A recent State Farm study found that teen auto accidents spike in October. State Farm found that claims for teen drivers go up 20% in October. Larry Williams, a State Farm agent in Chicago, speculates that the auto accidents are a result of the days getting shorter and darkness coming faster. Also he notes that the roads are slicker with weather changing.
Auto Accident Child Deaths Down
A new study shows that the wide spread use of child safety seats and safety belts and the practice of putting children in the back seat has resulted in an 18 percent reduction in overall fatalities among children ages 0-12 since 1996. The findings were reported in the National Safety Council’s Journal of Safety Research.
Chicago Texting Ban Passes
Chicago City Council unanimously passed a proposed ban on sending text messages while driving in Chicago. Violators could face a $75 fine. The fine would increase to $200 if the violations occur at the time of a traffic accident.
Arlington Heights Pedestrian Killed By Jeep
An Arlington Heights man was killed today as he walked through a commercial strip near his home. Arthur Tidd was a pedestrian walking across Algonquin road when he was struck by a Jeep Wrangler. The driver stopped after the accident. Rolling Meadows paramedics took Mr. Tidd to Northwest Community Hospital where he died a short time later.
Texting While Driving More Dangerous Than Drugs Or Alcohol
Researchers from the Transport Research Laboratory report that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol or cannabis.
Drivers reaction time slowed 35% when they were writing or reading text messages while driving. In comparison, reaction time slowed by 21% for those smoking cannabis and 12% for those at the legal limit of alcohol the study found. The study also found that steering control worsened 91% for texters compared with 35% for cannabis smokers.
Pit Bulls Maul a Six-Year-Old Boy in Chicago
Three pit bulls mauled a 6-year-old boy in Chicago on Friday according to an article written by Tina Fondeles, a staff reporter of Chicago Suntimes. Chicago police officers shot two of the pit bulls but the third one escaped. The child was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital in serious condition. The dog owner was questioned by Chicago police.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for dog bites each year. Half of the victims are children. Of those injured, 386,000 require treatment in an emergency department and about a dozen die. The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children ages 5 to 9 years. Almost two thirds of injuries among children ages four years and younger are to the head or neck region. Injury rates in children are significantly higher for boys than for girl.
CDC has published a study on fatal dog bites, which lists the breeds involved in fatal attacks over 20 years Download file
Chicago Alderman Proposing Fine For Texting While Driving
Chicago Alderman Edward Burke is proposing a $75.00 fine for texting while driving in the city. Despite the obvious dangers inherent in texting while driving, currently only five states ban it: Alaska, Washington, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey and the District of Columbia.
Waukegan Woman Attacked By Pit Bulls
A Waukegan woman was attacked by three pit bulls on Thursday afternoon. Kiara Lynn was attacked by the dogs as she walked to a gas station with a friend. The pit bulls ripped part of her ear off and chewed up her arms and legs. Ms. Lynn is recovering from her injuries at Vista Medical Center East.
As of Friday, the dogs have yet to be turned over to Waukegan Animal Control.
Chicago Considers Ban on Texting While Driving
Chicago Alderman are considering passing a law prohibiting drivers from text messaging or surfing the internet while driving on Chicago streets. The proposal is backed by Mayor Richard Daley.
Woman Dies After Car Struck By Truck In Dolton
A woman was killed in Dolton, Illinois near the Bishop Ford Freeway in a trucking accident when her car was struck by a Mack Truck.
The woman, Zina Kidd, was attempting to make a left turn when her vehicle was struck. The driver of the truck was given a ticket for failure to reduce speed to avoid another vehicle.