Friday, April 10, 2009

Chicago police to crack down on drivers who do not stop in crosswalks

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Chicago Police Department is starting an undercover sting to catch drivers that do not slow down for pedestrians in crosswalks. This is the third year that the police department has started to crackdown on drivers that do not yield for pedestrians as a part of its "Safe Streets" program. The Chicago Municipal Code and the Illinois Motor Vehicle Code both require drivers to yield for pedestrians.

Senate Bill 030, currently pending in Springfield, would "beef up" the protections for pedestrians in crosswalks. The bill would require that vehicles stop for pedestrians in crosswalks and not just yield. This change in the law would make the law clearer and enhance protections for pedestrians (and bicyclists) who are at a natural disadvantage against a motor vehicle.

If you have been injured as a pedestrian or bicyclists, please contact Mike Keating at MKeating@KeatingLegal.com or 312-208-7702 to discuss your legal options.