INCREASED SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS
The Illinois General Assembly recently approved legislation requiring drivers to come to a complete stop anytime pedestrians enter any crosswalks, regardless of whether the cross walk is marked by traffic control signals or not. The bill will amend Illinois statues 625 ILCS 5/11-1002 and 625 ILCS 5/11-1002.5, which currently state drivers must yield the right of way, slow down or stop for pedestrians "if need be." The new bill is awaiting Gov. Pat Quinn signature.
In Illinois, 6,000 pedestrians are hit by cars each year, resulting in 170 fatalities.
This legislation is long overdue. Injuries suffered when a vehicle strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist can be devastating, ranging from soft tissue injuries to broken bones, paralysis or death. Pedestrians and bicyclists will hopefully benefit from the increased protection afforded by this bill.
