Safe Streets for Chicago traffic and pedestrian safety plan

Targeted speeding enforcement, new technologies part of effort to increase traffic and pedestrian safety

In October 2006, city officials unveiled a comprehensive initiative to increase traffic and pedestrian safety throughout Chicago, including stepped-up traffic enforcement by a targeted Police Department team.

The initiative, Safe Streets for Chicago, combines several successful current programs and policies with new initiatives, and technologies. The initiative is a cooperative effort of the Chicago Police Department (CPD), Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC).

Among the initiative’s elements:

• Deployment of a new Targeted Traffic Team in the CPD
• A new Lidar speed-gun system to target speeders
• Creating a Mayor’s Pedestrian Advisory Council
• Launching an extensive public-awareness campaign

"Chicago Police have stepped up efforts to enforce traffic laws and speed violators using similar targeted approaches when fighting crime," said Police Deputy Superintendent Charles Williams.

The new Targeted Traffic Team will deploy three teams of officers who will target locations selected for enforcement based on accident data, complaints from aldermen, and recommendations from District Commanders.

The teams will use Lidar guns, handheld devices that point a laser beam at vehicles to determine speed. When one officer determines a vehicle is speeding, they will radio a second officer to stop the offending vehicle, officials said.

Though pedestrian accidents in Chicago have declined nearly 19 percent between 2000 and 2004 - from 4,478 to 3,632 - pedestrians are still vulnerable, and far too many accidents involve pedestrians, said CDOT Commissioner Thomas G. Byrne. "We’re pleased with the progress we’ve made so far, but we realize there’s more we can do--especially for our most vulnerable citizens: children, the elderly and people with disabilities."

"Speed is a big factor in many accidents, especially those involving pedestrians," Byrne added. "The slower a vehicle is traveling, the more time a driver has to react to a situation like a child running out into the street. That extra second could make a big difference."

Among other technologies, the City will continue to expand the use of pedestrian countdown signals, which let pedestrians know how much time is left to cross the street, as well as the red-light camera-enforcement program, which has helped reduce the number of drivers running red lights.

"The city has used technology in many ways to make roads safer for pedestrians, motorists and bicyclists, and the city will continue to do all it can to in this regard," said Office of Emergency Management and Communications Executive Director Andrew Velasquez III. "With the combination of a motivated city and an educated public, our streets will be safer for everyone."

Safe Streets for Chicago will also include a crosswalk-awareness campaign to remind drivers and pedestrians of their responsibilities.

Additionally, the initiative calls for the creation of a Pedestrian Advisory Council, which will discuss all issues related to pedestrians, identify areas of interest and concern, and examine strategies to promote walking in Chicago.