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Car Trouble or Car Accident on a Chicago Roadway? Stay Safe Until Help Arrives
If you've been in a car accident, have a flat tire or other engine trouble, the first thing you should know is how to stay safe on Illinois highways until help arrives.
November 13, 2011 /Automotive PR News/ -- Recently, three people were killed on the Bishop Ford Highway when their Chevy Cavalier stalled in the middle lane of the freeway. The driver of a Toyota Highlander struck the Cavalier at full speed. One of the victims was ejected from the Cavalier upon impact; he was not wearing a seatbelt. The other victims were wearing seatbelts and had to be cut from the vehicle.
According to investigators, the Cavalier did not have any lights on, preventing the driver of the SUV from seeing it before the Chicago-area car crash.
Avoiding Fatal Chicago Car Accidents by Knowing What to Do If Your Car Breaks Down
While accidents involving disabled cars are rare, this tragedy could have been avoided. If your car becomes disabled on the freeway, you can do a number of things to be safe until help arrives and avoid becoming a victim of a Chicago car accident. State troopers recommend that disabled vehicles be parked at least three feet away from traffic, with their hazard lights activated.
First, you should try to get out of traffic. If it's possible, safely maneuver your car to the shoulder of the roadway. Try to move your vehicle as far onto the shoulder as possible, without going into a ditch, getting stuck or being pinned against a retaining wall. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers that they may need to slow down or be aware of a disabled car in the road.
Second, if your car is in a safe place out of the flow of traffic, staying in your car may be helpful, especially at night or in inclement weather. Tow trucks and emergency responders will have an easier time finding you if you stay with your car. If you remain in the car, keep your seatbelt on. A seatbelt will provide additional protection should another car crash into you.
If it is unsafe to stay in the car for any reason, including being stopped in the main flow of traffic or car fire, and you choose to get out of the car, stay away from oncoming traffic and at least 20 feet from the vehicle. At all times, keep your eye on the road and the cars coming towards you.
Third, if you or someone in your car has a cell phone, call emergency assistance. If you are stalled in a traffic lane and unable to move your car, crews will need to get to the scene quickly to protect others that may not see a disabled car in the roadway. Keeping your phone charged can help you stay safe by reducing the time you are in harm's way. If you have no phone, or it runs out of power, try to safely find the nearest call box.
Chicago car accident attorneys work with tragic accident victims daily. By following these suggestions and using common sense while behind the wheel, you can help prevent accidents similar to what happened on the Bishop Ford Highway and keep yourself and your passengers safe until help arrives..
Article provided by Clancy Law
Visit us at www.clancylaw.com
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