On behalf of Strom & Associates, Ltd. posted in Car Accidents on Tuesday, December 9, 2014.
In Illinois’ most populous city, Chicago, there were 139 fatalities related to car crashes in 2010, reportedly. According to the United States Department of Transportation, traffic circles, or roundabouts, reduce the occurrence of overall accidents by 48 percent. When a signalized intersection is converted to a roundabout, severe collisions may be reduced by 78 percent, purportedly.
Roundabouts are safer than signalized intersections because they channel traffic in a way that reduces conflict. That is because roundabouts create and maintain a low-speed environment. There are about 300,000 signalized intersections in the United States, authorities say. Approximately 2,300 fatalities occur at these intersections annually. In addition, around 700 individuals are reportedly killed in car accidents involving drivers who run red lights. The benefits of converting a signalized intersection into a traffic circle have been demonstrated in both rural and urban areas and across a broad range of traffic conditions.
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Furthermore, drivers can do a great deal to prevent accidents. For example, they can drive defensively, maintain the proper speed and obey traffic signs and signals. In the event that a negligent driver causes an accident that results in severe injuries, the injured party may be entitled to financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. This compensation may cover the many costs associated with suffering injuries in an accident, such as medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages.
A lawyer with a background in personal injury cases might help injured victims determine whether a civil action is viable in their case and, if so, file a claim. Many accident victims who suffer injuries are unaware of the restitution to which they may be entitled under the law.
Source: US Department of Transportation, “Proven Safety Countermeasures – Roundabouts“, December 05, 2014
