Driving with headphones is illegal in the state of Illinois and can result in a serious fine. Not only is it a distraction, it also blocks out sounds such as sirens while driving. While driving with headphones or earbuds is illegal, this law does allow for Bluetooth earpieces, hearing aids, intercom helmets, and any headsets used by emergency and construction personnel.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident with a driver who was wearing headphones, you may be eligible to file a claim for your injuries and damages. To discuss your next steps and for help on how to file a claim, contact a Chicago accident attorney at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. right away.
Call us at (312) 236-2900 to schedule a free consultation today.
Drivers who are wearing headphones while driving can have a significant decrease in their situational awareness. With headphones in, drivers may not be aware of sirens or other various traffic sounds. Being unable to hear these important traffic sounds can lead to a serious accident.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every day, nine people die due to distracted driving in the United States. There are three types of distractions including visual, manual, and cognitive. Driving with headphones can result in all three of these distractions since you will take your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel when you go to change the song on the device your headphones are connected to.
In addition, driving with headphones can decrease your attentiveness while driving. By listening to loud music, you can easily become so distracted that you neglect to notice a traffic signal. This can lead to a dangerous car accident.
If you are in a car accident with someone who was wearing headphones, you should reach out to an attorney right away for help with your case. You may be able to recover compensation for your losses.
In Illinois, if you are found driving with headphones, you are susceptible to a $500 fine and no jail time. While a petty offense, driving with headphones increases your risk of a serious car accident and poses a severe hazard to other motorists whom you share the road with.
If you are injured in a car accident because of someone who was driving with headphones, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. Driving with headphones in Illinois is considered illegal, and if the negligent party was found to wearing them when they caused an accident, they could face serious consequences.
Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. You shouldn’t have to suffer because of the recklessness of someone else. Contact us today at (312) 236-2900 to speak with a skilled lawyer during a free initial consultation.
When you’re fighting for maximum compensation, we know what it takes to get it.
