Officers Looking for Pickup Involved in Fatal Chicago Pedestrian Accident

Officers are still on the lookout for a driver that recently struck two elderly females. The Illinois pedestrian accident happened as the women were heading to get their hair done at a salon in Chicago’s Jefferson Park neighborhood.

One of the women was killed in the accident, according to the Chicago Tribune. It was her 82nd birthday. The other woman remains in the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park RidgeOfficers have distributed fliers near West Lawrence Avenue, which is where the accident took place. The hospitalized victim described the vehicle involved in the fatal accident as a black or dark blue pickup truck, possibly a Ford F-150. She said it had gray bottom panels. Officers were able to locate some video surveillance and discovered that the described truck was driven by a male. The truck also had a ladder in the back. Anyone who has information is asked to call officers at 312-745-4521.

As we recently discussed on our Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, there are roughly 3,000 pedestrians involved in traffic accidents in Chicago every year. About 80 percent of these accidents happen at intersections when pedestrians are crossing the street. A majority of the recorded accidents occur when motor vehicles are making a turn at these intersections.

Illinois hit-and-run pedestrian-vehicle accidents are unfortunately a common occurrence as well. There have been about 18,000 pedestrians involved in the approximate 17,000 incidents recorded from 2005 to 2009. More than 30 pedestrians were killed in the Chicago area because of these types of accidents, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT).

Elderly pedestrians are at highest risk. As the weather deteriorates and we prepare for the busy holiday season, please take an extra moment and watch for pedestrians — particularly the young and the old.

Illinois State University Police offer these safety tips to pedestrians:

-Pedestrians are required to yield to the right-of-way to drivers.

-Pedestrians must obey walk lights and traffic signals.

-When crossing a street at a place other than an intersection, pedestrians are required to give the right-of-way to drivers.

-Pedestrians are asked to use a pedestrian crossing or a pedestrian tunnel when one is available.

-Pedestrians are to always walk on a sidewalk. If no sidewalk is available, pedestrians should walk on the shoulder next to the road. Stay as far away from traffic as possible.

-Always walk facing oncoming traffic.

-Make eye contact with drivers when crossing a street.

-Hitchhiking is illegal in the state of Illinois and is punishable by up to $2,500 and a jail sentence of up to a year.

-Walkers and joggers should be traveling along paths when available. On public roadways, these individuals are asked to choose well-lighted, wide roads with wide shoulders.

-Pedestrians are required to obey all bridge and railroad gates.

-Keep looking left and right when crossing the road.

-Always be predictable. Walk where sidewalks are provided whenever possible.

-Make is easy for driver to see you. Always wear light-colored clothing and reflective materials when traveling at night.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a pedestrian accident, contact the Illinois personal injury lawyers of Abels & Annes, P.C. Call 866-99-ABELS for a free consultation. There is no fee unless you win.

More Blog Entries:

Aging Adults in Metro Area at Increased Risk for Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 13, 2011

New Report Outlines Risks of Pedestrian Accidents in Chicago and Elsewhere, Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, May 30, 2011

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