I wrote last fall about a controversial law that the Illinois legislature passed, which would allow the city of Chicago to install speeder cameras around the city. Mayor Emanuel was heavily endorsing the law and was touting it as a measure that would help protect children. The cameras are apparently going to be mainly positioned around schools and parks. Governor Quinn finally signed the measure into law last week. 

These cameras have had plenty of skepticism from the the public, media and other lawmakers. State Representative Ann Williams, who represents part of the North side of Chicago, is one politician who opposed the new law. She told the Chicago Tribune about her concerns: "I feel that having cameras on every corner really changes the character of a neighborhood," Williams said. "Imagine walking through your neighborhood on a beautiful day, looking up, and there's a camera pointed at you. I just don't know if I want that feeling on every corner in every neighborhood."

Other people has argued that these cameras were being installed merely to raise revenue for the city. Mayor Emanuel has disagreed with this theory from the beginning and has stated time and again that the purpose for these cameras is to protect children. Governor Quinn echoed this sentiment:  "I think that you've got to understand that if you save even one life, you are saving the whole world," Quinn said during an appearance at a high school on the Far South Side. "I mean, what do you say to a parent that's been there from the day their son or daughter was born and they're killed by a speeding motorist next to their school or their park?

"I think our job is to rise to the occasion and do what's necessary to protect our kids."

I think time will have to tell whether these cameras were useful. We will have to look at the statistics after a year or two to see if the amount of vehicle-pedestrianaccidents have decreased in Chicago. It will also be important if the amount of vehicle-pedestrian accidents decrease in the specific areas where the cameras are placed.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Chicago car accident or Chicago vehicle-pedestrianaccident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney Aaron Bryant for a free consultation at 312-588-3384 or go to the firm website at www.blgchicago.com.