Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
By Zneimer & Zneimer P.C.
Illinois lawmakers have taken another step in the fight against distracted driving by advancing legislation that would prohibit drivers from wearing AI-powered smart glasses while operating a motor vehicle. The bill, championed by Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, would add smart glasses to the list of electronic devices already prohibited while driving under Illinois law. (Chicago Sun-Times)
The reason is simple: distracted driving continues to cause devastating crashes and life-changing injuries. The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. have seen these damages first hand.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, thousands of people are killed and hundreds of thousands are injured every year in crashes involving distracted drivers. Illinois lawmakers recognized that smart glasses present many of the same dangers as cell phones because they allow users to send messages, view information, record video, and interact with technology while their attention should be focused on the road. (Chicago Sun-Times)
A Few Seconds Can Change a Life Forever
Many drivers believe they can safely glance at a text message, check social media, or respond to a notification without consequences. Unfortunately, serious accidents often occur during those few seconds of inattention. The personal injury lawyers of
At 55 miles per hour, a vehicle travels the length of a football field in approximately five seconds. During that time, a distracted driver may fail to see:
- A cyclist riding in a bike lane.
- A pedestrian entering a crosswalk.
- An e-scooter rider crossing an intersection.
- Traffic slowing ahead.
- A stopped vehicle.
Chicago has seen a dramatic increase in the number of people using bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters to get around the city. These road users have little protection when struck by a motor vehicle. A distracted driver who looks away from the road for only a moment can cause catastrophic injuries, including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, multiple fractures, and even death.
Smart Glasses Are the Newest Threat
Cell phones remain one of the biggest causes of distracted driving, but technology continues to evolve. Smart glasses can display information directly in a driver’s field of vision while also allowing users to send messages, access AI assistants, record videos, and receive notifications. Illinois lawmakers concluded that these devices create many of the same risks that prompted restrictions on handheld phone use. (Chicago Sun-Times)
As Secretary Giannoulias stated, “Distracted driving is the drunk driving of our generation.” The concern is not merely the device itself—it is the divided attention that takes a driver’s focus away from safely operating a vehicle. (Chicago Sun-Times)
Proving Distracted Driving Is Not Always Easy
One of the biggest challenges in personal injury cases is proving that a driver was distracted at the exact moment a crash occurred.
Drivers rarely admit that they were texting, scrolling social media, watching videos, or interacting with electronic devices before a collision. In many cases, the truth is uncovered only after a thorough investigation.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can take steps to obtain:
- Cell phone records.
- Text message logs.
- App usage data.
- Social media activity records.
- Electronic device records.
- Vehicle data and event recorder information.
These records can reveal whether a driver was sending texts, using social media, streaming content, or interacting with electronic devices immediately before the crash.
Without a prompt investigation, critical evidence can be lost or destroyed. That is why it is important to contact an attorney as soon as possible after a serious accident.
Protecting Victims of Distracted Driving
Whether the distraction comes from a cell phone, social media app, smart glasses, or another electronic device, the consequences can be devastating for innocent victims.
The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., represent individuals injured by negligent and distracted drivers throughout the Chicago area. We work to uncover the evidence necessary to prove fault and pursue full compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.