How Speeding on the Highway Can Have Serious Consequences in Illinois

 Posted on March 19,2020 in Traffic Tickets

Last year, there was a six-car pileup on the Kennedy Expressway which injured nine people and killed at least one person. A semi-truck struck stopped vehicles and the driver was charged with failure to reduce speed, according to the Illinois State Police department.

Since then, not much has changed in regards to speeding citations on the Kennedy or the other highways which connect Chicago to the suburbs. The most unfortunate part is seeing cars travel at far too high of a speed on roads that can already be dangerous because of the number of vehicles.

When Does Speeding Become Aggravated Speeding?

All drivers are responsible for knowing the speed limits on each type of road in Illinois. While there should be signs posted along the roads to remind drivers, everyone should know and maintain the proper speed in order to avoid collisions:

• 15 mph in an alleyway
• 30 mph in urban districts unless otherwise posted
• 55 mph on highways under the jurisdiction of the Illinois Department or the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority
• 65 mph on highways with four lanes of traffic for each direction of travel

Speeding no more than 26 mph over the limit is considered simple speeding. The punishment for this traffic offense is a fine which increases depending on the speed that Illinois police clock the vehicle at during the offense.

Aggravated speeding is a misdemeanor offense in Illinois and can be charged when a driver operates their vehicle in excess of 26 mph:

• Class B misdemeanor for when a vehicle travels at least 26 mph over the limit, but no more than 35 mph
• Class A misdemeanor for when a vehicle travels over 35 mph past the speed limit

Both of these charges come with jail time and fines; Class B results in up to 180 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $1,5000 while Class A results in up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

What Else Can Aggravated Speeding Cause?

In the case of last year’s Kennedy Expressway pile up, a victim was killed because of the semi-driver not slowing down. This type of incident could lead to charges of reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony that comes with a long prison sentence and heavy fines.

Even if someone is not killed, though, the at-fault driver of a collision is responsible for compensating the victim. This includes damage repair to the victim’s vehicle and medical bills if the victim was injured.

Contact a Chicago, IL Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are fighting charges of aggravated speeding and you believe the charges are not justified, hire a lawyer from Luisi Legal Group. Our lawyers have experience defending clients of all types of traffic violations. To schedule a free consultation with a Cook County criminal defense lawyer, call our office at 773-276-5541.

Sources:

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/documents/062500050K11-601.5.htm

https://wgntv.com/news/9-hospitalized-after-semi-truck-crashes-into-5-cars-on-kennedy-expressway/

https://chicago.suntimes.com/2019/6/12/18662808/jiaqiao-xiao-dies-kennedy-expressway-crash-i-90-canfield