LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Just Crossing Street a Hazard to our Health

Have you ever noticed in California when a pedestrian walks—even jaywalks—across the street, the driver immediately stops and yields to those on foot?

In New York, the same pedestrian would be taking his life in his hands to attempt such a feat.

But in Chicago, it's questionable just what might happen. Some drivers are respectful of a pedestrian's right of way; others seem to prefer to play chicken on the road.

This is why a Chicago rule allowing aldermen to designate crosswalks in their wards whenever they see fit is, perhaps, not the most scientific approach to the problem of getting pedestrians safely to their destinations. Highway design experts surely would disagree with ad hoc discretionary crosswalks.

Take the crosswalks that link Chicago's City Hall to its neighboring blocks. City Hall and the County Building are bounded by Clark, LaSalle, Randolph and Washington. And besides the usual crosswalks at the corner, there are white crosswalks painted on the streets leading to these governmental office doors in the middle of the block.

Although this may represent a convenience for the people who work at city and county offices as well as for those who use their services, it is clearly a hazard, an accident waiting to happen. No flashing lights or warnings are posted for motorists speeding down these streets.

And with stop lights at every corner, too many times drivers are concerned with getting through a light and don't pay attention to a pedestrian stepping off the curb in mid-block. I have witnessed many close calls, as I use these particular crosswalks nearly every day.

I am a personal injury lawyer, and too often I have seen what a terrible accident can mean to an individual or a family. I can assure you that I have no pending cases against the city regarding this particular hazardous condition. My efforts are aimed at preventing such a tragedy.

I even discussed the potential problem with Ald. Burton Natarus (42nd), chairman of the City Council's Committee of Traffic Control and Safety. These crosswalks are in his ward, and he assured me he is looking into the situation. But the time has come to act.

No longer can safety be sacrificed for convenience, some type of flashing light or sign is necessary before someone gets hurt. Bad things do happen to good people, and something terrible will happen soon here unless we put safety first.