Apr 20, 2009
Police crosswalk crack-down targets unyieldy drivers
beatles.com
Here’s one more reason to walk (not drive) to the corner store.
Multiple news sources are reporting on new efforts being taken to make streets safer for pedestrians and stricter for drivers.
WBEZ is reporting that starting today, Chicago Police will be going undercover as pedestrians to catch non-yielding drivers in the act. WBEZ quotes a police spokesperson as saying that drivers could be fined $50 to $500 for failing to yield to pedestrians.
The Chicago Tribune’s story also reported on state legislation that could further the pedestrian cause. The Tribune’s Jon Hilkevitch wrote,
Meanwhile, legislation pending before the state Senate would go even further, strengthening the Illinois vehicle code by requiring drivers to not only yield—but stop—when pedestrians are in crosswalks.
Advocates of the measure, which was proposed by the Active Transportation Alliance, say the law requiring drivers to yield is too vague. Eleven states and the District of Columbia have “must stop” laws.
Violators would face a minimum $150 fine in Illinois.
Looks like a good time to be taking to the crosswalks.