WSIL TV recently reported on a truck collision that occurred in Saline County, IL involving a tractor-trailer and a semi-truck. The source says that 60-year-old Raymond Boles of Harrisburg was driving south on Route 45 at a slow rate of speed in a 1960 Massey Ferguson tractor when his truck was rear-ended by a semi. That semi-truck was being driven by Kevin Voelker of Omaha, IL who was traveling at a fast rate of speed when he struck the tractor as a result of being distracted. Voelker allegedly stated that he had become distracted when he dropped his e-cigarette device in his cab, says the news source.
After Voelker’s truck struck the tractor, it caused it to overturn. Boles had to be airlifted to a local hospital for the injuries he sustained but it was later reported that he died as a result of them. Voelker was later charged with failing to reduce speed to avoid a crash.
What are some common distractions you should avoid that could cause an accident?
Many individuals, both passenger vehicle drivers and operators of large commercial trucks, often assume that if they aren’t on their cell phones or programming their GPS system, they aren’t engaging in distracted driving. But the truth is, cell phones aren’t the only form of distraction that is to blame for the countless accidents that occur on Illinois roadways. There are plenty of other distractions that can lead to an accident all of which we want you to avoid.
So, in an effort to help reduce the chances of more car and truck accidents from occurring, remember that these distractions can cause a serious or fatal collision and should be avoided at all costs:
- Grooming. Whether you are looking in the mirror to apply the finishing touches to your makeup or trimming your beard as you didn’t have time to do so earlier in the day, refrain from doing it while driving. As harmless as it might seem, the time you spend looking into the mirror or focusing on yourself could be that moment when a car decides to cut you off. And if your hands are occupied by something other than the steering wheel, you may not have enough time to react.
- Eating and drinking. Everyone has found themselves at some point or another having to eat on the go, especially commercial truck drivers who spend a good portion of their day driving. While it is understandable that you need to get in your three hearty meals a day, suppose you spill your hot coffee or drop your burger all over your lap while you are driving? The chances of you letting go of the steering wheel to catch your food or wipe your clothing clean are extremely high and so is the chance that you lose control of your vehicle. Therefore, if you don’t have time to get in your snack or meal, try stopping off somewhere safe to enjoy your food rather than put your life and those traveling around you at risk.
- Daydreaming. You probably find yourself drifting off in thought numerous times a day, however, one of those times should not be when you are behind the wheel of your vehicle. When you daydream, your mind is focused on your thoughts rather than the roadway which means you aren’t able to operate your vehicle in a safe and cautious manner.
- Nodding off. Whether you are heading into work or driving home, it is likely you are feeling fatigued if you didn’t get in the recommended seven to eight hours of rest the night before. But driving while fatigued is just as dangerous as driving while under the influence of alcohol so you will want to avoid operating your vehicle when your energy levels are low. Truck drivers are especially at risk of nodding off while driving as many spend numerous hours staring at miles and miles of unoccupied road.
[Source: State Farm].
To read about some other forms of distractions you should avoid while operating your vehicle, visit the State Farm website.
Involved in a truck accident in or nearby to Chicago, IL that was caused by a distracted driver?
If you are the victim of a car or truck collision that was caused by a distracted driver, you are encouraged to contact a Chicago, IL personal injury attorney at Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. as you may be entitled to recover compensation for the injuries you have sustained. Our attorneys will take the time to assess the details of your incident, determine the value of your case, and work diligently until we have obtained an outcome that is in your favor.
To learn more about how our office operates and what makes us the best personal injury law firm in Chicago to represent you, contact us now by calling 1-312-384-1920.
Dinizulu Law Group, Ltd. can be reached at:
221 North La Salle Drive, Suite 1100
Chicago, IL 60601
1-312-384-1920
Website: www.dinizululawgroup.com
