Driving on Illinois highways can be a challenge. From inclement weather to congested traffic, there are many potential hazards that drivers must navigate to reach their destination safely. It is important for all drivers to practice safe driving habits and follow the rules of the road to avoid accidents and other dangerous situations.
This article provides an overview of the laws and regulations related to driving in Illinois, as well as:
- Tips for preparing your vehicle for the road
- Avoiding distracted driving
- Dealing with inclement weather
- Sharing the road safely
Understanding the Laws
Driving laws in Illinois are designed to keep drivers, passengers, and pedestrians safe. It is important for all motorists to understand the importance of following the speed limit and traffic signals. Ignoring these rules can have serious consequences such as fines, points on your license, or even jail time depending on the severity of the violation.
Speed limits are set based on a variety of factors including road type, weather conditions, population density, and other variables that affect safety. The maximum speed limit in Illinois is 65 mph, unless otherwise posted. Drivers should always obey posted signs indicating lower speeds when present. Speeding tickets can be issued if you exceed the posted speed limit by more than 20 mph regardless of whether it’s a residential area or highway.
Ignoring traffic signals or failing to yield right-of-way when turning left at an intersection can lead to potential injury from a collision with another vehicle that is legally going straight through the intersection. Failing to comply with these regulations could result in expensive tickets – or worse – if an accident occurs due to negligence.
Motorists must also follow lane markings which indicate where they should drive within their lane (e.g., stay between two solid lines). Failing to stay within designated lanes may cause confusion for other drivers resulting in accidents due to improper passing maneuvers or collisions caused by swerving out of one’s own lane into another vehicle’s path without warning them first via turn signal usage prior doing so.
Preparing Your Vehicle for the Road
It is important to ensure that your vehicle is in proper working order before taking it out on the road. After all, regular maintenance and inspections are key for keeping your car running safely and efficiently.
- Tire pressure plays a critical role in safety when driving, as under-inflated tires can lead to blowouts or other issues while driving. Check tire pressure regularly and fill them up, if necessary, with an air compressor or at a gas station.
- Brakes should also be inspected regularly for any signs of wear and tear, such as grinding noises or decreased responsiveness when braking. If you notice any irregularities, take your car into a mechanic immediately for repairs.
- Lights are another crucial component of road safety; make sure all headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals, reverse lights, fog lights (if applicable), license plate light(s) are functioning properly before heading out on the road. You do not want to risk being pulled over by law enforcement due to faulty lighting.
- Lastly, it is important to check fluid levels like oil and coolant prior to long drives so that you do not end up stranded somewhere along the way due to engine failure caused by low fluids. Make sure these levels are topped off accordingly according to manufacturer recommendations before hitting the open roads.
Avoiding Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is a major issue on the roadways today. It can be dangerous – and sadly even deadly – as it takes your attention away from the task of driving safely. Common forms of distracted driving include:
- Texting While Driving – Texting while driving is one of the most common forms of distracted driving and is also amongst the riskiest. Taking your eyes off the road for an extended period, such as when sending text messages, can cause you to miss critical visual cues that could help prevent a collision. Moreover, if something unexpected occurs on the road, like another driver swerving into your lane suddenly, then there may not be enough time to react due to being preoccupied with texting.
- Eating or Drinking While Behind the Wheel – Eating or drinking while behind the wheel is another form of distraction that should be avoided at all costs. Not only does this take away from your focus on operating your vehicle safely, but it also poses a risk for choking if food gets stuck in your throat mid-drive. Eating and drinking should always be done before getting into a car so that no distractions occur during operation of any motorized vehicle.
- Using a GPS Device or Map – Using GPS devices or maps can also lead to distraction if used improperly while behind the wheel; however, there are ways to use these tools without compromising safety on the roads. For instance, setting up directions ahead of time instead of trying to do this while driving and programming your destination before you start moving your vehicle instead of attempting to input this information on the run can help reduce concentration loss on the road and decrease risk for accidents due to distraction from GPS devices or maps being utilized incorrectly while in operation.
- Adjusting Radio Stations or Other Controls in the Vehicle – Cars are smarter than ever and adjusting radio stations or other controls in vehicles can also lead to distractions if not done carefully and in a way that does not take attention away from operating a vehicle safely. Make all adjustments before getting into the car or pull over to make them.
Sharing the road safely with other drivers requires paying close attention to what is always going on around you. This also means keeping an eye out for motorcyclists and bicyclists who are sharing the roadways.
Dealing with Inclement Weather
When it comes to driving in inclement weather, safety should always be the top priority. Inclement weather can have a significant impact on how you drive and what precautions you need to take while behind the wheel. Snow, rain, ice, fog and other adverse conditions can make roads more dangerous than usual and require extra caution when navigating them.
It is important to slow down when driving in inclement weather as this will give you more time to react if something unexpected happens on the road. It also reduces your chances of losing control of your vehicle due to slippery surfaces or reduced visibility caused by heavy snowfall or fog. Additionally, it is important that drivers maintain a safe distance between their vehicles and those around them for everyone on the road to remain safe during these conditions.
When traveling on snow-covered roads, reduce speed even further due to the potential presence of icy patches that may not be visible until they are too close. To ensure safety, tires should be properly inflated before hitting the roadways, and low gears used when going up hills to maintain momentum and avoid sliding backwards or getting stuck if there is no one nearby who can help push you out of a rut or ditch caused by slippery surfaces.
Types of Damages Recoverable in a Car Accident Case
If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, it is important to understand the types of damages that may be recoverable, which are as follows:
- Medical Expenses – If you were injured in an automobile accident due to someone else’s negligence or recklessness, then they can be held liable for any medical bills incurred because of their actions. This includes hospital stays, doctor visits, physical therapy sessions and any other treatments related to your injury.
- Lost Wages – If you have had to miss work due to your injuries from the car accident then you may also be entitled to compensation for lost wages. This could include missed days at work or reduced hours due to being unable to perform job duties because of your injury.
- Pain and Suffering – Pain and suffering encompasses both physical pain such as headaches or backaches but also emotional distress such as depression or anxiety caused by the trauma experienced during the incident itself.
The Benefits of Hiring a Chicago Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a car accident, the thought of hiring an attorney may seem daunting. But it might be one of the best decisions you ever make. An experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
A knowledgeable lawyer will understand all aspects of personal injury law and how they apply to your case. They will have experience dealing with insurance companies and know what type of evidence is needed to prove liability in a court of law. Your attorney will also be able to negotiate on your behalf for maximum compensation from the other party’s insurer or any other responsible parties involved in the crash.
In addition, having legal representation gives you peace of mind knowing that someone is looking out for your best interests throughout the entire process. A good lawyer will take care of all paperwork related to filing claims or lawsuits, as well as handle communications with insurers so that there are no misunderstandings about what needs to be done next or when deadlines must be met. This allows you more time to focus on recovering from your injuries without worrying about complicated legal matters which could otherwise become overwhelming quickly if handled alone.
Conclusion
If you have been injured in a car accident, it is important to understand your rights and the legal process. Hiring an experienced Chicago car accident lawyer can help ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for any damages or losses incurred as a result of the accident. A qualified attorney will be able to guide you through the legal process and protect your interests throughout. Do not wait – contact a Chicago car accident lawyer today to get started on your case.
Are you in need of a Chicago car accident lawyer? If so, look no further than Drake & Collopy, P.C. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing our clients with the best legal representation possible, ensuring that they receive fair compensation for their injuries. We understand how difficult it can be to navigate through the complex process of filing a personal injury claim and are here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today for your free consultation – we are committed to helping our clients claim the compensation they rightfully deserve.
