Road Rage Viewed As Possible Cause Of CTA Bus Crash

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A CTA bus crashed into an unoccupied school building this week, which injured twelve (12) passengers.

According to CTA spokesperson Wanda Taylor, “A westbound No. 66 (Chicago Avenue) bus was involved in a collision with a car that resulted in the bus striking the building.”

The accident occurred at approximately 4:05 p.m. in the Humboldt Park neighborhood. A 74-year-old SUV driver was reportedly following a slow-moving car when he became fed up. The driver, James Vaughn, subsequently sped up into the same lane as a CTA bus was traveling in.

Upon doing so, the bus steered away from the SUV to avoid a collision. According to 45-year-old witness Richie Driver, “The bus driver tried to keep from hitting him, and she (the bus driver) wound up hitting another car.” The bus then veered off the roadway and slammed into the Rowe-Clark Math and Science Academy.

Click here  to read the entire artlcle.

Road rage is a scary phenomenon. I think we have all viewed or experienced it at some point. Remember to keep your cool while on the road, even if you are following an unreasonably slow driver. You never know what the ramifications will be.

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

FMCSA Issues Motorcycle Safety Tips

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As I mentioned before, May is motorcycle awareness month in Illinois. Motorcycle accidents are a serious issue that concerns riders, drivers and pedestrians alike. Although injured victims of motorcycle accidents can file a claim with the help of a motorcycle lawyer, our goal is everyone’s safety. To follow up with my recent posts, I found some safety tips recently issued by The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is was created in 2000 by the federal government to promote commercial vehicle safety on the highways. Below are the safety tips:

WATCH THE NO-ZONES
Never hang out in a truck’s blind spot or “No-Zone.” Trucks have large No-Zones on both sides, the front and behind the truck. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots, which allows for a greater chance of a crash. The front blind spot is particularly dangerous if you need to stop quickly. Because of their lightweight and braking system, motorcycles can stop much faster than trucks. A truck may not be able to stop as quickly as you do, so you need to take special precautions to avoid crashes before they happen.

ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
Make sure to always wear a helmet. Beware of helmets that do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Check for the DOT label inside your helmet. Helmets are the most important piece of equipment you can wear when riding your motorcycle. A helmet could be your only source of protection in a serious crash.

DRIVE TO SURVIVE
Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road. Unfortunately they provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you must be aware of everything on the road. Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks. However, you still need to be prepared in the event their signals or lights don’t work. Ride with caution and drive defensively. Even though your motorcycle may be small, you must adhere to the laws of the road. Never ride in between lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle. Don’t instigate aggressive driving with other motorists; you will only increase your chance of a car crash .

CHECK YOURSELF AND YOUR BIKE
Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and a jacket. Proper maintenance and protective clothing will help reduce your chance of an crash or the severity of injury if you are involved in a crash, especially with a large truck or bus.

WATCH YOUR SPEED
Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Please watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or at night. Colliding with the back of a truck will end your riding days.

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Chicago car accident , Chicago truck accident  or Chicago motorcycle accident , the call attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.BLGCHICAGO.com.<br<></br<>

Illinois House And Senate Pass Pedestrian Safety Bill

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There is a good news out of Springfield this week as a new law recently passed by the Illinois General Assembly and now awaits Governor Quinn’s signature, that will give greater protection to pedestrians. The legislation that will require drivers to come to a complete stop for pedestrians and bicyclists in all crosswalks, regardless of whether they’re marked with stripes or signs or nothing at all. The bill will become law as soon as Gov. Pat Quinn signs off on it.

In mandating complete stops at all occupied crosswalks, the measure tightens up and clarifies previous laws that required drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians only when necessary.

Click here  to read the entire story from the Suburban Beacon Journal.

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

IDOT Launches “Start Seeing Motorcycles” Campaign

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I wrote the other day about the importance of wearing motorcycle helmets in the prevention of brain injuries . Illinois Governor Quinn announced that May is motorcycle awareness month and IDOT has jumped on board with their new campaign, called “start seeing motorcycles.”

IDOT is offering free courses for beginning and intermediate riders to reduce the severity and frequency of motorcycle crashes. In 2009, IDOT’s Division of Traffic Safety trained 16,701 students in its Cycle Rider Safety Training Program (CRSTP), which is marking its 34th year in operation. For additional information on course locations and schedules, go to www.startseeingmotorcyles.org

“When you ride, be aware of your surroundings, others may not see you. Whenever there is a motor vehicle versus a motorcycle accident, most of the time the operator’s comment is, ‘I did not see the bike” said Larry Kolling, Gold Wing Road Riders Association’s IL District Motorist Awareness Coordinator.

“The Illinois State Police is committed to sustaining the downward trend of traffic crash fatalities in Illinois, and ensuring the safety of motorcyclists,” said Acting Illinois State Police Director Jonathon Monken. “Troopers throughout the state will continue to monitor speed limits, check license endorsements, and enforce “Fatal Five” moving violations.”

IDOT issued the following safety tips in promotion of their new campaign.

  • Although Illinois does not mandate wearing a motorcycle helmet, use of approved helmets, protective body wear, boots and gloves is strongly recommended.
     
  • Improve your visibility by wearing brightly colored clothing during the day and reflective clothing at night.
     
  • Don’t ride beyond 80% of your riding capabilities. To do so leaves no margin for the unexpected.
     
  • Don’t become fixed on what’s just beyond your front tire. Be aware of what’s ahead. Safe riders remain aware of developing situations 12-16 seconds ahead. This includes other vehicles, potholes, roadway obstructions, and other potential hazards. This allows time to plan and react in a controlled manner.
     
  • In the event emergency braking is required, remember motorcycles have far better stopping capabilities than cars and trucks. As you’re avoiding the hazard, scan for a safe escape route while watching for vehicles approaching from behind.
     
  • Before proceeding through an intersection, check left, check front, check right, and check left again. Checking left first is important because this is the first lane you cross. Continue to scan in the intersection in a clockwise pattern, checking traffic approaching in front, in case that vehicle turns left in front of you. 77% of motorcycle crashes  involving another vehicle happen in this manner.
     
  • Don’t drink and ride. Alcohol slows reactions and impairs function.

    • It is good to see Illinois promote motorcycle safety. We will see if the state pushes forward with the helmet legislation.

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

    Brain Injury Association Discusses Use Of Motorcycle Helmets

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    With all of the steps Illinois made in the past year to improve safety on the roads (including bans on cell phone use and texting while driving), it is interesting to me that we are one of three states that does not have a motorcycle helmet requirement. There is legislation pending in Illinois, which this blog will watch closely.

    The Brain Injury Association of America recently discussed the importance of wearing motorcycle helmets and how they can prevent serious injuries. According to the BIAA, research consistently demonstrates that helmet laws and helmet use reduce the fatality rate, the probabilities and severity of brain injuries , the cost of medical treatment, the length of hospital stay, the necessity for special medical treatments, and the probability of long-term disability. An estimated $13.2 billion was savedfrom 1984 through 1999 because of motorcycle helmet use. An additional $11 Billion could have been saved if all motorcyclists had worn helmets. If you or a loved one ever gets involved in an accident and suffer any injuries, don’t hesitate to get legal help from a professional personal injury lawyer. 

    The evidence is clear that helmets help prevent serious brain injuries . It will be interesting to see if Illinois follows the rest of the country and enacts some sort of helmet requirement.

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

    Metra To Install High-Tech Safety System

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    Metra announced last month that they are going to spend $100 million to install a Positive Train Control (PTC) to its’ systems. PTC is a complex system of computers, including a gps vehicle tracker, radios and other communications equipment intended to take over when a train is approaching another train.

    In an emergency, the system also could override an engineer who may be distracted or otherwise miss or ignore a warning signal to slow down, such as when a train crosses a switch or a track crossover, or when it exceeds the speed limit.

    Basically this is a computer system that aims to eliminate human error. Is this too little too late? Critics say that rail lines should have installed such systems long ago. The National Transportation Safety Board called for positive train control as far back as 1990.

    The NTSB cited the lack of such a system in the deadly crash on Metra’s Rock Island line in 2005, the second such derailment on the same line. In December 2006, the safety agency issued an urgent recommendation to Metra to install an automatic system to warn engineers.

    Regardless, this is a positive step towards making Metra trains safer.

    If you or someone you know has been involved in Chicago car aacident , Chicago truck accident  or Illinois Metra accident , then call attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation  at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at
    www.BLGCHICAGO.com<br<< a=””> />
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    Track Crews To Blame For Illinois Train Accident

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    A terrible tragedy took place last week in University Park, Illinois, where an Amtrak train struck an SUV, leading to the death of a 26 year old Naperville dance instructor.

    Investigators have now said that track crews inadvertently turned off the gates and warning lights, which led to the collision. A video camera aboard the four-car Amtrak train night corroborated the preliminary findings, officials said. 

    Canadian National crews had been working on a signal system related to switching trains from one track to another within a mile of the University Park crossing, investigators said. The work on the signal system was unrelated to the crossing signals, but it delayed the raising of gates and the shutdown of other safety devices at the crossing after a train had passed, said an official close to the investigation.

    As a result, the barriers, lights and bells activated properly before the approach of a train, but the warning devices continued to operate for an extended period after trains cleared, blocking traffic, several railroad sources said.

    Canadian National crews tried to fix the problem and thought they had remedied it, officials said. But they actually deactivated the warning system, creating an unprotected crossing that provided motorists no indication of oncoming trains, officials said.

    “This was human error. Track circuits and crossing circuits overlap. They got their wires crossed,” an investigator said.

    This is a terrible tragedy that could have been avoided and will more than likely lead to a wrongful death  lawsuit. To read the entire article in the Chicago Tribune, click here.

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

    New Guidelines For Drivers With Alzheimers

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    Rightly or wrongly, we have all gotten upset or pointed the finger at ederly drivers. It is an issue that has received a lot discussion.  The American Academy of Neurologists (AAN) recently addressed this issue and they released new guidelines for drivers with Alzheimers and dementia.   

    The guideline recommends doctors use the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) scale to identify people with dementia at an increased risk of unsafe driving. The CDR provides a tool for clinicians to integrate information from caregivers and from direct examination of the patient to develop a comprehensive view of the dementia severity.

    Evidence shows driving skills deteriorate with increasing dementia severity. “While patients with mild dementia, as a group, are higher-risk drivers, more recent studies report that as many as 76 percent are still able to pass an on-road driving test and can safely drive,” said Iverson. “Faced with these facts, we needed to provide guidelines for doctors caring for these patients to identify those people at higher risk of unsafe driving, without unnecessarily restricting those who are safe drivers.”

    Caregivers and family members play a role in identifying warning signs from unsafe drivers with dementia. These include: • Decreased miles being driven • Auto Collisions  • Moving violations  • Avoiding certain driving situations, such as driving at night or in the rain • Aggressive or impulsive personality traits

    “It is important that the decision to stop driving be directed by a doctor who is trained and experienced in working with people with dementia and their families,” Iverson said. “Doctors should be aware that assessing driving ability is a complex process. More than one source of information is needed to make a judgment. In some situations, a dementia specialist may be needed.”

    Doctors, patients and caregivers must also know their state laws, since some states require that doctors report any medical conditions that may impact their ability to drive safely.

    The guideline is an update of the 2000 American Academy of Neurology guideline on driving with dementia.

    I will be watching the Illinois legislature closely to see if they adopt these new guidelines. Click here  to read the AAN’s complete press release.

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

    Consumer Report Call The Lexus GX 460 Unsafe

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    Toyota continues to face struggles as Consumer Report recently rated their Lexus GX 460 as unsafe. The magazine gave the SUV vehicle a “do not buy” label in its’ latest report, which is the first time its has done so since the 2001 Mitsubishi Montero Limited.

    The magazine came to this conclusion after a test of the vehicle’s performance during unusual turns, the rear of the vehicle slid until it was nearly sideways before the electronic stability control system kicked in.  Consumer Reports said in real-world driving, such a scenario could cause a rollover accident.

    “In a real world situation, by that time, the car can hit the curb or the side of the road and that’s the situation where, in a vehicle like that, it could cause it to roll over,” said Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto test engineer at Consumer Reports, who was one of four testers to experience the problem.

    Toyota responded by stating that it is concerned with Consumer Reports’ findings, adding that its engineers will try to duplicate the magazine’s tests to determine its next steps. “Please keep in mind that the 2010 GX 460 meets or exceeds all federal government testing requirements,” the automaker said. “We take the Consumer Reports’ test results seriously.”

    Toyota continues to face problems. First it was the unintended acceleration problems with its’ Prius vehicles among others and now the roll-over problem with its’ high-end Lexus SUV line. It will be interesting to see if its’ testing results differ from Consumer Report’s conclusions.

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

    Red Light Camera Tickets Being Dismissed For Chicago Employees

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    I have written about the controversy of red light cameras in the past. There have been mixed reviews on their effectiveness. I have received one of these tickets and I have had numerous clients call me about taking care of these traffic violations. Unfortunately there is not a lot anyone or an attorney can do as they are a non-moving violation.  Although, one can request an administrative hearing to challenge the ticket. This is an uphill battle as they are facing videotaped and photographed evidence of the violation.

    Now more controversy surrounds the red light cameras in Chicago. The Chicago Sun Times reports that a large portion of red light camera tickets issued to city employees have been dismissed.

    Since January 2007, 2,685 red-light-camera tickets have been issued to vehicles registered to city departments. At $100 a pop, that should have generated $268,500. Instead, only $77,167 has been collected.

    1,830 of those tickets were dismissed for reasons that include the municipal code exemption for emergency vehicles. Not all of those vehicles were responding to emergencies with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Some police vehicles were working undercover. Some were vehicles assigned to city departments not typically considered emergency departments.

    I would like to see a better breakdown as to why some of these tickets are being dismissed. Click here to read the entire Sun Times article.

    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.