I wrote last year
about Rham Emanuel’s pledge to make Chicago’s streets safer at crosswalks for
pedestrians. The stricter ordinance enacted by the city required drivers
come to a complete stop when pedestrians are walking through a cross walk. This
was a significant step taken by the mayor and the city to help prevent
vehicle-pedestrian accidents. Unfortunately, as the Chicago
Tribune, reported last month, the new law has not achieved the desired
results. A spokesperson for the Chicago department of transportation was
quoted as saying, we’ve
seen a change in behavior. A little bit. Somewhere less than 10
percent are usually stopping,” she said. It gets better, up to 30 or 40
percent, at places where police actually enforce the law.”
So
what will it take to force drivers to come to complete stops at crosswalks?
I think this is similar to the problem with texting and driving. I
believe there must be stiffer penalties, especially when a pedestrian is
injured. I do no believe drivers change their habits until they know they face
stronger repercussions. Do the penalties need to be as strong as a first time
DUI (class A misdemeanor)? Probably not. But I don’t think the behaviors
will change until there are stiffer penalties such as higher fines.
If
you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a Chicago car accident or
Chicago vehicle-pedestrian accident, 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.