According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, there were 914 fatal accidents in Illinois during 2015, resulting in 998 deaths. While car accidents happen every day in every state, Illinois was in the top 10 states for most fatal accidents during 2015. Illinois has taken steps to try to reduce the number of fatal accidents. In the event of an accident, even one that is not serious, having a car accident lawyer to provide guidance for questions and concerns can make the process a little less difficult.
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Regular Driving Tests for Older Drivers
Illinois is the only state in the US that requires older drivers to have their driving abilities regularly tests older drivers. As people age, they are slower to react, which can increase the chance of an accident. The Highway Loss Data Institute says this has helped remove some of the drivers who are at greater risks of causing an accident. Young drivers are rigorously tested to earn their license, but those over 80 years old must take a driving test every two years to renew their license.
New DUI Laws
Alcohol has traditionally been a greater contributor to accidents, particularly fatal ones. Of drivers killed in fatal car accidents, 385 had a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit in 2015. This puts Illinois in the top 10 for the number of drivers who died in accidents while driving under the influence.
Since July 2016, three new laws have gone into effect to reduce the number of accidents involving DUI drivers. The laws cover a range of areas, including the rights of the drier and the level of THC in the driver’s blood before the driver is considered to be driving under the influence.
Car Accidents Involving Pedestrians and Cyclists
The number of accidents involving the death of a pedestrian (150) was at nearly a 10 year high in 2015. However, the number of fatal accidents involving cyclists (26) was lower than the previous four years.
Accidents can be scary long after they are over. A car accident lawyer can provide the support necessary to get through the legal ramifications and problems.
