Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog
The number of Chicago pedestrian accidents ranked the Chicago-Naperville-Joliet area 41st most-dangerous in a new study detailing the nation’s 52 deadliest areas for pedestrian accidents, which was conducted by Transportation for America.
It was a good showing for the area, where our Chicago injury lawyers frequently discuss the high rates of serious or fatal pedestrian accidents. The fact that 41 areas of the country are more dangerous illustrates the scope of the problem.
Nationwide, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports more than 4,000 people are killed and 69,000 are injured in pedestrian accidents each year. Illinois pedestrian accidents killed 111 people last year and injured more than 5,000. One in 5 fatal pedestrian accidents claimed a victim over the age of 65.
Each year, Chicago pedestrian accidents account for about half of the state’s total. In 2008, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that 52 people were killed and 3,225 were injured in Chicago pedestrian accidents.
Last year’s top five most-dangerous areas for walking were Orlando, Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville and Memphis. In the past 15 years, more than 76,000 people have been killed while walking the streets of their communities. In the past decade, more than 43,000 — including nearly 4,000 children under the age of 16 — have lost their lives.
The organization recommends reducing pedestrian accidents through a variety of means, including:
-Traffic calming and street design.
-Complete Streets, a program that includes reducing speeds and taking into account the needs of all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians.
-Safe Routes to School programs.
-Walkable neighborhoods.
If you or a family member has been in an accident, the Chicago pedestrian accident attorneys at Abels & Annes offer free and confidential appointments to discuss your rights. Call (866) 99-ABELS. There is no fee unless you win.