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July 15, 2010

Cell phone use is against the law in Illinois Construction Zones

Decatur, IL- Drivers in Decature are being advised not to talk on their cell phones in contsruction zone as it is against the law, as the city prepares for one of the busiest constructions seaons in recent history.

It is illegal for anyone under 19 to talk on cell phones while driving, – regardless of where they are and Illinois has completely banned texting while driving.

At the beginning of the year, new laws took effect. They are intended to protect the safety of both workers and drivers. Drivers using any type of hand held device are 4 times more likely to become involved in an accident.

Drivers who get ticketd for violating the laws must appear in court with any potential fines determined by the court after the proceedings are completed. The exceptions to the law are for drivers using wireless telephones for emergency purposes, to, law enforcement agencies, health care providers, fire or other emergency services entities or persons using hands free telephones in voice-activated mode.

On July 14, Decatur police made stopped 14 drivers for using their cell phones while in construction zones. Motorists are also reminded that the law applies 24 hours a day, even when construction workers are not present.


July 2, 2010

Transit safety finally in motion

The Department of Transportation's Federal Transit Administration and Transporation Secretary Ray LaHood sent to congress and president Obama the administration's Public Safety Act over six months ago. Occassional reminders were sent about the Act's importance.

Accidents that result in employee's deaths, major crashes and a less that favorable review of our nation's capital's transit system was the reason the bill was authored. Peter Rogogg, a Transit Administrator says that other systems in the United States suffered from the same types of problems and that federal oversight was essential.

Last month, the Senate Banking, House and Urban Affairs Committee unanimously voted to send it to the full Senate. LaHood said that this is the first time a transit specific safety bill was sent to Congress by any administration.

Continue reading "Transit safety finally in motion" »

June 3, 2010

TV's Fickle News Fixation

When a cat catches a mouse his attention is absolute to the exclusion of everything else. A cat will spend an inordinate amount of time killing a mouse. And when the mouse is dead the cat's interest evaporates and he moves on to something else.

This is pretty much how TV handles local news: It takes a story (important or not), spends an inordinate amount of time on it. And when it feels the story is dead, it moves on.

Take, for example, the recent sad story of one New Trier High School student hitting another student with her car and then fleeing the scene in panic.

It was an accident affecting, really, only the two students and their families. A tragedy for both.

Continue reading "TV's Fickle News Fixation " »

May 14, 2010

Postal service "stamping" out dog bites

In 2009, just over 2800 letter carriers were bitten by dogs. The USPS is launching its annual campaign to prevent dog bites

As part of a larger campaign, the Postal Services, The american Veterinary Meidcal Association, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and other groups have joined in the National Dog Bite Prevention Week campaign.

Continue reading "Postal service "stamping" out dog bites" »

April 16, 2010

State Rep Zalewski reports bill approved by Illinois House

A bill approved by the Illinois House makes unlawful for a tow truck operator to stop at the the scene of an accident to solict business. It also specifices that a tow truck operator cannot stop at the scene of an accident unless they have to been called to the location.

State Rep. Michael Zalewski believes motorist who have been involved in an accident are vulnerable and fall prey to unscrupulous towing companies.

"Wreck chasing" as it is known by authorities, is the practice of coercing drivers who have just been in an accident, to have their cars towed without knowing the cost of the tow and storage fees. Only to receive exorbitant bills from the tow truck operators.

There are no laws currently that protect drivers from these tow truck operators.

Michael J. Zalewski represents the Southwest side of Chicago, portions of Berwyn, Brookfield, LaGrange, Lyons, Riverside, Stickney and Summit. Mr. Zalewski can be reached in his office in LaGrange.

April 16, 2010

Illinois municpalities charge "Crash Tax"

Add Chicago Heights, IL to the list of cities throughout the country charging accident victims a "crash tax" intended to recoup expenses involved from emergency responders. Doesn't matter if you caused that accident or not, if you're on the scene, you could get a bill.

Such was the case with Cary Felmdan. He was on his motor scooter in Chicago Heights, when he was hit from behind. A concerned citizen who witnessed the accident called 911 and a fire truck showed up at the scene of the accident.

Although Feldman was fine and did not require any treatment, he received a bill for $200 from the Chicago Heights Fire Department.

Continue reading "Illinois municpalities charge "Crash Tax"" »

April 15, 2010

Illinois teens charged with wreckless conduct after paintball fight

Police charged three teenagers reckless conduct. Allegedly they were having a two car paintball fight when one of the vehicles involved in the paintball fight struck an unrelated third car.

The teens were driving two cars and were headed east on Hemmingsen Rd in Grafton Township. They were throwing paintballs at each other from the moving vehicles.

One of the vehicles involved in the accident was a 1998 Caravan. The windshield of the Caravan was covered in paint. The driver, Samuel X Cox ,18, of Huntley, struck a Volkswagen Beetle being driven by Christina Park-Tegtman, 31, of Genoa. The car was also carrying a one year old girl.

Warrants were issued for the adults involved in the paintball fight which include Cox, his passenger, Julio de la Luz, 18, of Lake in the Hills and Donald Peryer, 19, of Lake in the Hills who was drving the second vehicle involved in the paintball fight.

April 1, 2010

Lake County judges offer sobering information about underage partying

Nancy Shcuster-Waites and Daniel Shanes are two Lake County Judges who want to educate teenagers about how dangerous it is to "party." They have presented the "7 Reasons to Leave the Party" program at Vernon Hills High School.

Part of the presentation includes demonstrating a breathalyzer and the passing of a medical urinalysis container. If you are convicted of drug use you would be required to provide a urine sample, on a regular basis, in the presence of a probation officer.

Waites and Shanes took the students through a house party. Going room to room discussing the charges they would face if they were caught partying by police and were underage at the time.

According to Shanes, because you are under 18 does not mean you'll be charged as a juvenile. Depending on the circumstances, you may be charged in adult court.

A juvenile could be charged with minor consumption of alcohol, to illegal possession of durgs and drug paraphanalia to criminal sexual abuse.

According to Waites, "A 15 year old person cannot consent to sex." An 18 yeard old who has sex with a 15 year old can be charged with criminal sexual abuse and must register with the state as a sex offender. "When people see sex offender next to your name, they don't think 'he's 18 and had sex with a 15 year old.' They think he's a pedophile."

The charge of sex offender will follow them to college where they will have to notify authorities of their addresses and where they will have to check-in to their dorm room and register.

Illinois is a zero tolerance state. Anyone under the age of 21 caught consuming alcohol can lose their driver's license or have to wait longer to get it.

In addition, anyone who is charged with DUI now must use a portable breath test everytime they drive their car. The drivef must blow into the machine, which checks for alcohol, to start the car, and breath every 10 minutes after to keep the car running. This costs the driver about $1,500 per month

Continue reading "Lake County judges offer sobering information about underage partying" »

March 19, 2010

Illinois construction worker killed after being struck by oncoming car

Christopher Jenkins, 45. was struck and killed on I-80 early Tuesday morning while working patching potholes.

A co-worker stepped in front of the car to keep it from driving away, but the driver of the car that struck Jenkins fled on foot . Jenkins was hit with such force that he was sent through the windshield of the car that struck him.

Jenkins was married and had to children. He was working on the potholes in the center lane on I-80. The area was marked a construction zone just east of Central Avenue according to authorities. Jenkins was employed by Waslh Construction a Chicago based company.

March 15, 2010

Mundelein pilot credit for saving family

John Olson, of Mundelein, was piloting a small aircraft on is way home from Michigan. John's wife deborah and their daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren were also on board. John was preparing to land his plane at a small Grayslake airport when the plane clipped a deer.

"We're just getting ready to touch down when the three deer came darting out from the north side crossing the runway, and one of the decided to sotp."

After striking the deer, John looked out the window of the plane and notice that the landing gear had been damaged. Instead of landing in Grayslake because it's an uncontrolled airport, John decided to fly to Wheeling and land at the Chicago Executive Airport. The flight too Wheeling took ten minutes. Olson said he was sweating, but felt calm.

Grayslake Airport officials said that in the over 40 years of operation they had never seen a deer get struck by a plane. The area surrounding the airport is wooded but the airport is not fenced in. Jim Tahaney, the manager of the Campbell Airport in Grayslake says that is was a good thing that John Olson was an experienced pilot. Someone with less experience may have run the plane off the runway.

Olson has been flying for over 15 years. Surprisingly, the landing was smooth even though the plane had sustained some damage from the collision with the deer.

March 6, 2010

Illinois Prosecutors ask judge to allow recklesss homidcide charge in trooper crash

Illinos prosecutors are pursuing a reckless homicide charge against a state trooper who was driving in heavy holiday traffic at speeds of over 100 miles causing an accident killing 2 people.

State Trooper Matt Mitchell was driving at 126 mph in order to reach an accident scene on I-64 which has already been responded to by serveral emergency vehicles.

Killed in the accident were Jessica Uhl 18 and her sister Kelli Uhl 13. Injured in the accident was Kelly marler and his then-pregnant wife Christine.

Trooper Mitchell was speeding to the accident with people trapped in a burning car.

Prosecutors dispute that fact. They say the only car that was on fire was the car that Mitchell struck.

St. Clair County Assistant State's Attorney Jim Piper is asking the judge to allow the charges of reckless homicide against Trooper Mitchell. "A 'person of ordinary intelligence' would know that a trooper does not engage in such conduct, especially in light of the the fact that the defendant was responding to a secured accident scene to essentially write a report."

John O'Gara, Mitchell's attorney has asked the judge to dismiss the state's charges. O'Gara says Mitchell wasn't aware that he was breaking the law when he was driving at those speeds.

February 19, 2010

Parked vehicles involved in majority of hit and run accidents

In a recent survey conducted by Northbrook based Allstate Insurance, nearly 70 percent of hit- and-run acidents which take place on American roadways involved parked vehicles.

At 70%, New York City ranked first with the highest incidence "hit while parked" accidents,. Chicago and Phoenix ranked second with 67 percent.

While most states legally require the driver to notify and identify themselves to the owner of the parked vehicle, the majority of drivers do not.

Bill Daly, an assistant VP with Allsate auto claims says, "Leaving the scene of an accident without stoppping is a very serious matter. If you caused damage to a vehicle you may be liable and can be held responsible. Collision coverage will protect you if someone hits your parked car and can help pay for repairs."

February 11, 2010

Illinois lawmakers tighten control over red light cameras

Several Illinois law makers are taking aim at red light cameras. State Senator Jon Millner believes that in certain locations they are effective in reducing accidents involving pedestrians. However, he believes that in some cases, they are not used fairly. Millner wants every ticket reviewed by local police before it is issued.

Senator Millner also wants to have every red light camera head to be painted yellow so that drivers can see the cameras. He also wants a sign on every red light camera in Illinois warning drivers about the camera.

Representative Jack Franks believes that the fines for tickets issued because of a red light camera, should be reduced to $50 and that a driver should not receive a ticket for a rolling stop.

Senatory Dan Duffy believes that red light cameras are a "racket" and that all of them should be taken down except at railroad crossings and construction sites.

February 10, 2010

Morrison man files false accident report to avoid jury duty

Rockford Federal authorities said a Morrison man faked an accident to avoid doing jury duty. Gerald Lee Mance, 60, of Morrision, who appeared for jury duty on November 30, but failed to appear the next day. Mance filled out a false accident report saying that he had been in an accident with a deer and coulnd not make it for jury duty

Instead of jury duty Mance was sentenced to 30 days of home confinement and 90 days probation. He was also fined $5,000.

Mance was found in contempt of federal court on Thursday.

January 30, 2010

Illinois State Police Release Yearly Statistic

The Illinois State Police have released crime statistics for Clark, Clay, Craw, Effingham, Fayette, Jasper, Lawrence, Marion & Richland Counties.

The reports is for 2009. Illinois State Troopers dealt with over 35,000 incidents which include 527 DUI arrests, 1333 criminal arrests and tickets and 1143 car accidents. Troopers also seized over 800 pounds of cannabis, 510 grams of cocaine, 6837 grams of heroin and ecstasy with a combined street value over 2.8 million dollars. Fatalies in these counties declined to 30 in 2009 down from 47 in 2008.

In 2010, Illinois State Troopers will continue to concentrate on traffic enforcement and safety education in an effort to make Illiniois roads safer.

October 10, 2009

Illinos tollways: New quarter mile markers

While it may seem costly to some drivers, the Illinois tollway Authority says that installing the over 4000 news is money well spent.

Should your car break down on an Illinois tollway, the quarter mile signs will make it easier for tow truck drivers to find you.

"The Tollway Authority along with the Illinos State Police, tow truck operators and emergency first responders all agreed that the quarter mile spacing would help customers better indentify where they are, especially if their vehicles are stranded and they need to call for help," said Joelle McGinnis, spokeswoman for the toll agency.

Continue reading "Illinos tollways: New quarter mile markers" »

October 6, 2009

Department of Transportation Summit to Address Texting Whitle Driving

The USDOT will be holding a national summit this week to address the issue of distracted driving. The summit could lead to a nation ban on texting while behind the wheel. Many Americans say they support the ban.

Ray LaHood, Transportation Secretary says followers will be able to view the summit on the department's web site.

If it was up to LaHood he would ban all drivers from sending and receiving texts.

Continue reading "Department of Transportation Summit to Address Texting Whitle Driving" »

August 24, 2009

ATV's : Are they safe?

A 7 year old Troy boy was killed over the weekend while riding on an ATV. Austin Henry died while operating a four wheel 110cc SunL Cool Sport all terrain vehicle at his home.

Austin was wearing protective gear including a helmet, when the ATV's throttle stuck causing the ATV to accelerate. The boy could not control the ATV. The vehicle hit a tree, tossing the young boy from the ATV.

Austin died of blunt trauma to his head and chest. Although the ATV caught fire, Austin did not suffer any burns.

Continue reading "ATV's : Are they safe?" »

August 23, 2009

Right on red: Should you get a ticket

The Village of Schaumburg, in a widely publicized move, removed their two red light cameras at Meacham and Woodfield roads. Village officials have decided not to renew their contract with Red Speed Illinois.

Since the installation of the cameras, about 10,000 tickets were issued resulting in approximately $1,000,000 in fines. That was until the village decided to stop enforcing right- turn-on-red violations.

Deputy Chief Paul Rizzo says that since the removal of the cameras, the number of violations issued has gone done. In June, the last month that the cameras were operational, only 14 violations were issued.

Schaumburg decided not to renew their contract with Red Speed Illinois due to the dwindling tickets and additional studies that showed that the cameras did little to reduce accidents.

Continue reading "Right on red: Should you get a ticket" »

August 6, 2009

Champaign couple heartened by pending texting law

It has been three years since Chuck and Gloria Wilhelm formerly of Champaign, IL, lost their son when he was struck by a car while riding his bike on Illinois 130.

After the death of their son, Matt 25, in Sept 2006, The Wilhelms, along with their family and friends and scores of others, pushed the Illinois legislature to toughen the penatlies for drivers who were distracted while driving.

Today, Governor Quinn, will sign into law, a ban on texting while driving. "This is a big stride," says Chuck Wilhelm. Both him and his wife have campaigned for new laws to restrict the use of cell phones by drivers since the death of their son.

On Sept 6, 2006, Matt, then 25, was a U OF I graduate in mechanical engineering. He was riding his bicycle along 130 east of Urbana, when Jennifer Stark hit him from behind with her car. She confessed to downloading ringtones at the time when she hit Matt.

The legislature had problems with making texting while dirving a misdemeanor or felony. This new legislation makes texting while driving a petty traffic offense. Drivers caught texting while driving will be fined.

Wilhelm said that Jesse White, Illinois Secretary of State, was instrumental in getting the legislation passed. White formed a task force that investgated distracted driving. They issued their report in 2008 which revealed the negative affects on area roadways of distracted drivers.

"This is a major starting point in saying you can't do it," Chuck Wilhelm said.

July 17, 2009

River Forest's request denied by red light camera company

The debate over safety versus money continues. On Wednesday, RedSpeed Company denied the request made by authorities in River Forest to a reduction on fines for drivers caught rolling through red light on right turns.

The River Forest Village Board voted to hire RedSpeed to install two cameras on Harlem ave, but felt that the $100 fine was too high for drivers making rolling right turns on red. They want the fine cut in half.

RedSpeed rejects the reduction in fines. Martin Korey, an attorney for RedSpeed said they would not agree to the reduction. Korey believes that reducing the fine for a rolling right turn on red could result in legal action against RedSpeed based upon an equal protection violation under the Ilinois Constitution. The Village of River Forest would be fining drivers who run a red light $100 and $50 for a rolling red light turn, essentially the same violation.

RedSpeed believes it would cause administrative chaos to be charging two different fines.

A special board meeting will convene on Monday to discuss the response to RedSpeed.

July 16, 2009

Higher Speed Limits Exact Toll in Lives and Injuries.

It has been over a decade since Congress lifted the 55 mph speed limit on interstate highways. According to Lee S. Friedman, PHD, of the University of Illinois and the Social Policy Research Institute in Skokie, Ill, researches found that since the lift traffic fatalities, nationwide, have increased by 3.2%

According to Friedman, the increased speed limit on interstate highways caused 12,545 deaths and 36,583 injuries, in the decade after the federal government gave up control of the 55 mph speed limit.

Friedman and his collegues reported in the American Journal of Public Health that if speed limits were reduced and enforcement improved, it would save lives immediately.

Continue reading "Higher Speed Limits Exact Toll in Lives and Injuries." »

July 6, 2009

Fourth of July: Big weekend for the Chain Of Lakes

For most of the spring, the Fox River and Chain O"Lakes have been enforcing "no wake." With the except of Sautrday night during their fireworks show, these waterways were wide open for the weekend.

Because there were no fireworks last year, a group called Keep the Spark Alive, was able raise enough to provide the fireworks. The group has done fireworks shows in the past on Fox Lake, so they know the area. So the village wasn't concerned about safety.

According to the Fox Waterway Agency, the now wake zone on Saturday was in effect from 8-11pm.

Continue reading "Fourth of July: Big weekend for the Chain Of Lakes" »

June 29, 2009

Uninsured drivers: Can Illinois authorities stop them from dirivng?

In 2007, Illinois passed a law taking away driving privileges from uninsured motorists. However, the threat of having your license suspended for three months, doesn't appear to have an affect.

Since the law took affect in 2007, over 115,000 Illinois drivers had their licenses suspended after being convicted of driving without insurance. In 2008, 68,000 people had their licenses suspended and so far this year, about 31,000 drivers have lost their driving privileges.

According to Representative Bill Black, R-Danville, the law was intended to try and stop people from driving with no insurance. While he was happy to see that people driving without insurance were punished, it bothers him that there are still drivers out there getting caught driving without insurance.

Continue reading "Uninsured drivers: Can Illinois authorities stop them from dirivng?" »

June 16, 2009

Tire Safety Importance

Across the US, the makers and sellers of tires are promoting the importance of proper care and maintenance of your car tires.

Duirng this year's Tire Safety Week, auto related merchants will be distributing "Be Tire Smart" brochures. The brochures are designed to inform the consumer about taking care of your tires. They are in conjuction with the Rubber Manufacturers Association's (RMA) "Be Tire Smart, Play Your PART campaign. PART is an acronym for Pressure, Alignment, Rotation & Tread.

According to Hugh Pace, chairman and CEO at Pireli tire makers, "using RMA's tire care tips, consumers can maximize their vehicle safety, achieve better fuel economy and get the most wear from their tires."

Continue reading "Tire Safety Importance" »

June 2, 2009

Illinois cameras would ticket speeders on King Bridge

Smile for the camera! On Tuesday, the Illinois House passed a bill to the Senate which would allow the State of Illinois to install cameras that would monitor motorists speeds and ticket those drivers speeding across the Martin Luther King Bridge at East St. Louis.

The bills was passed in the house by a 68-41 vote.

The cameras will track a car's speed using radar and take a picture of the license plate of the speeding car and then mail the ticket to the owner of the car

Legislators opposing the bill believe that the driver of a speeding vehicle should receive a speeding ticket, not the owner. "My kid is going to speed down the highway, and the parent is going to be the one on the hook for the ticket," warned Rep. Jim Durkin, R-Countryside. Opponents also believe that using the cameras to catch speeders is a little too "Big Brother."


Continue reading "Illinois cameras would ticket speeders on King Bridge" »

May 29, 2009

Motorcyle helmets: The debate continues

Tyson Guthrie, 27 of Elburn, Illinois aways wears a helmet when he's riding his motorcycle. For him it's playing it safe.

However, motorcyclists across the state disagree. Illinois is only one of three states that do not have any laws about wearing helmets on a motorcyle. Iowa and New Hampshire are the other two states. Twenty-six states have helmet laws restricting the wearing of helmets to young or new riders. Twenty one states require helmets all the time.

Two fatal motorcycle accidents were reported since Memorial day weekend, fueling debate
for mandatory helmet laws.

Continue reading "Motorcyle helmets: The debate continues" »

May 19, 2009

Illinois rural routes: Semis going 65mph?

Former Gov. Rod Blagojevich rejected legislation allowing semi trucks to travel at 65 mph along rural interstates in Illinois.

Gov. Pat Quinn is taking into consideration.

The speed limit for semi trucks on illinois interstates is 55 mph. Illinois lawmakers gave the okay to a plan that allows semis to travel at 65 mph, the same speed as automobiles, on interstates outside of Chicago and the metro area of St. Louis.

Quinn has not made his position clear and no one from his office was available for comment.

Some groups believe that trucks moving at 65 mph, the same pace as the rest of the traffic on the road, is actually safer. Illinois Senators agreed and voted 40-8 in favor of the increase.

Opponents believe that it makes Illinois interstates less safe since a majority of truckers are currently driving over the 55mph limit.

Sate Senator Dave Luechtefeld, R-Okawille, believes that increasing the speed limit to 65 mph for semis means that they would probably go faster, possibliy more than 70 mph.

"If they were to enforce the law at 65, theyd be for it," said Luechtefeld, who voted "no."

May 1, 2009

Sugar Grove man charged with four felonies

A Spring Grove man was charged with involuntary manslaughter/reckless homicide resulting from a car crash last Halloweeend that killed an East Dubuque woman. Tabitha Carroll, 32, was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident.

Jeffrey C. Repec, 21, of Spring Grove, Illinois was driving under the influence of narcotics when the semi truck he was driving struck and pushed Carroll's pickup truck into a stopped IDOT dump truck.

Carroll was a passenger in the pickup which was being driven by her husband Randolph. Their 3 year old son was also in the truck. They were on their way back from a Huntley pumpkin farm in East Dundeee when they were struck by Repec. Both Randolph and his son were airlifted from the accident scene to area hospitals.

According to a news release, Repec had marijuana in his system at the tme of the accident. The results were based on a urine test.

In addition to the manslaughter/reckless homicide charges, Repec was also charged with 3 counts of aggravated driving under the influence of narcotics. Two of the counts are Class 4 felonies and one is a Class 2 felony.

Carroll's family has filed a wronful death lawsuit against Repec and his employer, Geils Farms of Harvard.

As of Wednesday, Repec remained locked up with his bond being set at $150,000.

April 22, 2009

Illinois State Police launch new program to cut motorcycle fatalities

The Illinois State Police have launched a new safety program aimed at reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities for the 2009 riding season.

With the warmer weather approaching people are getting ready to get on their motorcycles. Officers are targeting safety of motorcyclists and license violations in different ways, including roadside safety checks and directed patrols.

Wearing a helmet and other equipment such as gloves and heavy boots is important. Although a motorcyclist is not legally required to wear a helmet in Illinois, authorities strongly encourage the use of helmets.

Continue reading "Illinois State Police launch new program to cut motorcycle fatalities" »

April 17, 2009

Lake In The Hills Police report success in holiday crackdown

During fifty-five hours of extra patrol time over the St. Patrick's Day holiday, Lake In The Hills police arrested nine drivers under the influence.

Lake In The Hills Police and other local law enforcement agencies partnered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Illinois Department of Transportation to crackdown on impaired drivers. The campaign ran from March 6 to March 22.

Sgt. Eric Decker, a supervisor with the Lake In The Hills Traffic Unit, said extra patrol cars were assigned to the roads specifically to look for motorists who were driving impaired. Extra patrols are assigned about eight times a year during holiday periods when impaired drivers are more likely to be driving.

The Traffic Safety division of the Illinois Department of Transportation pays for the extra patrols through the Mini-Grant Alcohol Program.

According to Decker, this is the second year that Lake In The Hills participated in the crackdown. "I believe it was successful. Anything we can do to decrease the number of personal injury accidents, even if it saves just one person, is a success."

April 4, 2009

Joliet High School students invade liqour stores arem with stickers

Austin Gutierrez and Joshua George Joliet Central High School students participated in a nationwide event called Sticker Shock Day which is sponsored by the Illinois Liquor Control Commission.

The stickers, bright yellow in color, warn people that giving alchohol to minors is illegal. The stickers are placed in liquor stores by the high students hoping to increase awareness of alcohol consumption by minors.

Joshua hopes that peopel are shocked by the stickers. "That's the reaction we want. We want to show people that there are teens out there who don't want do alcohol and want to prevent other teens from doing alcohol."

Continue reading "Joliet High School students invade liqour stores arem with stickers" »

March 6, 2009

Is it enough to say "I'm sorry?"

When a family member is harmed by a preventable error from a health care worker, is it enough to say "I'm sorry?"

Pennsylvania lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow medical professionals to acknowledge, express empathy for and take ownership of unforeseen outcomes, with the risk of litigation based on the apology.

The proposed legistation, Senate Bill 208, does not take away or limit liability, and victims of alleged malpractice can still file lawsuits. What it is does do is it allows health care professionals to be open and honest with patients and their families without fear that their statements will be used against them.

The bill has 30 co-sponsors from both sides and would not cost taxpayers anything. It is also believed that it could reduce the amount of medical malpractice lawsuits which could eventually lead to lower health-care costs.

Several studies have shown that anger is the reason behind most medical malpractice lawsuits. When something happens and the health care provider fails to communicate, the patient or the family becomes frustrated. In one study, over one-third of those who filed medical malpractice lawsuits against the health care provider said they would not have pursued legal action if they would have gotten an explanation and an apology.

Continue reading "Is it enough to say "I'm sorry?"" »

February 27, 2009

Government Crash Test Reveals Distrubing Finginds

In a recent investigation by the Chicago Tribune, it was revealed that almost 50% of all car seats used is a goverment crash test failed. The results of that test were never published and the companies that made the failed car seats were never notified of the results.

Although the test was originally used to determine car safety ratings and not those of car safety seats, the test revealed that of the 66 infant seats used in the testing, 31 became separated from their base or exceeded injury limits.

A review of safety standards has been ordered by the National Highway Traffice Safety Administration. Several of the car seats used in the test have been recalled by federal regulators. But public health officials believe that it is more important to make sure that the car seat you are using is properly installed.

Most injuries in an accident result from the car seat not being properly secured. If a baby hasn't been secured properly in their car seat or if the seat belts on the car seat haven't been tightened enoug, a child can get thrown around the car. If the car seat itself hasn't been properly secured, the car seat with the child in it, can get thrown from the car. Also, once your child outrgrows their car seat, parents need to make sure that they are using size appropriate seats in the their cars.

February 19, 2009

Chicago sees increase in pedestrian deaths

Despite attempts to increase pedestrian safety on Chicago's streets, pedestrian deaths are on the rise. According to Brian Steele, a Department of Transporation spokesperson, the agency is looking into the reasons behind the increase. Steele believes that in some cases, problems with pavement markings, faulty signage and construction projects maybe partly to blame.

In 2008, 56 pedestrians were killed on Chicago streets, up from 49 fatalities in 2007 and 48 in 2006.

Steele also believes that more people are walkiing. Chicago was named the U.S.'s 4th most walkable large city in 2008 by Walk Score. Still, Steele said, "One fatality is one too many. Fifty-odd pedestrian fatalities is close to an average of one a week, that's far too many. We're committed to this, and the most difficult part of this is changing driver behavior.

An analysis conducted by the RedEye of the data provided by the Illinois Department of Transportation pertaining to pedestrian fatalities, revealed that pedestrian deaths occurred everywhere in the city. There were, however, clusters of fatal crashes at Stony Island Ave., Madison St and Ashland Ave., and along Lake Shore Dr. Although some of these intersections employ safeguards, the problems stil persisted.

Continue reading "Chicago sees increase in pedestrian deaths" »

February 12, 2009

Stepped-up patrol efforts help save lives

In 2008 all across the country, traffic accident deaths declined. Some states attribute this decline to fewer people driving due to the high cost of fuel.

However, highway patrol chiefs, traffic safety directors and independent experts believe other factors should be taken into consideration.

According to some officials, the "Click It or Ticket" and the "Over the Limit Under Arrest" campaigns and the increased number of violations as a result, may having a cumulative effect in several states.

Pam Fischer, the director of the Division of Highway Traffic Safety in New Jersey, where traffic accident deaths numbers dropped to 18% in 2008, believes that drivers are getting the message and police are more visible.

The US Department of Transportation reported that in 2008, 83% of car drivers and passengers wore their seatbelts. This is the highest number ever reported.

Some law enforcement authorities believe that the number of traffic accident deaths fell because of targeted enforcement, more attention being paid to younger drivers and the relationship between state and local police.

Continue reading "Stepped-up patrol efforts help save lives" »

January 29, 2009

Illinois: With a 9-month learning period, teen driving deaths plunge

Since January of 2008, Illinois teen drivers must wait 9 months to get their driver's license. New drivers must wait a year before they can have more than one teenage passenger in the car.

The new laws appear to be working. According to new statistics, the death rate of Illinois teens between the ages of 16 and 19 who have died in car crashes has declined more than 40% in 2008 to 92 deaths, compared to 155 in 2007

People killed in driving deaths in 2008 fell by 20%, which may be due to fewer people driving because of high gas prices. But the decrease in teen deaths is a more dramatic decline.

New laws require teen drivers to spend more time practicing on the road while in driver's ed programs. It als requires that a teen driver who receives a moving violation must appear in court with a parent or guardian to get court-supervision. A 2007 change in the laws requires teen drivers to spend more time driving with a parent before being able to get a license-to 50 hours of behind the wheel.

Michael Hionis, the Taft HIgh School driver education director, says he likes the changes made in the laws. It forces teenage drivers to drive in different seasons of the year which prepares them for potentially bad driving conditions come winter.

Hionis believes teen driver's take driving more seriously but also believes they have more distractions, particularly electronic ones.

"The text messaging phenomenon has gotten out of control," Hionis said. "You can't multi-task well. Driving is something very important that you have to single task to be successful."

January 12, 2009

Elgin-O'hare shut down

The Elgin-O'Hare Expressway was shut down for about an hour early this morning due to dangerous ice on the roadway.

The dangerous roadway was to blame for a five car accident between theGary Ave., on ramp and Wright St. No injuries were reported.

According to State Police, the roadway was just too slick and dangerous. The expressway was re-opened around 8 am.

January 6, 2009

100 plus new laws going into effect in Illinois

Effective Jan 1, 2009, more than 100 new state laws will go into effect including long awaited ethics and contracting reforms, better tracking for offenders who have violated domestic violence orders of protection and stronger legislation for targeting intoxicated drivers.

According to State Senator Tim Bivens (R-Dixon), the most important piece of legislation approved is the "Pay to Play" bill 824, which bans state contractors from contributing to campaigns for statewide office holders who may be responsible for awarding contracts.
Contracts over $50,000 or more are subject to the ban.

To read the full article click here

December 12, 2008

Illinois Supreme Court justices asked to recuse themselves

Four of Illinois' High Court justices have been asked to withdraw from hearing an appeal involving the high profile law firm of Corboy & Demetrio.

The family of a Georgia woman who was killed in an auto accident in 1995, is suing Corboy & Demetrio alleging they mishandled a lawsuit brought on behalf of the women's two children.

The motion states that Chief Justice Thomas Fitzgerald, Justices Anne Burke, Charles Greeman and Robert Thomas, were all recipients of donations from some members of the Corboy as well as two of their experts in the car crash case.

To read the full article click here

December 11, 2008

Illinois High Court hears challenge to state medical liability caps

The Illinois State Supreme Court will decide on a ruling by a trial judge in 2007 which invalidated the state's caps on non-economic jury awards to $500,000 for physicians and $1million for hospitals.

The Supreme Court justices heard oral arguments on November 13 in a consitutional challenge of the 2005 law.

According to the Illinois Trial Lawyers Association, the "one-size-fits-all" cap is unfair to patients who suffered from injury due to the malpractice of a doctor or a hospital.

Limits in medical malpractice cases and personal injury cases were thrown out in 1997 and 1976.

To read the complete article click here

October 31, 2008

America's Accident Capitals

The leading cause of death for Americans under the age of 44 used to be disease. Thanks to modern medicine, that's no longer the case. The leading cause of deaths in Americans under 44 years of age: accidents. And it's accidental poisonings that have increased the most.

Since 2003, more people have died from accidental poisoning (except for those killed in motor vehicle accidents) than any other form of unintentional death. More Americans between the ages of 35-60 are killed from accidental poisoning than from motor vehicle accidents. The gap narrows every year. In Massachusetts, the leading cause of unintentional deaths in 2005 was accidental poisoning.

The Center for Disease Control sites prescription drugs as the leading cause of accidental poisoning. "The combined evidence seems to indicated that the increase in poisoning mortality is primarily among adults (20-64) of both sexes, and is mainly attributable to abuse of opioid analgesics," says the CDC report.

As alarming as the poisoning epidemic is, falls, suffocation, drowning and car accidents are all on the list of the leading causes of accidental deaths.

Forbes.com and the National Safety Council, ranked US cities by per-capita rates of accidental death for the 10 leading causes of unintentional death in 2004. With 2004 being the most recent date available. the rates for accidental deaths does not change substantially from year to year. However, deaths from accidental poisonings have increased so much that Forbes.com used a limited amount of data available from 2006 rather than using the 2004 which was dated.

To read the complete article click here