Police are reporting that triple-digit speeding citations are on the rise in the State of Illinois, placing motorists in serious danger.
Triple-Digit Speeding Citations Up Over 18 Percent
Statistics from the Illinois State Police show that though citations for reckless driving are in keeping with trends from the past few years, triple-digit speeding citations are up significantly. In 2019, Illinois state troopers issued 2,883 tickets for driving in excess of 100 miles per hour. Through Nov. 20 of this year, that number had climbed by 540 citations to 3,423 statewide – an increase of more than 18 percent.
That number continues to climb, with at least two additional triple-digit speeding citations issued on Interstate 72 in a recent four-day period. On Thanksgiving Day, a driver was clocked traveling 115 miles per hour on the interstate. On Nov. 29, another motorist was stopped driving 109 miles per hour, 39 miles above the posted speed limit.
Similar Increases Reported Nationwide
Law enforcement agencies nationwide have reported similar increases in triple-digit speeding citations. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, an organization representing state highway safety offices, there has been a significant surge in reports of triple-digit speeders since COVID-19 pandemic restrictions reduced the number of vehicles on the road. This increase has been seen not only in rural areas but also in major cities, with the Chicago Department of Transportation noting a 14-percent increase in speeding on city roadways.
“Less traffic has coincided with a rise in speeding in some areas of the country,” said James Owens, the deputy administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). “That’s a problem because speeding increases the risk of crashes and can increase crash severity as well.”
Speed a Significant Factor in Serious Accidents
Unlike with most other speeding offenses in Illinois, drivers who travel 35 miles per hour or more over the speed limit can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor. This could subject these individuals to significant fines and up to a year in jail. But despite the serious consequences associated with triple-digit speeding citations, far too many drivers engage in this dangerous activity, which can have tragic consequences for themselves and others.
The faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes its driver to react to obstacles and conditions on the road, making an accident more likely. Additionally, when drivers accelerate beyond the speed limit, it raises the kinetic energy absorbed upon impact. This makes the collisions far more forceful, increasing the chance of severe injuries or death. In fact, the NHTSA found that speeding is the leading contributing cause in approximately 25 percent of all traffic fatalities.
Are You a High-Speed Accident Victim?
Chicago residents are at serious risk of being injured by a speeding driver, with analysts agreeing that speed is one of the main factors in Chicago car accidents. If you are the victim of a high-speed car accident, you may find it challenging to obtain full and fair financial compensation for your injuries. To help overcome these challenges, do what thousands of others have done before you and turn to the speeding accident attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients, GWC is one of the leading Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. Our Chicago car accident lawyers have the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation of success necessary to get you and your family the justice you deserve.
Contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with one of our attorneys. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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