Study fails to tell Rosemont's story

The Daily Herald story on the Active Transportation Alliance's traffic safety report (Oakbrook Terrace, Rosemont rank high in accident study, March 27) completely misses the mark concerning traffic safety in the Village of Rosemont. Indeed, Rosemont is one of the safest communities in Illinois. However, even though the Daily Herald's article does state the researchers developed their data on a per-capita basis using statistics from the Illinois State Police from 2004 to 2007, there is a complete failure to question the report's methods for determining the top 10 communities for high accident rates.

With just over 4,000 residents, Rosemont is one of the smallest communities listed in the report. However, one would never know this because the populations of the towns listed are entirely omitted. In addition, the report never states the total number of accidents in each town. For those wondering, the data suggests there are approximately four pedestrian accidents per year in Rosemont.

Even though I agree it is unacceptable for even one such accident to occur, our town has received an unfair portrayal by both the ATA and the Daily Herald. Rosemont receives 50,000 daily visitors to such places as its convention and conference center, theater, and Allstate Arena. In addition, we are home to nearly 600 businesses employing more than 15,000 workers. This is not your average 4,000 resident community. Millions of people come to Rosemont each year.

Most importantly, the safety report's analysis does not take into account actual pedestrian traffic through towns. Such data has more significance for this type of study than does population.

A revised report using more relevant and appropriate statistics would reveal Rosemont is one of the safest cities in Illinois to drive, bike, and walk. I attribute this to the finest public safety department in the state, clearly marked crosswalks, well-maintained roads and infrastructure as well as the use of red light cameras at major intersections.

We urge the Alliance to move beyond a starting point and provide a report more reflective of reality that actually pinpoints the suburbs with poor pedestrian safety. We also urge the Daily Herald to a better job on its homework to account for "all the facts" in these types of stories in the future.

Brad Stephens

Mayor

Rosemont