The Top Causes of Springtime Car Accidents

With the warmer weather comes the increased number of people on the road and more pedestrians. Springtime also brings more traffic and serious injuries. Springtime car accidents can occur for a number of reasons alike are excited to get outside and enjoy the sun. Below are some of the most common causes of springtime car accidents. If you are involved in an accident this springtime, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer right away.  As you accident and injury attorneys should be both experienced and local.

From our analysis of decades worth of car crash data in the springtime in Illinois, as well as reliable articles from across many media outlets, The major causes of springtime car accidents are:

• Pedestrians
• People Riding Bikes
• Wild Animals Crossing the Roadway
• Drunk Driving
• Wet Pavement
• Distracted Driving

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Pedestrians

Pedestrians are a common occurrence in car accidents during the spring season, and ensuring pedestrian safety is an important part of preventing such mishaps and dangerous accidents. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, more people are opting for walking or biking to get around. Unfortunately, this often means more cars on the road, and that means a higher risk of accidents between motorists and pedestrians.

Since Central Illinois is home to many colleges and universities, including the University of Illinois, Parkland College (Champaign, Illinois), Richland Community College (Decatur, IL), and Illinois State University (Bloomington-Normal, Illinois).  After weathering the long and gray Midwest winters, students and residents alike are excited to get outside and enjoy the sunlight.

Common Victims of Pedestrian Accidents in Illinois

Pedestrian accidents are common among, students, young children, the elderly, and shoppers in congested business districts.

Pedestrians are particularly vulnerable to car accidents during the spring months, with nearly 500 children killed and 22,000 seriously injured each year. While pedestrian accidents occur throughout the year, springtime is particularly dangerous for young pedestrians. According to a study by the Jacobi Medical Center in New York City, researchers analyzed the data from a year’s worth of pedestrian accident injury treatments involving children under eight years of age in Philadelphia.

Those who treated these children noted where the accidents occurred and whether the child was accompanied by an adult.

Bicyclists

There are many causes of bicycle-car accidents. The most common are left-hand turns and right-hooks, which happen when a car passes a cyclist in the right-hand lane. Other causes of bicycle-car accidents include being hit from behind or doors opening into a cyclist’s path. No matter what the cause of the accident, bicyclists are at risk of car accidents in springtime, and they should be vigilant to minimize their exposure to accidents.

The Centers for Disease Control estimates that 500,000 bicycle accidents occur in the US each year. These accidents affect not only individuals but also the broader economy. Productivity losses from these accidents can total billions of dollars.

Each year, about a thousand victims die. Of these, about seventy percent of bicycle accidents occur in major cities and towns. Many of these accidents occur during rush hour, when traffic is at its worst.

Wild Animals (And Poorly-Behaved Domestic Ones)

Drivers in certain areas must be extra vigilant during spring. The weather is usually not as conducive to driving as during the winter, and wildlife activity is at its peak during this time. Especially at dusk or dawn, wild animals often come across the road.

Drivers must use extra care while driving during this time of year, or they may be distracted by allergies or other medications. However, no safety measures can completely eliminate the possibility of an accident with a wild animal.

There are several reasons why wild animals are especially active during spring and fall. For example, deer and moose are at their highest risk during mating season, from early fall to early January. Additionally, these animals are on the move during this time of year, and drivers may not react in time if they run into them. The Insurance Institute of Canada reported that nearly one-third of motorists were killed in collisions with animals during July through September last year.

Drunk Drivers

Throughout Illinois, there is no shortage of springtime car accidents. This time of year is full of spring breakers celebrating midterms and the start of summer. Unfortunately, more spring breakers means more cars on the road, and more potential for drunk drivers. This article will explore some ways you can avoid becoming one of the next victims. By following these simple steps, you can help prevent accidents from happening to you and your family.

One common cause of springtime car accidents is Daylight Savings Time. As we all begin our clocks ahead an hour each day, drivers are more likely to be drowsy and sleepy behind the wheel. Daylight Savings Time also causes drivers to lose an hour of sleep. This disruption to sleep habits can cause serious injuries and fatalities. As a result, it is crucial that you plan for the change beforehand.

Wet pavement

The springtime weather in Central Illinois can be volatile. Wet pavement is still a serious risk factor for car accidents during the spring months. In fact, nearly seventy percent of weather-related crashes involve wet pavement.

Drivers with compromised tires are more susceptible to wet pavement hazards, as are drunk and distracted drivers. Moreover, a lack of visibility and an aggravated driver increase the risk of an accident.

To reduce the risk of a springtime car accident, drivers should slow down when driving on a wet surface. Reducing the speed by five to ten mph will reduce the stopping distance by approximately 55 percent. Slowing down also means leaving more space between cars. This may seem like common sense, but in practice, many drivers simply ignore the condition and risk an accident. In such a case, it is best to seek medical attention and contact an attorney to discuss your options.

Distracted Driving

It’s no secret that springtime is a time for outdoor activities. People love to go for walks in the park, drive to the beach, and even take their bikes for a spin. With more people on the road, the likelihood of accidents increases. Distracted driving can lead to serious accidents. By using a cell phone, you’re less likely to see a collision unless you pay attention to the road.

Drivers should avoid distractions whenever possible. These can be visual, auditory, or manual. The first two are dangerous and account for about 2% of traffic fatalities. Other manual tasks are also risky. Applying makeup, grooming, or dealing with fussy passengers can all cause a collision without you realizing it. In short, you should avoid distracted driving as much as possible! And remember: you’re not alone. Distracted driving causes springtime car accidents.

As always, if you or a loved on is injured in an automobile accident or truck crash while driving the Illinois roads during the spring, please call Koester Law, PLLC, the Injury Lawyers, to receive a free review of your claim.

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