Male Chicago Pedestrian Dies in Illinois Motor Vehicle Accident in the South Loop
In Chicago on Wednesday night, a male pedestrian died after he was hit by a motor vehicle as he crossed the street close to South Wabash Avenue and East Roosevelt Road. According to Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford, the victim was in “extremely critical” condition when he was admitted John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in Cook County, where he was later pronounced dead.
The driver of the car that struck the male pedestrian is 26-year-old Chicago resident Karl Riley. Police gave him a citation for striking a pedestrian in the roadway. Chicago police are investigating the cause of the Illinois pedestrian crash.
2007 NHTSA Pedestrian Accident Facts:
• There were 171 pedestrian deaths in Illinois.
• Nationally, 4,654 pedestrians died in traffic accidents.
• 70,000 pedestrians sustained injuries in traffic crashes.
• 73% of pedestrian deaths in the US took place in urban areas.
• 77% of pedestrian fatalities happened at non-intersections.
• 90% of pedestrian deaths occurred in normal weather conditions.
• 67% of fatal pedestrian accidents occurred at night.
Truckers, motorcyclists, and passenger car drivers are supposed to yield the right-of-way to pedestrians whether or not they are crossing the street in unmarked or marked crosswalks.
Steps that Illinois motorists can take to prevent pedestrian accidents:
• Pay attention to the road.
• Always check for pedestrians, even when you aren’t at a crosswalk or intersection.
• If necessary, honk your horn to warn pedestrians you are there.
• Make sure your motor vehicle is up-to-date on all maintenance.
Pedestrian killed in South Loop, Chicago Sun-Times, November 6, 2008
2007 Traffic Safety Fact Sheets, NHTSA
Pedestrian Programs, City of Chicago
