Pedestrian Panic

Even when there are reliable and affordable public transportation options, many residents of large cities choose to travel on foot. The nature of high-density development makes this a possibility, and even the riders of light-rails, subways, and buses have to make their way from their station or stop to their destination by walking. But while much attention is paid to the problems facing automobiles, as they manage to jam up the streets, the risks that pedestrians face are often overlooked.

Despite the presence of crosswalks, crossing signs, and basic driving etiquette, aggressive or inattentive drivers hit hundreds of pedestrians each year in Chicago. A study conducted by the North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center found that in a typical year, 71 pedestrians are killed and 900 are seriously injured while crossing the street. That works out to roughly one needless pedestrian death every five days, and five serious injuries every two days.

If a reckless or negligent driver struck you while you were obeying traffic laws, contact the Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at 312-466-8200.

Hot Spots

The same study identified the most dangerous intersections in the Windy City, and this list represents the five worst, as defined by number of accidents involving pedestrians from 2003-2005.

• 1. 79th Street and King Drive – 13 accidents
• 2. 79th Street and Ashland Avenue – 11 accidents
• 3. California and North avenues – 10 accidents
• 4. Cicero Avenue and Madison Street – 9 accidents
• 5. Pulaski and Irving Park roads – 8 accidents (tied with three others)

Bear this in mind when you are crossing the street at any of these intersections, and be sure to use extra caution.

Contact Us

Pedestrians are protected under the law, and if a motorist has hurt you, contact the Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys of Friedman & Bonebrake, P.C. at 312-466-8200.