Personal Injury Law

Number of Chicago Pedestrian Deaths on the Rise

According to the Chicago Department of Transportation, there were 56 pedestrian deaths that took place in the city in 2007?an increase from the 49 deaths the year before and the 48 fatalities in 2006. Reasons cited include a growth in the number of pedestrians in the US's fourth most walkable large city (according to Walk Score, for 2008), faulty signage, pavement marking problems, and construction projects.

According to CDOT spokesperson Brian Steele, 56 pedestrian deaths in a year averages out to about 1 fatality a week. He says one Chicago pedestrian death is one too many and affirmed the department's committed to changing motorist behavior.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation, pedestrian deaths took place throughout Chicago. However, there were certain areas, such as the intersections at Madison Street, Lake Shore Drive, Ashland Avenue, and Stony Island Avenue where deadly pedestrian-related motor vehicle accidents appeared to happen in clusters.

Another pedestrian accident intersection ?hot spot? is at Cicero Avenue and Chicago Avenue. Because there is an elementary school in the area, children are always crossing the street. There is also a Cook County run-health clinic as well as two CTA routes, the No. 54 Cicero Avenue bus and the No. 66 Chicago Avenue buses, which means more pedestrian and motor vehicle traffic.

In 2008, 29 calls were made about this busy intersection to 311. Complaints related to traffic issues, defective traffic street lights, requests for better street markings, and potholes. Although the city of Chicago has installed a red-light camera there, there were still two pedestrian deaths that occurred last year in separate accidents.

The CDOT says it wants to install ?refuge islands? for pedestrians in the middle of roads as well as traffic circles in the middle of intersections in residential areas. The City of Chicago, which already has 133 red-light cameras in operation, intends to install another 50 cameras this year.

Steps People Can Take To Avoid Getting Hurt In A Chicago Pedestrian Accident:

? Cross the street where there is a visible crosswalk.
? Obey crosswalk signals.
? At night, wear clothing that makes you easy for drivers to spot.
? Don?t assume a vehicle will stop for you even if there is a red light.
? Make sure the motorists see you before you cross the street.
? Don?t walk while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Pedestrian deaths in Chicago are up despite safety measures, Chicago Tribune, March 10, 2009

How to Avoid Becoming a Pedestrian Accident Statistic

Related Web Resources:
Chicago Department of Transportation

America's Most Walkable Neighborhoods, Walk Score

Full post as published by Chicago Injury Attorney Blog on March 10, 2009 (boomark / email).