On March 12th, 2025, Fox 32 Chicago reported that a major car crash happened near Midway Airport. A single vehicle struck a building—causing a significant road closure on and around Pulaski Road. It was a high-speed collision and the car sustained major damage. The crash is still under a more comprehensive investigation. Within this article, our Chicago motor vehicle accident lawyer offers tips for reducing your risk of being hurt in a crash.
Tip #1: Always Wear a Seat Belt
Whether you are a driver or a passenger, you should always wear a seat belt. It is the law in Illinois. You have to wear a seat belt whenever on public roads—even if you are an adult, even if you are in the back seat, and even if it is a relatively short ride. Wearing a seat belt is the right choice. It is one of the simplest ways to reduce your risk of serious injury in a car accident. Seat belts prevent you from being thrown from the vehicle in a crash—and that can dramatically increase your chances of survival in a bad crash. Even at low speeds, seatbelts make a huge difference. For reference, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that seat belts save 15,000 lives nationwide each year.
Tip #2: Slow Down (Speeding Increases Crash and Injury Risk
Drivers need to slow down. Speeding not only increases the crash risk, it increases the injury risk. The faster you drive, the less time you have to react if something unexpected happens. Even a few extra miles per hour can mean the difference between avoiding a collision and causing a deadly one. All drivers in Chicago should adjust their speed based on the traffic, road conditions, and weather.
Tip #3: Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is dangerous driving. It has quickly become one of the leading causes of serious accidents in Chicago. A split second of distraction can lead to disaster. Texting, talking on the phone, eating, or even adjusting the radio takes your attention away from the road. Looking down for five seconds—which is the average amount of time it reportedly takes to read a text message—means that you could be going well over the length of a football field without seeing the road.
Tip #4: Practice Defensive Driving
Drivers should be defensive. Defensive driving is safe driving. Broadly speaking, the practice is centered on staying alert and prepared for anything that could go wrong on the road. As a driver in Chicago, you should always:
- Keep a safe following distance;
- Obey traffic signals; and
- Stay aware of the cars around you.
You need to watch for things like sudden lane changes, aggressive drivers, and unexpected stops. If another driver makes a mistake, your quick reaction could prevent an accident. By driving defensively, you are reducing your risk of a crash and helping to make our roads safer.
Tip #5: Assume Other Drivers Will Make Mistakes
Every other motorist on the road owes you a duty of care. You should be able to rely on them for safe, attentive driving. Of course, we all know that in reality a lot of mistakes happen. Not everyone follows traffic laws. Not every driver is paying attention at all times. Not all drivers are skilled enough to be behind the wheel at all. Some drivers speed, run red lights, or fail to signal lane changes. If you assume others will make mistakes, you can better prepare for them. It is a best practice to stay extra cautious at intersections, watch for erratic lane changes, and to never trust another driver’s turn signals alone. Give yourself plenty of space to account for mistakes.
Tip #6: Adjust to the Road and Traffic Conditions
The traffic laws in Illinois are designed for ideal road conditions. When the speed limit is 40 miles per hour (MPH), that means 40 MPH is the maximum safe speed during good weather and well-flowing traffic. You need to be prepared to adjust for adverse conditions. Driving safely means more than just following the rules—it means adapting to your surroundings. If it is raining, you should slow down to avoid hydroplaning. If the roads are icy, it is imperative that you dramatically increase your stopping distance. In heavy traffic, you need to pay extra in order to be ready for sudden stops. When navigating in poor visibility, through a construction zone, or around winding roads, you need to proactively adjust.
Tip #7: Know What to Do After an Accident
Safe driving can dramatically reduce your risk of being involved in an accident—but it cannot completely eliminate it. Even if you do everything right, crashes can still happen. If you are involved in a crash, it is crucial that you know what to do to protect your health, safety, well-being and your legal rights. Of course, this starts with remaining as calm as possible. Stop your vehicle and remain at the scene unless there is a medical emergency. You should call 911 or the local police to report the crash. Immediate medical attention is a must. If you can do so, try to document the scene of the accident. Consult with a lawyer before giving any statement to an insurance adjuster.
How Our Chicago Auto Accident Attorney Can Help
Car accident claims are complex. Following a serious crash, it is crucial that you get immediate medical attention. Your health, safety, and well-being are always the top priority. Beyond that, you need to know how to effectively deal with insurance adjusters. Most auto accident injury claims are defended by big insurance companies. At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago attorneys are always prepared to go the extra mile for injured victims. Do not go it alone. With six and seven figure verdicts and settlements, our Chicago car accident lawyers are committed to delivering results.
Contact Our Chicago Car Accident Lawyer for Your Free Case Review
At Kennedy Watkins LLC, our Chicago car accident attorneys are skilled, knowledgeable, and solutions-focused advocates for injured victims. If you were hurt in a crash, we can help. Get in touch with us today for your free, no strings attached initial case review. Our firm represents car accident victims in Chicago, Cook County, and all across Northern Illinois.