreeze

Finally, here are a list of items to store in your vehicle in case of winter emergencies. Especially if you are driving long distances:

  1. or 3 pound coffee can (punch 3 holes at the top of can, equal distance apart)
  2. 60-inch length of twine or heavy string (cut into 3 equal pieces – used to suspend can)
  3. 3 large safety pins (tie string to safety pins and pin to car roof interior to suspend can over candle)
  4. 1 candle 2″ diameter (place on lid under suspended can for melting snow)
  5. 1 pocket knife, reasonably sharp (or substitute with scissors)
  6. 3 pieces of bright cloth 2″ wide x 36″ long (tie to antenna or door handle)
  7. Several packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. (mixed into melted snow to provide warmth and nutrition)
  8. 1 small package of peanuts (provides protein) & fruit-flavored candy (orange slices, jelly beans, etc.-avoid chocolate)
  9. 1 pair of athletic socks (cotton) and 1 pair of glove liners (cotton)
  10. 2 packages of book matches
  11. 1 sun shield blanket or 2 large green or black plastic leaf bags (to reflect body heat)
  12. 1 pen light and batteries (keep separate)

Be careful the rest of this winter season and remember if you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyer, Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.

Georgia Man Ticketed For Eating Hamburger & Driving

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The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported that a Georgia man was given a traffic citation for driving and eating a hamburger. More specifically, the officer cited the driver for:  “exercise due care in operating a motor vehicle on the highways of this state and shall not engage in any actions which shall distract such driver from the safe operation of such vehicle.”

It does not appear that there is a specific law against eating and driving in Georgia but the officer followed the man for two (2) miles and concluded that he was driving erratically enough that he deserved a ticket.

I did some research and there is no law in Illinois that forbids eating and driving. The Illinois State Police’s website does caution against eating and driving as ways to avoid distracted driving. Their website states: “Stop to eat or drink. Drive-through windows and giant cup holders make it tempting to have a meal while driving, but you’re safer when you stop to eat or drink. If you can’t avoid eating while driving, try to avoid messy foods.”

This may appear as a funny news bit but I believe eating and driving can be just as distracting as texting or using your phone while driving. All it takes is a second or two of not paying attention that can cause a driver to lose control and swerve into another lane or rear-end a fellow driver. This is especially true for messier foods. I agree with the State Police. Put the food down and wait until you can park somewhere to finish your meal.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury lawyer, Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-614-1076.

Illinois State Police To Enforce Operation Kyle In Honor Of Fallen Trooper

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The life and work of a state trooper
is a tough job. Every time a trooper stops a driver for a traffic violation or
investigates an auto accident scene, they are confronted with the dangers of
other drivers and of course confronting the unknown when approaching a car
window. The Illinois State Police lost one if its own on November 26, 2012 when
trooper Kyle Deatherage was struck by a passing truck during a routine traffic
stop. The Belleville News Democrat reported last month that in
honor of Trooper Deatherage’s death, the State Police would launch operation
Kyle during a 24 hour period throughout the state. 

 “Starting at
midnight the morning of (November) 26, for 24-hours straight, we’re going to
have troopers from all throughout the state enforcing traffic laws, looking for
impaired drivers,” said Illinois State Police Trooper Calvin Dye, Jr. “It’s
dedicated to Trooper Deatherage and his family.”  Troopers hope the
enforcement will serve as a reminder to motorists to slow down and pull over if
they see an emergency vehicle.

“There is no greater tribute than the commitment of all
sworn officers showing their respect, dedication and commitment to Kyle and the
safety of every driver and passenger during this 24-hour period,” said
Illinois State Police Director Hiram Grau. “His life was tragically taken
from his family and police family two days before Thanksgiving and Operation
Kyle will be a strong reminder to the motoring public that safe driving saves
lives.”

“Our number one goal during this 24-hour enforcement
period and through the holiday season is to raise awareness and reduce the
number of fatalities on Illinois roads and highways,” said Illinois State
Police Division of Operations Col. Michael Zerbonia. “Sobriety checkpoints
will also be enforced and DUI violators risk arrest and severe penalties.”

Remember to drive safely throughout the holidays and be wary
of troopers and other who have been pulled over. Traffic is heavy this time of
year and the roads can be slick. Everyone can do their part to try and avoid
car accidents while on the highway.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney,
Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-588-3384.

IDOT And Illinois State Police Kick Off Impaired Driving Campaign

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On February 4, The Illinois Department of Transportation announced  its new impaired driving campaign with the Illinois State Police. The program is titled Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving. The timing of this campaign is an attempt to prevent drunk driving during Super Bowl weekend, which is notorious for football fans being out and about at various parties and watering holes.

“Throughout Super Bowl weekend, the Illinois State Police will remain diligent in enforcing driving under the influence and the other fatal five violations, including speeding, safety belt use, improper lane usage and following too closely,” said Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken.  “Law enforcement recognizes the big game brings fans together to celebrate, and alcoholic beverages are often part of the celebration.  If you choose to drink, don’t drive.  Ask someone to be a designated driver prior to starting your celebration or call a taxi service to make sure you arrive home safely.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Division of Traffic Safety suggests the following tips for those planning to consume alcohol while watching the Super Bowl:

  • Designate a sober driver before the party begins;

  • Call a taxi, use mass transit, or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely; 

  • Use your community’s designated driver program, if established;

  • Report impaired drivers to law enforcement;
     
  • Spend the night where the activity is being held and sleep it off;
     
  • Always buckle up – it’s your best defense against an impaired driver.

Remember to be careful on the roads this weekend.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident or have been charged with a DUIor another traffic violation, then call attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384.

Illinois Police To Add Patrols During Holidays To Rude Crashes

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The Illinois State Police have announced that they are going to increase their patrols over the holiday season to hopefully decrease the number of car accidents throughout the state.

Many departments are participating in a statewide initiative called Operation Save 100, aimed to decrease by 100 the number of vehicle-related fatalities in Illinois until Jan. 31, 2010.

“We’re going to do some saturated seat belt patrols, and we will be concentrating on various violations,” Spring Grove Police Chief Tom Sanders said.

He said increased seat belt use would safeguard travelers against winter weather conditions, as well as drunk or aggressive drivers heading home from holiday parties.

“When the conditions are icy and bad, it’s even more important,” Sanders said.

On the night before Thanksgiving, the McHenry County Sheriff’s Office would conduct two initiatives, one that focused on seat belt and car seat use and another that would target drunken driving.

The sheriff’s office is teaming up with Huntley Police and the Illinois State Police for the drunken driving enforcement.

Sheriff Keith Nygren credited such enforcement initiatives with contributing to the declining vehicle-related fatality rate in the county.

“Focused and intense traffic enforcement can make a difference, … and that is what this is all about,” he said.

To read the complete story, click here.

Please be careful when driving over the holidays. There are a lot of crazy drivers out there and the roads can be treacherous.

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