Chicago DUI lawyer comments on stopping at crosswalks--it's the law

This Chicago DUI lawyer has posted here and here about legislation during the current session.  She’s pleased to hear about this piece of legislation and hopes it saves the lives, and limbs, of pedestrians.

April 30, Chicago, Il

 Illinois drivers will have to do more than just tap on the brakes at certain crosswalks across the state under a new pedestrian-safety initiative sent to Gov. Quinn on Thursday.

The Illinois Senate voted 33-15 to pass legislation that would require motorists to come to a complete stop if a pedestrian enters a crosswalk where there are no traffic signals or stop signs.

Now, state law requires drivers to slow down or stop for pedestrians only when necessary, which means drivers roll through a crosswalk or don't slow down at all. In 2007, 172 pedestrians were struck and killed in crosswalks in Illinois."

This should minimize or help reduce the number of pedestrian accidents," said Sen. Heather Steans (D-Chicago), the bill's chief Senate sponsor.

Eleven states and the District of Columbia require a complete stop at pedestrian crosswalks that lack traffic signals or stop signs.

Perhaps this new law is one reason I enjoyed this morning’s walk with the dog so much.  Yes, I know the weather was also glorious.