Our Chicago car accident lawyers recently discussed a few New Year’s resolutions that drivers can make to help reduce their risks of traffic accidents in 2012. We’re not the only ones who are pushing for these safe driving habits.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety is also on board with urging drivers to be more cautious and alert behind the wheel as we head into the New Year to make roadways safer for everyone.According to AAA, drivers throughout the country want safer roadways and support government efforts to reach this goal. Still, despite more and more traffic laws, drivers continue to engage in knowingly dangerous habits behind the wheel.
Our Chicago car accident attorneys understand that there were an estimated 32,890 people killed in traffic accidents in 2010. Although this is the lowest recorded number in the last 60 years, we are far from “safe” on the roadways. We are asking drivers to take the start off the New Year as a time to start practicing some safe driving habits. AAA is here to offer some simple tips on how to do just that.
“Even one death on our roads is unacceptable,” says AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety President and CEO Peter Kissinger. “On average there is still one needless death every 16 minutes in motor vehicle crashes.”
Drivers Admitting to Bad Behavior:
-About a quarter of all drivers admit to driving without wearing a seat belt.
-Almost 15 percent of all drivers admit to drinking and driving at least once in the last year. More than 20 percent admitted to doing so in at least once in the last month.
-About a third of all drivers say that they read and write text messages while driving.
-Another 30 percent of drivers admit to gabbing on the phone while driving.
-More than half of all drivers said that they drove at least 15 mph over the speed limit on a freeway in the last 30 days.
-About 30 percent of all drivers said that they drove at least 15 mph over the speed limit in a residential area in the last 30 days.
-Nearly 40 percent of drivers admit to running a red light at least once in the last month.
-A majority of drivers find drowsy driving to be irresponsible, but about a third of all drivers admits to doing it themselves.
While drivers may support tougher driving laws, it’s clear that not many are willing to comply. AAA and our Chicago car accident lawyers are asking all drivers to make the change and to make safe driving habits a top priority in 2012. Use these simple safety steps to increase your safety behind the wheel in the New Year.
If you, a friend or a family member has been involved in a car accident in Chicago or in any of the surrounding areas, the personal injury attorneys and wrongful death lawyers at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss the rights of accident victims. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.
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