Though the numbers show
pedestrian auto accidents and pedestrian deaths have been on the rise in
Chicago and around the country since 2007, a new study reveals Chicago is one
of the safest among big cities. The Chicago Sun Times reported
about a study titled “Dangerous by Design,” performed by the National
Complete Streets Coalition. The study revealed that Chicago ranked number 45 among the country’s
51 largest metro areas for pedestrians killed per 100,000 residents over five years,
from 2008 to 2012, according to the study.
I
think Chicago officials need to be recognized for their part in trying to make
streets safer for pedestrians. In 2012, then-Chicago Department of Transportation
Commissioner Gabe Klein included a goal of zero traffic fatalities by 2020 in
his 2012 “Chicago Forward” plan. It called for 20-mph zones in all city
residential areas, as well as more mid-block crossings, refuge street “islands”
and crosswalks. Other elements: giving pedestrians signalized head-starts ahead
of cars at intersections; more pedestrian countdown clocks at signal lights;
speed cameras around parks and schools; and continued red light camera speed
enforcement.
Since then, city pedestrian fatalities have
dropped from 47 in 2012 to an estimated 29 in 2013, said CDOT spokesman Pete
Scales. “We’re starting to make headway,” Scales said.
It will be interesting to see if Chicago
reaches the goal of zero fatalities by 2020. The city is definitely doing their
part, although I would like to see more data and studies in school and park
zones where the speeding cameras have been installed.
If you or someone you love has been injured in
a Chicago car accident or Chicago pedestrian accident, then call Chicago personal injury attorney, Aaron Bryant, for a free legal consultation at
312-614-1076.