Sen. Laura Murphy’s legislation requiring the Transportation Department to more closely investigate accidents involving pedestrians advances. | Facebook
Sen. Laura Murphy’s legislation requiring the Transportation Department to more closely investigate accidents involving pedestrians advances. | Facebook
Illinois Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is introducing legislation requiring the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) to more closely investigate vehicle accidents on state highways that result in pedestrians' death.
The legislation comes in response to the increasing number of vehicle accidents causing pedestrian injuries and fatalities in her district, Murphy said in a March 23 release.
"Illinoisans deserve to be able to walk to school or work, go for a run, or simply take a stroll around their neighborhood safely," Murphy said. "If we can identify problem areas on our state highways, we can implement solutions that will save lives."
The Des Plaines lawmaker's proposal would require the Transportation Department to conduct a traffic study following fatal pedestrian accidents at state highway intersections.
Studies would analyze accident sites to see if any potential improvements could be made to enhance traffic safety, including to design and traffic control devices. The examinations would be made available to the public at the IDOT's website.
"With the right safeguards in place, fatal accidents can often be prevented," Murphy said.
Murphy was moved to back this legislation following a series of accidents in her district. There were three deadly pedestrian accidents on Miner Street between Pearson Street and Graceland Avenue in two years in Des Plaines.
"We owe it to those lost and their families to look into accidents and find ways to avoid further tragedy," Murphy said.
Police conducted a sting operation in that area after four people were hospitalized in two separate accidents just two hours apart at the same location. Plainclothes officers walked across the crosswalk and issued citations to drivers who failed to yield properly. Law enforcement issued 20 citations in six hours.
Last August, a vehicle crash involved a pedestrian near Oakton Community College at Des Plaines River Trail and Central Road, the Arlington Cardinal News reported.
The legislation has passed the Transportation Committee and now heads to the full Senate.
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