Distracting Driving and the Law

On Wednesday, August 15th, 2012, Gilbert Williams was riding his motorcycle and attempted to pass another vehicle via the inside lane. While attempting to pass, a Volvo S60 pulled into his way; he skidded, but collided with the front door of the vehicle. He was thrown from his motorcycle and, tragically, was later pronounced dead at Gulf Coast Hospital in Fort Myers, Florida.

On Thursday, July 26th, 2012, twenty four-year-old Jennifer Postel and twenty three-year-old Matthew Harrington were riding a motorcycle on State Road 528 in central Florida when a Nissan Altima pulled behind them and failed to slow down, striking the motorcycle from the rear; the car actually continued down the road with the motorcycle underneath its front.

Postel and Harrington were transported to the hospital in critical condition. A common cause of accidents involving cars and motorcycles is distracted driving, which includes distractions such as cell phones, food and drinks, the radio, and, of course, conversation with passengers. Distraction.gov reports a rather startling percentage of drivers who purportedly use their cell phones while driving, which hovers around 50%, and that sending or receiving a text message may take up to 4.6 seconds at a time! At a speed of 55 miles per hour, a driver could move the length of a football field in this time.

Texting while driving is banned in the state of Illinois as of January 1st, 2014. In fact, all use of cell phones while driving is prohibited in school zones and highway construction zones. It’s important to note that this includes all electronic communication devices and does not include GPS devices. The few exceptions to [prohibited] texting while driving include reporting emergency situations, communicating with emergency personnel, and using a device in a voice-activated or hands-free mode.

Accidents on the road are inevitable, but distracted driving and a lack of caution and mindfulness when sharing it with motorcyclists is a devastating combination which can cause life-changing accidents and injuries to all of those involved. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, LLC for a free consultation.

We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.