Study: Laws Banning Cell Phones Fail To Reduce Crashes

A new study released by the Highway Loss Data Institute shows no decrease in crashes after hand-held cell phone bans take effect.

The study compared insurance accident claims in four different geographical areas before and then after hand-held cell phone bans went into effect.

"The laws aren't reducing crashes, even though we know that such laws have reduced hand-held phone use, and several studies have established that phoning while driving increases crash risk," says Adrian Lund, president of both the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and HLDI.

The study focused on New York, the District of Columbia, Connecticut and California. Researchers did note a drop in accidents in New York, but said the trend began well before the laws took effect and continued after they were in place.

Lund cites one reason for the lack of decline is that many drivers switch from handheld to hands-free cell phones when bans are in place. No state currently bans all drivers from using cell phones. Several studies have shown drivers using hands-free devices cause just as many accidents as drivers using handheld devices.

Researchers did place controls for variables such as weather changes and driving patterns to calculate the rate of accidents.

Chicago has had a handheld cell phone ban in place since 2005.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious accident, our Chicago personal injury lawyers may be able to assist. Contact us for a free consultation.

Evanston Considers Ban On Handheld Cell Phones

An ordinance was introduced Monday evening to ban the use of handheld cell phones in Evanston.

The Evanston City Council heard several arguments supporting the ban of handheld cell phones.

President of the Evanston Bicycle Club, James Heller said the city should consider moving even a step beyond the proposed ban and ban all cell phone use while driving, but said the group would welcome any further actions that would keep others safer on the roads.

Heller and Lina Hoffman, from the Active Transportation Alliance both argued many statistics show the dangers of using cell phones as well as an increase in serious and fatal accidents.

The issue has been front and center in recent years as more serious and fatal accidents have been attributed to cell phone use.

In May 2005, Chicago banned handheld cell phones while driving. Earlier this month, the state of Illinois enacted a ban on texting while driving. Additionally on Tuesday, the United States announced a formal ban for truckers and bus drivers from texting behind the wheel.

The council is expected to vote on the issue at the next regular meeting, set for February 8, 2010.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious accident, our Chicago personal injury lawyers may be able to assist. Contact us for a free consultation.

Semi Hits Van; Kills Two On Way Back To Chicago

Two young Chicago-area men were killed early Sunday morning when their van was rear-ended by a semi just south of Indianapolis.

The men were members of an 18-person group, who were heading back to Chicago after a kite-flying event in Georgia.

The highway was closed for nearly five hours as police cleaned up the accident. Several other members of the group were injured and taken to local hospitals, some in critical condition. The truck driver reportedly suffered only minor injuries. Two people remained in serious condition Monday.

Reports indicate weather may have played a factor in the crash. Samples were taken from both drivers to test for drugs or alcohol.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious car accident, or you need to speak with a personal injury lawyer, contact a personal injury lawyer for assistance.