• 26
  • January
    2012

Over the past several years, the number of pedestrian deaths has fallen in the city of Chicago, but that does not mean that the Chicago Department of Transportation is going to relax its efforts to lower pedestrian fatalities. Two years ago there were 3,000 pedestrian accidents in Chicago, but the Department hopes to completely eliminate them by 2012.

In an effort to eradicate pedestrian accidents, city officials have started a year-long pedestrian safety campaign called "It's up to you." The program began in October 2011 and has continued to remind motorists of the importance of driving safely. One of the biggest goals is to remind drivers that stopping for a pedestrian, whether he or she is in the crosswalk or not and whether the pedestrian has a signal or not, is the law. The Department is also trying to remind drivers to keep their speed under 30 mph.

Everyone knows that pedestrians can be seriously injured if they are hit by a car, bus or truck, but it is a driver's responsibility to pay attention to who is around him or her and whether he or she is in danger of hitting anyone. Much like the title of the safety campaign, it is up to drivers to make sure Chicago's pedestrians are safe. Failing to drive cautiously, however, can lead to financial and legal responsibility for any accidents that result.

In addition to reminding drivers of the law, the "It's up to you" campaign is also using several billboards and signs warning drivers that hitting a pedestrian only takes a second, but that it will change the rest of a driver's life.

Source: Chicago Department of Transportation, "It's Up To You"