What Types of Traffic Violations Are Likely to Lead to Car Accidents?

 Posted on May 25, 2021 in Car Accident

There are many reasons why a person may receive a traffic ticket for violating the laws that apply to drivers of motor vehicles. Drivers who disobey the law threaten the safety of themselves, their passengers, and others who use the roads, including people in other vehicles, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians. When car accidents occur because of traffic violations, a driver who broke the law will usually be at fault for the collision, and they may be held liable for the injuries suffered by victims.

Dangerous Traffic Violations That May Cause Collisions

Drivers commonly commit the following types of violations, and when doing so, they put themselves and others at risk:

• Speeding - Speed limits are meant to ensure that drivers travel at speeds that are safe based on the activity on a certain road. Residential neighborhoods usually have lower speed limits, and speed limits are set appropriately on roads where drivers frequently slow down to make turns or stop at intersections. When drivers exceed the speed limit, they may be unable to slow down in time to avoid colliding with a vehicle that is making a turn or with bicyclists or pedestrians who have entered the road. On roads with higher speed limits, drivers who speed may lose control of their vehicle and collide with other vehicles or obstacles to the side of the road. In addition to violations for driving above the speed limit, drivers may be cited with violations such as Failure to Reduce Speed to Avoid an Accident or Driving Too Fast for Conditions.

• Tailgating - Drivers should maintain a “reasonable and prudent” distance between their vehicle and any vehicle in front of them. People who disregard this law and follow too closely behind another vehicle may be unable to slow down in time to avoid a collision when the car they are following slows down or makes a turn.

• Disregarding traffic signs or signals - Most Illinois drivers have seen other vehicles ignore traffic signals or stop signs. Drivers often proceed through intersections even after a light has turned red, or they may “roll through” stop signs without coming to a complete stop. When doing so, they greatly increase the chances that they will collide with vehicles that are legally proceeding through an intersection or pedestrians or bicyclists who are crossing in a crosswalk.

• Use of electronic devices - Drivers are prohibited from using electronic communication devices while driving, including using cell phones to send text messages or make phone calls without using a hands-free mode. Violations of these laws will involve distracted driving, and when a driver looks away from the road, takes their hands off the wheel, and pays attention to tasks other than driving, they become much more likely to be involved in dangerous car accidents.

Contact Our Rolling Meadows Car Accident Lawyers

If you were involved in a car accident in which the other driver was charged with one or more traffic violations, that driver will likely be considered at fault. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we can help you take legal action to hold a negligent driver responsible for your injuries, and we will work to ensure you receive financial compensation that fully addresses the damages you have suffered. Contact our Schaumburg car accident attorneys at 847-797-8000 to set up your free consultation and learn how we can help with your case.

Sources:

https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_dc19.pdf

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+11&ActID=1815&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=114400000&SeqEnd=139900000

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs4.asp?DocName=062500050HCh%2E+12&ActID=1815&ChapterID=49&SeqStart=139900000&SeqEnd=151500000