In addition to there being different reasons for distracted driving, there are also different types of distraction as well. These can impact a driver in different ways, but they are all dangerous and preventable. By learning about the different types of distraction, you may be able to understand the impact of distraction and what you can do to stay as safe as possible while driving in Illinois.
When you think about distracted driving, you may think about the act of picking up a phone while also operating a vehicle. While this is distracting and dangerous, different types of distraction affect drivers in different ways, including with information processing, vision and more. The different types of distraction include:
One thing that makes phone use so dangerous is that it involves all three forms of distraction. Regardless of the reason for the distraction, a driver is accountable for the choices he or she makes behind the wheel. If you are suffering because of the reckless or negligent actions of another driver, you may have legal options available to you. This could include seeking compensation though the civil justice system.
]]>Just like other drivers, truck drivers are responsible for knowing when they should not get behind the wheel. One of the most common reasons why truck drivers may give additional thought to their ability to drive is fatigue. Fatigue is one of the leading reasons for truck accidents, yet many truck drivers are unaware of the true impact this can have on them and their ability to safely drive large, heavy vehicles.
For more than 70 years, fatigue has been one of the leading causes of accidents in the trucking industry. After conducting a study on the issue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found that as many as 65% of truck drivers admit to experiencing fatigue while driving. Startlingly, almost half of the number polled said that they had actually fallen asleep behind the wheel. Fatigue can lead to slower reaction times, missed hazards, speeding, swerving between lanes and lower capacity for reacting to unexpected situations.
While there are restrictions to the number of hours that a trucker can be behind the wheel, there may be times when truckers drive too long or don’t have enough time to rest between shifts. There have been various efforts to decrease fatigue by increasing truck driver fitness, changing the compensation system for truckers and reducing exemptions to hours of service regulations. Despite these measures, truck driver fatigue remains a concern.
Regardless of the regulations set to prevent fatigued driving, truckers are responsible for knowing when they are too tired to drive safely. Illinois trucking companies also bear a burden of responsibility in establishing fair requirements of their drivers and adherence to safety laws. If you believe that the truck accident that left you injured could be the result of reckless or negligent driving, there are legal options available to you. An assessment of your accident could reveal the specific legal options available to you.
]]>Whiplash may be a common car accident injury, but it can have an uncommon effect on your life. This may initially seem like a minor injury, but victims often find that it can have lingering, significant impacts that affect how they move forward after this type of traumatic event. If you suffered this type of injury in a car accident, it is important to take your injury seriously and seek the recovery you deserve.
Whiplash is damage to the ligaments, muscles and nerves in the neck caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head. Initially, this type of injury could simply seem like a sore neck, but side effects can worsen or develop over time. In most cases, people with this type of injury experience soreness, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, temporary loss of range of motion, fatigue and more. Typically, these things resolve over time, but that is not always the case. In more severe whiplash cases, a victim could experience the following:
If you notice any of these after suffering from a whiplash injury, it could be an indication that your injuries are severe and you require care. You will benefit from seeking a medical assessment from a professional and learning about what you will need to get better and move forward. The impacts of a severe whiplash injury may last for weeks, months or even longer.
You could be suffering due to the reckless or negligent actions of another Illinois driver. If you suffered a whiplash injury after an accident that was not your fault, you may have grounds for legal action. Through the civil justice system, you can seek recovery and compensation that will allow you to address your losses, seek the medical care you require and pursue the recovery you deserve.
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