I previously wrote about
a Chicago ordinance enacted last year that requires Chicago drivers to come to
complete stops at pedestrian crosswalks. Pedestrian safety has been an issue
that Mayor Emanuel has put to the forefront on several occasions. This ordinance
along with the speeder cameras in school zones have been a top priority for
Emanuel’s administration to help cut back in the number of vehicle pedestrian accidents.
The Chicago
Tribune reported this week that the city has begun installing signs warn motorists that a state law requires drivers
to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. The first of the signs were
installed Tuesday. The department is installing 50 signs in areas suggested by
aldermen where pedestrians and autos “can come into conflict,” including near
schools, parks, public transit and hospitals, according to a release. The
signs are 4 feet high and warn motorists that state law requires them to stop
for pedestrians in a crosswalk.
I think
it will be important to see if there is a dramatic drop in vehicle pedestrian accidents once these signs are installed. I think it is fair to say that many
drivers often ignore pedestrian crosswalks throughout the city. Hopefully these
signs along with the threat of a ticket will act as a deterrent for drivers to
come to complete stops.
If you
or someone you love has been involved in a Chicago car accident or Chicago truck accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a
free consultation at 31-588-3384 or go to the firm website at
www.blgchicago.com.