More education needed about crosswalk law

The philosopher’s question asks: If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, did it make a sound?

We’re asking a similar question about the state’s new crosswalk rules. If a law is on the books for more than a year, but few people are aware of it, does it make any difference?

You see evidence of that mystery when vehicles don’t stop as required for pedestrians attempting to cross a street. And, few signs have been installed along state, county or local roads about the new requirement.

Des Plaines Police Chief James Prandini told Daily Herald reporter Bob Susnjara it’s difficult to justify strict enforcement of a traffic law he believes few drivers know about.

A Daily Herald survey of several suburban police departments shows few tickets have been written for violations since the law went into effect. For instance, Schaumburg has written nine, Naperville six, Libertyville one, Des Plaines none.

What’s needed is a statewide campaign to get out the word about the law, but there’s no evidence anything widespread has been done or is in the works.

Shouldn’t that be part of the package?

Under the law effective since July 1, 2010, drivers must stop — not just yield the right of way when necessary, as previously required — for pedestrians in all crosswalks. It applies even if there are no traffic signals, stop signs or clearly defined crosswalk markings.

There are opponents, such as Republican state Sen. Dan Duffy of Lake Barrington, who said the law wasn’t necessary because drivers already were required to allow pedestrians the right of way.

But supporters like the Chicago-based Active Transportation Alliance say the law would increase pedestrian safety. The group cites no specific incident in seeking tighter crossway regulations, but points to state statistics showing more than 6,000 pedestrians are hit by cars each year.

What else is needed to make the law effective? The head of the Illinois Chiefs of Police Association says there should be a mix of education, improved crosswalk striping, signs and increased enforcement.

A few towns have taken steps to educate motorists and pedestrians with signs in high pedestrian areas and notes in community newsletters.

Wauconda is one of a handful of towns that have posted signs, and officials report they’ve seen better compliance from drivers.

While the state should have already played some role in educating the public about the law, that hasn’t happened. Money is likely to blame.

That means local governments and police should take the initiative to get the word out. If they don’t, pedestrians lose the protections the law provides.