When you’re behind the wheel, every choice matters. Unfortunately, accidents usually occur because of unsafe driving, and these incidents can change lives in an instant. In Illinois, where thousands of crashes happen every year, unsafe driving behaviors contribute to devastating injuries, mounting medical bills, lost income, and emotional stress. At Marker Law, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a crash can be, especially when it was caused by someone else’s reckless or negligent actions.
Our mission is simple: provide clear answers, compassionate support, and strong legal advocacy for our clients. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by unsafe driving, you don’t have to face the insurance companies alone.
Contact us today at 331-295-8005 to discuss your case and learn how we can help you.
Why Unsafe Driving is So Dangerous
Unsafe driving isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a public safety issue. According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), in 2022 alone, there were over 295,000 motor vehicle crashes, resulting in more than 1,100 fatalities and nearly 64,000 injuries. Many of these collisions were preventable.
Illinois law, which includes penalties for reckless driving and violation of speed restrictions, makes it clear that motorists must operate vehicles with due regard for the safety of others. Still, drivers continue to engage in behaviors that put lives at risk.
Accidents Usually Occur Because of Unsafe Driving: The Most Common Causes
Unsafe driving takes many forms. Some behaviors are more likely than others to lead to crashes, but they all reduce a driver’s ability to react safely to changing road conditions.
1. Speeding
This is the number-one unsafe driving behavior. Excessive speed is a major factor in serious accidents. Speeding reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance, and makes collisions far more severe. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that speeding was involved in 29% of all traffic fatalities nationwide in 2021.
In Illinois, driving above the speed limit can result in hefty fines, license suspension, and even criminal charges for aggravated speeding.
2. Distracted Driving
Anything that takes your attention away from driving, such as texting, adjusting the GPS, eating, or even talking to passengers, increases crash risk. The Illinois State Police emphasizes that using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal and violators can face fines and license points.
Distracted driving leads to thousands of preventable crashes each year. Even a two-second glance away from the road doubles your chances of a collision.
3. Impaired Driving
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs remains one of the deadliest choices a driver can make. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Illinois is 0.08%, but impairment can occur at lower levels.
Penalties for DUI can include jail time, fines, license suspension, and mandatory treatment programs.
4. Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving includes behaviors like tailgating, weaving between lanes, cutting off other drivers, and ignoring traffic signals. These actions often escalate into road rage incidents, putting everyone nearby in danger.
Aggressive driving is generally defined as operating a vehicle in a manner that endangers, or is likely to endanger, persons or property. Even one aggressive act can cause a chain reaction leading to multi-car accidents.
5. Fatigued Driving
Driver fatigue impairs judgment, slows reaction time, and can be just as dangerous as drunk driving. The National Safety Council notes that driving after going more than 20 hours without sleep is equivalent to having a BAC of 0.08%.
Fatigue-related accidents are especially common among commercial drivers, shift workers, and individuals with untreated sleep disorders.
The Ripple Effect of Unsafe Driving
It’s true that accidents usually occur because of unsafe driving, but that doesn’t just harm the driver; it affects passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. The aftermath can involve:
- Serious injuries, such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries;
- Long-term rehabilitation and physical therapy;
- Lost wages and reduced earning potential; and
- Emotional trauma and reduced quality of life
For victims, these consequences often lead to financial and emotional strain, which is why holding unsafe drivers accountable is essential.
How Marker Law Can Help
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by unsafe driving, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. At Marker Law, we:
- Investigate the accident to determine the cause and identify liable parties;
- Gather evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and crash reconstruction;
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure the maximum possible settlement; and
- Provide regular updates so you’re never left wondering about the status of your case.
Our approach is built on communication and compassion. We take the time to understand your situation and fight for your best outcome.
FAQs
What Is the Number One Unsafe Driving Behavior That Contributes to Accidents?
Speeding is consistently identified as the top unsafe driving behavior contributing to crashes, both in Illinois and nationwide.
What Is Considered Unsafe Driving?
Unsafe driving is any behavior that violates traffic laws or endangers others, such as speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, aggressive driving, and fatigued driving.
What Is the Main Risk in Driving That Often Results in a Collision?
The main risk is reduced reaction time, which can prevent a driver from avoiding hazards in time to prevent a crash. That’s why a warning sign of unsafe driving is aggressive tailgaiting, which increases the likelihood of a collision and harm, even at low speeds.
What Are the Three Riskiest Driving Behaviors?
Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are among the most dangerous behaviors on the road. No matter how unintentional the behavior is, driving in a way that causes harm to others can come with serious consequences.
Take the Next Step Toward Justice
Unsafe driving is preventable. Unfortunately, knowing what may cause danger to others in road traffic isn’t yet enough to stop drivers from putting others’ lives at risk.
If you or someone you love has been harmed because another driver made unsafe choices, you deserve justice and fair compensation.
Marker Law, LLC stands ready to fight for your rights. We’ll handle the legal battles so you can focus on healing.
Call our Naperville office today for a confidential consultation and let us help you take back control of your future.
Resources
Illinois aggravated speeding law, 625 ILCS 5/11-601.5 – Link
Illinois handheld phone law, 625 ILCS 5/12-610.2 – Link
Illinois legal limit for alcohol – Link
NSC, Drivers falling asleep behind the wheel – Link