Safe driving in ice and snow may be difficult, but it is possible. There are specific steps you can take to lower the odds that you get into an accident. Nothing guarantees you'll never crash, of course, but that's true all year around. You do not have to fear winter driving if you simply take the time to understand how it is different and how you can approach it.
Why are so many pedestrians killed in accidents?
Walking and running are generally considered to be activities good for one's health. They can also provide positive, environmentally friendly alternatives to driving. Sadly, they seem to be putting more people in harm's way. New data from the Governors Highway Safety Association indicates that pedestrian fatalities across the United States have skyrocketed in recent years.
Marijuana is legal in Illinois, but not while driving
Marijuana was legalized in the state of Illinois earlier this month, but according to the 2020 DUI Fact Book, published by the Illinois Secretary of State's Office, driving while impaired by marijuana is still prohibited. Much like with a DUI stop for alcohol use, if an officer stops a vehicle and sees signs that the driver is under the influence of marijuana (e.g., red eyes, drowsiness, etc.), the officer will request that the driver submit to field sobriety tests. Based on the results, the officer may arrest the driver and take him or her into the station, where they will be asked to submit to a blood, breath or urine test within two hours of the traffic stop. If the driver is found to have more than 5 nanograms of THC, the main active chemical found in marijuana, per milliliter of blood, or more than 10 nanograms of THC per milliliter of any other bodily substance, they could lose their license and face criminal charges. However, there is concern that these results may not be solid proof of driver impairment as THC can remain in someone's body long after the effects have worn off.
