Tag Archives: Chicago truck accident

Chicago Sun Times Publishes Editorial On Traffic Cameras

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The Chicago Sun-Times published an editorial yesterday stating that red light and speed cameras should only be used if they make our streets safer. “If red-light and speed cameras don’t have the trust of law-abiding motorists, the program is not being administered properly. Whoever is the next mayor should ensure Chicago streets are as safe – and as fair to motorists – as possible.”

I think we all agree with what the Sun-Times staff has pontificated. If red light cameras and speeder cameras save lives, then they should remain intact. If not, then they should be removed.  The problem with the editorial and with the red light cameras is that they do not actually make our streets safer for both drivers and pedestrians. The Chicago Tribune study that I have discussed over and over concluded there is a zero net impact on the red light cameras. T-bone car crashes are down but rear-end traffic accidents actually increased 22% since the cameras have been installed. If we believe the study to be true, then red light cameras should be removed. They are not preventing auto accidents overall and are not making our intersections safer.

On the other hand, speeder cameras are still fairly new. Mayor Emanuel installed them within the last two years and I have to see any data or studies as to their net effect on public safety. On their face, speeder cameras make sense. Why shouldn’t the city do what they can to prevent speeders from barreling through school zone and city park areas? But if there is no overall decrease in car accidents and pedestrian accidents, then I believe it should be questioned whether the speeder cameras should remain.

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

Will Red Light Cameras Affect The Chicago Mayoral Race?

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The primary for Chicago’s mayoral race takes place tomorrow. There are a myriad of the usual issues that the candidates have debated such as the closing of schools and crime rates on the south side. Once issue that keeps popping up are red light cameras.

An article from Reuters published last week discussed why this is such a hot button issue. Three of Rahm Emanuel’s challengers have a called for the end of red light cameras. According to a

Chicago Tribune poll three out of four people want to see the end of these cameras. Despite public outcry, Emanuel has continued to support red light cameras. He has continuously touted that these cameras are necessary for public safety purposes.

The cameras, which have brought in a reported $500 million to the city since 2003, do not necessarily make intersections safer. A Texas A&M study, which I have written about multiple times, concluded that there was no net safety benefit to the cameras. T-bone car accidents have declined in these intersections but rear-end traffic accidents have actually increased according to the study. So what is the benefit other than money to the city?

It will be interesting to see the results tomorrow and also if we can learn whether Emanuel’s stance on red light cameras will affect the outcome of the election. Is it an issue that will push one of the challengers over the top and force Emanuel to a runoff in May? I am thinking probably not despite the polling from the Tribune. If anything will help one of the challengers tomorrow it will be on the issue something like school closings or a potential teachers strike. We’ll find out tomorrow night.

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

How Much Will A Car Crash Affect Your Insurance Rates In Illinois?

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The Chicago Tribune posted an interesting article last month about the effects that car accidents can have on car insurance premiums in Illinois.

According to a study by Insurancequotes.com, if a 45-year-old married woman in Illinois with a perfect driving record and excellent credit has just one car accident where she is at fault, a claim of $2,000 or more will increase her health insurance rates 35 percent.

What happens if this person is involved in a second auto accident in the same year? She’d pay 104 percent more for car insurance than a claim-free driver. If you aren’t covered by any insurance, don’t wait to get covered by any auto insurance.

The insurance quote company hired Quadrant Information Services to conduct the study, which looked at six large carriers in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. It assumed a $2,000 claim and policy limits of $100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage.

Some states are worse than others according to this study. In Massachusetts, someone who’s at-fault auto accident there increases premiums by 76 percent versus the national average of 41 percent.  In California filing a bodily injury claim in that state will drive up insurance costs 86 percent.

Injuries are by far the most costly of claims for insurance companies because hospitals and treating physicians are much more expensive than auto body shops. The average bodily injury claim cost $15,443 in 2013 versus the average property damage claim of $3,231.

Also, important to point out is if the traffic accident is the other drivers fault, their insurance kicks in and should not affect your rates. If there’s any disputes regarding who’s at fault, make sure to seek legal assistance from an auto accidents attorney.

Regardless, it is important to drive carefully, obviously for your health and the health of others. But, as this study points out, it’s also important to drive safely for your pocketbook.

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.

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.

Chicago Mayor’s Motorcade Racks Up Multiple Red Light Camera Infractions

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This latest news report is too good to pass up. It is actually funny when you think about it. Red light and speed cameras are an issue that Mayor Rahm Emanuel has touted the last several years and has continuously stated that they are implemented as a safety issue, not a money maker. Well, WGN News reported a few weeks back that Mayor Emanuel’s motorcade has been caught running through red light cameras five (5) times since November 2014. The mayor’s response to these tickets: “Since there’s a tail car, there are some instances where they need to get through a light because they can’t get separated from the first car.”

I will give the mayor credit for stating that he is going to pay the tickets.  “I said I was gonna pay it, that’s what it means when you’re not above the law. That couldn’t be clearer.”

The reason I’m posting this and why I find it so amusing is that Emanuel has repeatedly stated that red light cameras are here to protect drivers and pedestrians. Yet, he seems ok with letting his driver knowingly and purposely ignore red lights. Luckily know auto accidents have resulted from any of this red light violations. Mayoral candidate and current Alderman, Bob Fioretti, has stated that he is going to submit legislation in April that would ban red light cameras. I wonder what Mayor Emanuel’s response will be at that time.

If you someone you love has been 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.

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.

Red Light Camera Operator In Missouri Settles Class Action Lawsuit

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According to the Kansas City Star, more than 100,000 drivers caught by red-light cameras in the Kansas City area (900,000 statewide) could get partial refunds under a proposed settlement of class-action lawsuits announced Friday.

American Traffic Solutions, which has provided the red-light cameras used in Kansas City, Grandview, Excelsior Springs and Sugar Creek, along with 23 other cities across Missouri, said Friday it had agreed to resolve all pending class-action lawsuits on behalf of those communities.

The total value of the settlement is estimated at $16 million, and each plaintiff/class member would receive a $20.00 refund from American Traffic Solutions in the settlement.

The basis for the class action lawsuit was that red light cameras were unconstitutional or in conflict with Missouri state law. In other words, the red light camera ordinance was perceived as a money maker rather than a safety provision. The Missouri Supreme Court will address the issue of whether red light cameras are constitutional within the next month.

 

As I have written here before, there is a class action lawsuit pending in Illinois against former Chicago area red light camera operator, Redflex, which alleges that this company was unjustly enriched millions of dollars through their contract with the city. It has been alleged in criminal court that Redflex employees received their contract with the city through bribes. There does not appear to be any class actions pending in Illinois which contest the constitutionality of the red light cameras.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago car crash or Chicago truck accident, the call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at 312-268-7385.

 

Chicago Tribune Study: Red Light Cameras Do Not Decrease Car Accidents

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The Chicago Tribune commissioned an independent study with Texas A&M University professors to determine whether Chicago’s red light cameras actually make busy intersections safer for drivers.

The study, which confirms earlier studies by Texas A&M, concluded that the cameras make very little overall difference regarding traffic accidents.  The study, which accounted for declining traffic accident rates in recent years as well as other confounding factors, found cameras reduced right-angle crashes (t-bone accidents) that caused injuries by just 15 percent.  According to a car accident attorney, there was a 22 percent increase in rear-end crashes that caused injuries, illustrating a trade-off between the cameras’ costs and benefits.

“The biggest takeaway is that overall (the program) seems to have had little effect,” said Dominique Lord, an associate professor at Texas A&M University’s Zachry Department of Civil Engineering who led the Tribune’s study.  “So the question now is: If we eliminate a certain type of collision and increase the other and overall it stays the same, is there an argument that it is fair to go with the program?” Lord said. “That is a question that I cannot answer.  “Just the elected officials can answer for that.”

So there is the million dollar question. If there is no safety benefit, and merely an economic one, should the city continue with its’ red light camera program? Mayoral candidate, Alderman Bob Fioretti, stated last month that he would do away with the program and plans on submitting an ordinance in April. What will Mayor Emanuel do? He has yet to respond.

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

Chicago Alderman Calls For End To Red Light Cameras

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I’m not sure how I missed this last week, but Chicago Alderman and 2015 mayoral candidate, Bob Fioretti, has called for the end of red light cameras in the city. According to the great website, dnainfo.com, Fioretti said at a news conference at City Hall in December that he would submit local ordinance that would put an end to red light cameras.  “The majority of red-light cameras do little to create safety,” Fioretti said, citing a Texas A&M study showed they might help reduce so-called T-bone crashes of cars crossing in the intersection, only to increase rear-end, same-direction collisions involving cars either speeding up or slowing down at a yellow light.

He also said they were riddled with corruption and cited how the city ended its relationship with the original camera firm, Redflex, in a case that found city and company officials charged with federal crimes, with one already having pled guilty.

“The entire program is fraught with failed oversight, corruption and unfair enforcement,” Fioretti added.

According to this article Chicago has the largest traffic camera program in the country with 350 red-light cameras and 130 speed cameras.

This is quite a development as I have written on this blog over and over again that red light cameras do not make our intersections safer. In fact, as Alderman Fioretti pointed out, some studies have claimed that they make intersections more dangerous because drivers are timid and often stop short when they should drive through.

I have not seen a response from Mayor Emanuel on this issue but I seriously doubt he would pull the plug on traffic cameras at this point. City Transportation Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld defended the cameras in a statement: “The act of running a red light is against the law and can have disastrous and life-altering consequences including serious injury or death,” she said. “Traffic safety is a serious and important issue, and red-light enforcement cameras play a key role in helping to improve public safety.”

I have not decided who I am going to vote for next month but this is an issue I will definitely keep in mind before going to polls.

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

Car Accidents In Illinois Are On The Rise

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The Chicago Tribune reported this week a wealth of statewide traffic accident statistics. Although the number of traffic fatalities in Illinois is down from last year, the number of overall crashes remains high and has state officials worried since there has been an increase of auto accident lawyer firms being hired for  legal representation. There have been on average, 782 car crashes per day in Illinois this year. This is the highest rate since 2008. State officials are citing that post-recession traffic along with the drop in gas prices has led to the high number of car accidents. With the increase in accidents there has also been an increase for the need of car repairs at collision center shops. These repairs got from auto glass repair to an extensive collision repair.

Despite the increase in car crashes, state officials are pleased to report that traffic fatalities are on the decline.  “If the provisional numbers for 2014 hold up, we could have the lowest number of fatalities in Illinois in several decades,” said Guy Tridgell, an IDOT spokesman in Chicago. “We are confident that we will have fewer than 1,000 motor-vehicle fatalities in Illinois for the fifth consecutive year. Just 10 years ago, we were well over 1,300.”

State safety officials said the installation of more guardrails, barrier systems and rumble strips on roads, along with recently enacted traffic laws, are all having a positive impact. This year, for example, it became illegal for drivers in Illinois to use electronic devices unless they are hands-free.

Poor decision making remains a constant cause of traffic accidents. Almost a third of the crashes involved driving at a high rate of speed, while another third are alcohol related.

One statistic that was not mentioned in the article or by state officials is the number of car crashes related to cell phone and hand held device usage. I would like to see what the number of car crashes are related to distracted drivers. Although I have been impressed with the Illinois Legislature’s effort to curb distracted driving – – and I have written so in the past – – I would still like to see stiffer penalties for those charged with texting and driving which results in a death or serious injury. Although the increase in traffic due to the improved economy is definitely a factor, I strongly believe texting and driving has to be another reason we are seeing an increase in traffic accidents in Illinois.

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