Is Illinois Texting And Driving Ban Restrictive Enough?

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I have reported in the past about the texting and driving bans enacted in Chicago and eventually by the State. These laws were necessary as the studies have shown the dangers of texting and driving. The question law maker must answer – – which State Farm has pointed out – – is wether the texting laws should prevent all phone internet use while driving.  State Farm published a report recently that found that 19 percent of drivers from its’ survey admitted to using the Internet while driving. The top five Web-based activities they engage in are:

  • Finding/reading driving directions,
  • Reading email,
  • Looking up/referencing specific information of immediate interest,
  • Looking at/reading social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, etc.),
  • Composing/sending email

Most respondents who said they use the Internet while driving reported that they engage in these activities when stopped at a stop light or stopped in heavy traffic. They also commonly said they access the Internet when driving alone, during daylight hours, or on long drives on the interstate.

We are very interested in learning more about the growing trend of using the Web while driving,” said Cindy Garretson, Director of Auto Technology Research at State Farm. “We are working to prevent (car) crashes and save lives, and this research takes us one step closer to understanding the driver distractions that affect everyone on our roadways.”

I think anyone would admit that posting something on twitter or facebook or looking up news headlines while driving is just as dangerous as texting and driving. The word “texting”, if used broadly should encompass all smart phone use. It will be interesting to see if Illinois broadens the term texting in its’ texting and driving laws.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Illinois car accident attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Chicago Traffic Is The Third Worst In The Country

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I wrote a few weeks back about the effect the rebounding economy has had on traffic congestion.  The early predictions were correct – – Chicago traffic congestion is not getting better.

The Chicago Sun Times reported this week that  for the fourth year in a row, Chicago (behind New York and Los Angeles), is the third worst in the country for traffic congestion.  The Dan Ryan having three of America’s worst bottlenecks, according to yearly traffic scorecard produced by INRIX, which provides traffic and navigation services.  Specifically, the northbound section of the Dan Ryan at the Canalport exit. This bottleneck actually improved from second worst last year to third worst this year.

“America is back on the road to gridlock,” said Bryan Mistele, INRIX president and CEO. “Population growth combined with increases in interstate commerce spurred by economic recovery are fueling these increases. With only 150,000 new jobs created in our nation’s urban centers last year, we can expect even more gridlock when the 6 million jobs lost in the recession return to the nation’s cities.”

Remember to keep your eyes on the road, especially during Chicago’s busy rush hour.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron J. Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588–3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com

A Response To The Proposed Illinois Workers Compensation Reform

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An interesting article was published last week in the State Journal Register  discussing the latest efforts by Republican legislators to stifle Illinois workers’ rights.

According to the Republican brass and the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, current Illinois Workers’ Compensation laws are prohibiting new businesses from starting up in Illinois.  Specifically, Todd Maisch, vice president of government affairs for the Illinois Chamber of Commerce, stated, “we think it (Illinois workers’ compensation ) is stifling job growth. The real insidious effect is that businesses are choosing to create jobs elsewhere.” 

Where is your proof Mr. Maisch?  Where are the studies to support these statements?   Specifically, tell us what businesses have left Illinois or are refusing to locate here because of our Workers’ Compensation system?  What other financial, political or legal constraints were prevalant at the time these supposed companies refused to move here or were forced to leave? 

The problem with blanket statements like the above is that they create stereotypes and assumptions about Illinois’ working class. It creates an assumption that workers are lying about their injuries or trying to defraud the system.  Statements like the above create stereotypes about Illinois workers  are lazy and are looking for a handout.  These stereotypes could not be further from the truth.  I would like these legislatures to meet my client that ruptured his lumbar discs at work lifting a 200 pound piece of equipment and has not been able to work for the last two (2) years. He has been ashamed and emasculated that he is no longer able to support his family.  There is nothing  in the world he would like to do more than to get back to work but his injury and doctors are not allowing him.  I would also like the legislators to meet my client that had a 1,000 pound tire crush his leg and foot.  Three surgeries later he is facing the proposition of having to take pain medication for the rest of his life, and will, no doubt, will never return to the construction trade.  This is not what he signed up for.  

My clients are not trying to defraud the system. They are merely trying to keep their head above water. When the chamber of commerce makes blanket statements, people begin to believe all injured workers  (including my clients) are looking for a free handout.  Nothing could be further from the truth.

If there are workers trying to defraud the system, then draft legislation that will prevent such acts. Do not strip away the rights of the truly injured.

Another portion of the proposed reform would allow employers to have the right to send injured employees to the doctor of their choosing.  This would be an extreme breach of the doctor-patient relationship and Illinois doctors agree.  “One of the biggest things they (proponents of reform) are looking at is taking away patient choice,” said Dr. Steven Malkin, president of the Illinois State Medical Society. “It’s the basic tenet of practicing medicine – the physician-patient relationship.”

By stripping away this right, I believe you are potentially sacrificing the patient’s health in order to save a few dollars.  Why not have an independent treating physician take care of the patient. It will ensure the patient/worker has a better chance of becoming whole and hopefully prevent future injury to the same body parts.

To me the suggested reforms are a fraud, not the workers.

If you or someone you know has been involved in an Illinois work accident  or needs to file an Illinois workers compensation claim , then call Chicago workers compensation attorney, Aaron J. Bryant for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com

Dangerous Car Accidents Occured In Chicago Over The Weekend

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Snow, sleet and ice hit the Chicago area over the weekend, but police are saying the weather did not appear to be the cause of a huge nine (9) vehicle car crash . The car accident  took place on Sunday morning on the Dan Ryan highway near the Bridgeport neighborhood. According to Chicago Breaking News , six (6) people were taken to the hospital due to the car crash.  It was the second multi-vehicle accident that took place in Chicago over the weekend.

Regardless of the cause of the accident, remember to be wary of winter weather and black ice. Winter is not over and the roads are always dangerous.

If you or someone you know has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident , then call Chicago car accident attorney , Aaron J. Bryant, for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com

Ford Motor Co. Pledges 1 Million Towards Safe Driving Campaign

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The Ford Motor Company announced earlier this month that they are pledging another million dollars towards its’ campaign to promote safe driving for teens.  Ford is working with the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), to expand its’ driving skills program at high schools throughout the country.

Starting this month, the Ford Driving Skills for Life (DSFL) National Tour takes free driving exercises, web-based training and materials on driving safety to 30 high schools nationwide to augment its community driving clinics and web-based training.

Ford developed Driving Skills for Life in 2003 in partnership with GHSA, delivering one of the nation’s most comprehensive teen driver safety programs.

This year, the expanded Ford program will reach high schools in these market areas:  Birmingham, Ala.; Little Rock, Ark.; Hartford, Conn.; Orlando and Tallahassee, Fla.; Atlanta; Shreveport, La.; Portland, Maine;  Boston; Jackson, Miss.;  Manchester, N.H.; Albany, N.Y.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; Providence, R.I.; Charleston, S.C.; and Burlington, Vt.

Ford DSFL builds young drivers’ skills in four key areas: driver distraction, speed space management and vehicle handling and hazard recognition. These four areas are contributors to more than 60 percent of teen crashes.

You can go to their website www.drivingskillsforlife.com to learn more about their safe driving program.

This is an innovative campaign promoted by Ford because it focuses on drivers at a young age, which hopefully will give them driving skills and knowledge that they can keep for a lifetime.

If you or someone you know has been injured in Chicago car accident  or Chicago truck accident , then call Chicago accident attorney  Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com

New Contest For Teens To Promote Anti-Texting & Driving Campaign

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A smart new campaign has been introduced by the National Road Safety Foundation and NSSP (National Student Safety Program), which is offering a $1,000 scholarship to the winning teen who creates the best idea for a public service announcement. Three runner ups will receive a $500 scholarship.  The aim of the PSA is to convince other teens to put down their phones when driving.  

“A quarter of all teens admit to texting behind the wheel and, in 2009, the highest proportion of distracted drivers in fatal crashes was under the age of 20,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “We know we have to engage teens in order to put an end to distracted driving. With their help, we can educate teens and adults about making smarter choices that will save lives.”

This is a clever program, which I think could have a huge effect on young people if done right. Kids listen to each other first. If the PSAs are authentic and not made in a corny way, then I think this could go a long way in curbing texting and driving. 

Visit www.nrsf.org or www.adtsea.org/nssp for more information about the competition.

Should you or a loved one become involved in a Chicago car accident  or Chicago truck accident  then call Chicago personal injury attorney , Aaron J. Bryant, for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

IDOT Launches Safe Driving Campaign: “Drive Now. Text Later.”

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The dangers of texting and driving  has been discussed numerous times on this blog. Despite all of the media attention and the change in the law banning texting and driving, it surprises me how many friends and clients still do not know about this law.

Apparently IDOT and other state organizations feel the same way about the awareness of the texting and driving ban. IDOT is determined to raise awareness as they recently launched a new campaign titled “Drive Now. Text Later.”  IDOT has joined forces with The Illinois Tollway, The Illinois State Police, Illinois Secretary of State and AAA Chicago in their implementation of this campaign.

The campaign features a series of three professionals: a school bus driver, an airline pilot and a surgeon and reminds drivers: “He should be focused… and so should you.” These images demonstrate the need to focus on the job at hand and that texting while performing other tasks can be dangerous and deadly – not just to yourself, but also to those around you.

“We were surprised to learn that so many of our customers were simply not aware that texting while driving is illegal in Illinois,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director Kristi Lafleur. “This campaign is intended to remind us of the potentially deadly consequences that go along with texting while driving. Our customers need to focus on safe driving and remember that they can’t do both.”

The public awareness campaign will include: the placement of posters on tollbooths, in retail outlets, rest stops, oases and driver’s license facilities; radio and television public service announcements; bumper stickers and window clings; signage on roadway message boards; newsletter articles and other tools to help educate Illinois residents about the dangers of texting while driving. The campaign will also feature a Web site with downloadable public service announcements, print-ready fliers and posters, a fact sheet, tips to avoid distracted driving and links to other useful online resources.

Remember to put that phone down when you are on the road. It could save your life and those around you.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident  or Chicago truck accident , then call Chicago personal injury attorney , Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com

Driving Tips During The Blizzard

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There is a blizzard upon us here in Chicago. In fact, it just started snowing outside and it probably will not stop until this time tomorrow. Experts are saying we could receive up to two (2) feet of snow in parts of the city by tomorrow afternoon. Weather reports are showing a blizzard warning throughout the midwest all the way to the east coast.

With this weather upon us it is important that not todrive. Take advantage of the CTA, Pace or Metra if you need to travel to work or somewhere else. If for some reason, you do have to drive, then follow these tips provided by FEMA :

  • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive, consider the following:
    • Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule.
    • Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.
  • If a blizzard traps you in the car:
    • Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window.
    • Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter. Be careful; distances are distorted by blowing snow. A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
    • Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.
    • Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
    • Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews.
    • Drink fluids to avoid dehydration.
    • Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat, and radio – with supply.
    • Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
    • If stranded in a remote area, stomp large block letters in an open area spelling out HELP or SOS and line with rocks or tree limbs to attract the attention of rescue personnel who may be surveying the area by airplane.
    • Leave the car and proceed on foot – if necessary – once the blizzard passes.

Again, avoid driving if possible to protect yourself and others.  If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident  or Chicago truck accident , then call Chicago accident attorney , Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Study Shows Improving Economy Leads To Traffic Congestion

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I posted last week about the Texas A & M study that revealed the potential dangers of red light cameras in Chicago. The same study also revealed that the improving economy has led to more motorists on the road, which in turn, will lead to more car accidents .

The study revealed that commuters in Chicago and Washington suffered the most, losing 70 hours a year to traffic delays. Nationally, the average commuter wasted 34 hours in traffic in 2009 — up from 14 hours in 1982, the first year for which researchers have records.

The good news, researchers say, is that traffic also is a sign of prosperity.  “The tie between the economy and congestion is not unexpected,” said Tim Lomax, a research engineer with the institute.  “What we’ve seen on the regional level is mirrored in these numbers on the national level,” Lomax said.

Also like the economy, traffic still is not at pre-recession levels.  The study found that in 2007, the nation wasted 5.2 billion hours in traffic. A year later, when the recession peaked, the number plummeted to 4.6 billion hours. As the economy slowly recovered in 2009, the number climbed to 4.8 billion hours lost to traffic delays.

As always, try to keep a cool head while on the road and facing increased traffic jams. It will help keep you and other drivers safer. 

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident  or Chicago truck accident , the call Chicago car accident lawyer , Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.

Are Chicago Red Light Cameras Causing More Traffic Accidents?

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The Huffingon Post reported recently that the much maligned red light cameras in Chicago could be making busy intersections more dangerous.  A Texas A&M study has shown that the red light cameras – – which result in shorter yellow lights – – are causing more car accidents .

The Texas A&M study found that “adding one second of yellow decreases crashes 35 to 40 percent and violations by 60 percent.” Longer yellows give drivers more time to stop, making them both less likely to crash and less likely to be caught running a red. Yellow lights across the city are timed at exactly three seconds, the exact minimum allowed by state and federal guidelines.  In tandem with the red-light cameras, these short yellows can make drivers hesitant as they approach intersections, and more likely to slam on the brakes when they see a yellow, said Barnet Fagel of the National Motorists’ Association. The cameras, he said in and appearance on “Chicago Tonight” are “making people drive under pressure and tension, and having their foot poised over the brake pedal.”  Fagel claims to have identified lights around the city where the yellow lights hovers around two-and-a-half seconds.

It will be interesting to see if the Illinois Legislature will attempt to ban (or at least limit) red light cameras. They are a revenue maker for cities and for the state, but the question the legislature must ask is if they are making intersections safer, which should have been the purpose for installing these cameras in the first place.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident  or Chicago truck accident , then call Chicago car accident attorney , Aaron Bryant, for a free consultation  on your personal injury  case at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com