March 26, 2009

Contact Margo O’Hara
margo@activetrans.org
312.427.3325 x 224
Graphics and maps at www.activetrans.org.

South and West Suburbs rate highest for pedestrian crash rates

The 10 suburban towns with the highest pedestrian crash rates are all located in the South and West suburbs, according to an Active Transportation Alliance analysis of Illinois Department of Transportation data from 2004-2007, released today.

See the full report at http://www.activetrans.org/crashreduction/report

The analysis identifies suburban communities with the highest rate of pedestrian crashes based on population. The rate is equal to the number of pedestrian crashes per 1,000 residents. The top ten communities are:

• Hopkins Park (4.22)
• Oakbrook Terrace (1.31)
• Harvey (1.12)
• Markham (1.03)
• Countryside (1.00)
• Oak Park (.96)
• Rosemont (.95)
• Summit (.94)
• Calumet Park (.94)
• Midlothian (.91)

“When a pedestrian steps off the curb, motorists fly by thinking that they have the right of way,” said Steve Buchtel, Southland coordinator for the Active Transportation Alliance. “It’s hard to get across the street when you walk your kids to school or want to walk to the grocery store.”

The analysis does not include the City of Chicago, which has one of the top five highest rates of pedestrian crashes in the United States.

In 2007, 6,000 people were hit in Illinois while walking in crosswalks. These crashes resulted in 170 fatalities and more than 1,000 serious injuries, according the Illinois Department of Transportation data.

Pedestrian crashes account for about 12 percent of all traffic fatalities nationwide, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These crashes are occurring despite the Illinois law that requires drivers to yield and stop, if necessary for pedestrians in crosswalks. Law enforcement and pedestrian advocates say the law’s language is too vague and often confusing. Instead, proposed legislation – HB 43 – would clarify that language by requiring motorists to stop for all pedestrians in crosswalks, including ones mid-block, more effectively preventing pedestrian deaths.

When crossing the streets is safer, more people will walk, which is one goal of the Active Transportation Alliance.

“These numbers tell us a story: If we want more people walking, we must improve the safety,” said Rob Sadowsky, Active Trans executive director. “Street design, enforcement and education all play a part in increasing the walkability of a community.”

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is North America’s largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by more than 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 35 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.

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