Making Chicago Streets Safer
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Making Chicago Streets Safer

By October 30, 2024 No Comments
Making Chicago streets safer with a well-marked crosswalk in front of a city building, promoting pedestrian safety
Making Chicago Streets Safer

by Jeffrey J. Kroll

Chicago, with its bustling streets, vibrant neighborhoods, and numerous attractions, continues to draw residents and visitors alike. Making Chicago streets safer remains a top priority as the city thrives on foot traffic. However, with the mix of trucks, vehicles, bicycles, scooters, and pedestrians, navigating Chicago can often be challenging. How do we ensure pedestrian safety while keeping the city accessible and enjoyable for everyone?

Ongoing Challenges

Chicago has made strides in improving pedestrian safety, yet challenges remain. According to the Department of Transportation, pedestrian fatalities are still a growing concern, especially in high-traffic areas. Why?

  • High Vehicle Volume: High-volume areas on Chicago streets see a mix of cars, trucks, buses, scooters, and cyclists. This combination can be hazardous for pedestrians in these busy areas.
  • Inadequate Markings: Several intersections in the City of Chicago lack clear crosswalks or have faded street markings, leading to confusion. The city needs to improve its markings and signals to make Chicago streets safer.
  • Distracted Road Users: Distracted driving and walking have also contributed to rising accident rates. The popularity of smartphones adds to these distractions, often leading to collisions.

Improving the Pedestrian Experience

Infrastructure Upgrades

First, infrastructure upgrades can make Chicago streets safer. This includes well-maintained crosswalks and pedestrian-activated signals.

Sidewalk Expansion and Traffic Calming

Expanding sidewalks and using curb extensions at intersections can shorten crossing distances and give pedestrians safer spaces. Raised crosswalks and speed bumps can help reduce vehicle speeds in heavy foot-traffic areas.

As Chicago continues to grow, prioritizing pedestrian safety is essential to a livable urban environment. Together, we can make Chicago a model of pedestrian safety—where everyone feels comfortable navigating streets on foot.

The pedestrian accident attorneys at Kaveny & Kroll have much-needed experience in handling pedestrian collisions. At Kaveny & Kroll, we understand and appreciate the safety concerns for pedestrians, bicyclists, and others.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the lawyers at Kaveny & Kroll for a free consultation at (312) 761-5585.