The holiday season in Chicago is a time for celebration, travel, and gathering with loved ones. However, it’s also a time when roadways become busier and accidents more frequent. One of the leading causes of these accidents is distracted driving. At Morici, Longo & Associates, we want to help keep you and your loved ones safe by raising awareness about the dangers of distracted driving during this festive season.
What is Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts your attention away from driving. While texting and using cell phones are the most common distractions, other activities like eating, adjusting the radio, programming a GPS, or even talking to passengers can also take your focus off the road.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), distracted driving claimed over 3,000 lives in 2022 alone. During the holidays, with increased traffic and hectic schedules, the risks are even higher.
Why Distracted Driving Increases During the Holidays
During the holiday season, drivers are often juggling more than usual:
- Hectic Schedules: Between holiday shopping, family gatherings, and year-end deadlines, drivers may feel pressured to multitask while on the road.
- Increased Traffic: Chicago’s roadways are busier during the holidays, making distracted driving even more dangerous.
- Emotional Distractions: The holidays can bring stress or excitement, causing drivers to lose focus on safe driving habits.
Common Types of Distracted Driving
- Texting and Phone Use: Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of a football field blindfolded.
- Eating or Drinking: Grabbing a coffee or a quick snack can seem harmless, but it requires you to take your hands off the wheel and eyes off the road.
- Adjusting Devices: Whether it’s changing the radio station, programming a GPS, or adjusting climate controls, these small actions can lead to big consequences.
- Passenger Distractions: Holiday road trips often mean a full car with friends or family, which can lead to conversation or activity that distracts the driver.
How to Avoid Distracted Driving
This holiday season, make a commitment to drive responsibly. Here are some tips to help you stay focused on the road:
- Put Away Your Phone: Silence notifications and place your phone out of reach.
- Plan Ahead: Set your GPS and playlists before you start driving.
- Avoid Eating While Driving: Take time to enjoy meals and snacks while parked.
- Enlist a Co-Pilot: If you’re traveling with others, let someone else handle navigation, calls, or texts.
- Take Breaks: If you’re feeling stressed, pull over to rest and regain focus before continuing.
Protecting Your Rights After a Distracted Driving Accident
Unfortunately, even the most cautious drivers can fall victim to accidents caused by distracted drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a distracted driving accident, you deserve justice and compensation for your losses.
At Morici, Longo & Associates, we are committed to aggressively pursuing full and fair compensation for our clients. Since 1998, our team has represented victims of personal injury, including automobile negligence, to hold negligent drivers accountable.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that accidents can take, especially during the holidays. Whether through settlement negotiations or at trial, we will fight tirelessly to secure the recovery you need to move forward.
Contact Morici, Longo & Associates
If you’ve been injured by a distracted driver, don’t wait to seek legal help. Our experienced Chicago personal injury attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and ensure your voice is heard.
This holiday season, stay safe, stay focused, and remember: no distraction is worth the risk. If you need us, we’re just a call away.
Morici, Longo & Associates has been helping Chicago residents recover after serious injuries for over 25 years. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.