Summer driving season is upon us. Across Illinois, residents and visitors spend more time on our state’s roads, driving to see family and friends and to visit vacation spots. As driving time increases, so should your awareness of simple, effective road rules that make everyone on the roads safer.
Two of the most important rules for safe summer driving should be obeyed year-round: Drive sober and buckle up. It’s against the law in Illinois to drive with a blood-alcohol level of .08 percent or above; it’s also illegal to drive without being buckled into your seatbelt. Illinois law enforcement ticket for these infractions and routinely conduct roadside safety checks during the summer months.
Experts say more than 60 percent of traffic fatalities involve people who weren’t wearing seatbelts, while approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities nationally are attributed to alcohol-impaired drivers.
Construction Season
In addition to being the most popular season for road trips, summer is also construction season. The Illinois Department of Transportation urges motorists to obey six common-sense rules in road construction zones:
•Slow down
•Pay Attention
•Follow the Signs
•Don’t Follow Other Vehicles Too Closely
•Be Patient
•Turn on Your Headlights
Motorcycle Safety
The Department of Transportation also urges drivers to be aware that summer driving means more motorcyclists. One of the best ways to be more aware of motorcycles is to keep your windshield clean. It’s a simple, effective way of being able to see motorcycles and everyone else around you.
It’s crucial for motorcyclists to drive as safely as possible: Stay out of vehicle blind spots, don’t follow vehicles closely, obey the speed limits and, most importantly, wear a helmet at all times. Motorcyclists account for approximately 12 percent of the Illinois traffic fatalities every year. In 2005, over 80 percent of the motorcyclists who died were not wearing a protective helmet.
Be Aware of Bicyclists
Drivers are urged to not only be aware of bicyclists, but to obey the laws and share the road with them. Bicyclists can do their part in staying safe by always wearing a helmet and brightly colored clothing and by observing the rules of the road.
If You Are Injured in an Accident
Accidents still happen even when you take steps to keep yourself and your family safe. After a traffic accident, be sure to seek medical attention. In addition, you may want to consider speaking to a personal injury attorney. Most personal injury attorneys charge no initial consultation fee, and a skilled attorney can help you assess the situation and evaluate your options.
