Whether you are a casual, recreational bicyclist or bike riding is your primary mode of transportation and a way of life for you, the warm, sunny summer season provides a prime opportunity for you to be outdoors on your bicycle. However, as you hit the trails or roadways this summer in Illinois, it is crucial to protect yourself from potential bike accident injuries by keeping some key safety tips in mind any time you venture out. Essential Safety Tips to Keep in Mind In 2018, The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported a 6 percent increase in cyclist deaths,…

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), research shows an unfortunate uptick in the number of pedestrian accident deaths on America’s roadways in recent years. In the year 2018, our nation saw the highest rate of such fatalities since 1990 — a 3.4 percent jump since 2017, which averaged out to one pedestrian death every 84 minutes. While this data highlights extreme cases, even minor injuries incurred by pedestrians due to negligent drivers can be costly, painful, and life-altering, depending on the nature of the injury. Which Issues Pose the Biggest Threats? Considering trends in increasing incidents…

Whether you reside in a bustling urban environment or a suburban, rural neighborhood, public and mass transit offers an array of benefits for daily commuting purposes, including decreasing your chances of car accidents and injuries. This is especially the case for those interested in eco-friendly commute options and for those who desire to avoid the expenses that come with owning and driving their own vehicle. As a more cost-effective and environmentally conscious option, commuting by public transit is reportedly 10 times safer than driving in your own car, according to reports from the National Safety Council’s (NSC) official Safety…

We all know the basic dos and don’ts of proper driving etiquette to avoid car accidents, even if a good amount of time has passed since we last took a driver’s education class. Common sense when it comes to rules of the road tell us not to drive while distracted or drowsy, not to drive aggressively, and not to drive while under the influence (DUI) of drugs or alcohol. While these standards might seem obvious, there are other common traffic mishaps that we often fall victim to on a regular basis. Such poor driving habits can place…

There is no pain that can compare with losing a loved one forever. The death of a family member can leave some people uncertain of how to move forward. For those who lost loved ones to old age or a chronic illness, the pain is deep, but the underlying idea that this is part of the circle of life can act as a form of comfort to those who feel left behind. The loss of a family member or friend because of another person’s negligence can be nearly impossible to bear. You are likely wracked with anger and frustration, none…

Parents’ most important job is to protect their children and this responsibility begins at the conception of their child. For pregnant mothers, this can include taking prenatal vitamins, attending required doctor appointments, and following the dietary guidelines given to them by their health provider to keep their baby healthy and safe, even before birth. As is true throughout the child’s life, there are some matters that are out of the parents’ hands—and this battle begins before the child is born. According to the Birth Injury Justice Center, seven out of every 1,000 children will suffer from a birth injury.…

When it comes to teenage car accidents and injuries, the state of Illinois reports some staggering statistics. Not only are car crashes the leading cause of death among young drivers between the ages of 15 and 20, but the fatality rate for teen drivers is also three to five times higher than other, older age groups. Studies show that some of the key reasons for this difference are teenagers’ lack of driving experience, paired with their increased tendency to take risks. As the parent of a teenager, you are likely already on edge about the arrival of the driving milestone…

Every driver knows that taking steps to decrease the chances of serious car accident injury starts the moment you get into your vehicle. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that you reduce your chances of moderate to critical injury by 50 percent when you choose to buckle up. You cut your risk of injury significantly when you wear your seat belt, but wearing the restraint properly is equally important. Proper seat belt usage has been proven so effective when it comes to safety that the practice is more than a mere suggestion – it is required by law…

As warmer temperatures arrive, and the summer season approaches, more opportunity for motorcycle riding can mean an increased risk of motorcycle accidents with injuries, especially during a time when the current pandemic crisis is affecting our roadways. Reckless driving, particularly speeding, has been on the rise, making Illinois roadways even more dangerous. However, there are a number of defensive driving techniques that can help you avoid potential accidents and injuries while out and about in the coming months. In many cases, the negligent actions of other drivers can cause a motorcycle crash.   Driving Defensively as a Motorcyclist While…

If you are among the many commuters biking more often due to this unprecedented time in our country, then it is important to stay up to date on your rights on the roadways, especially when it comes to protecting yourself from the likelihood of bicycle accidents and injuries. Whether you have just begun biking as a way to cope with stay-at-home orders, to increase your exercise, or simply to rely less on your vehicle during this time, there is some good news for you: Illinois law states that bicyclists have many of the same rights as drivers.  What Rights…