A Traffic Safety Bill in Illinois Could Save Lives — but Cities Can Act Sooner
With rising numbers of pedestrians being killed or seriously injured in car crashes, it’s easy for elected officials to feel powerless — especially when state and federal agencies control many of the roads where these tragedies occur. But they're not powerless. Local officials can take action to make streets safer. The Illinois General Assembly is considering new legislation that could serve as a model for doing so.
A new bill in the Illinois General Assembly, introduced by Sen. Sara Feigenholtz, would require the Illinois Department of Transportation to "conduct a traffic study following the occurrence of any crash involving a pedestrian fatality that occurs at an intersection of a State, federal, or municipal highway." The study would consider "alternative geometric design improvements, traffic control devices, and any other improvements that the Department deems necessary."
This bill is a great step in the right direction, and it also highlights a crucial point: Cities don’t need to wait for the state to act. Every community has the power to evaluate dangerous intersections and make immediate, life-saving changes. Strong Towns has developed a process to help them do just that.
The "Beyond Blame" report outlines how local governments can take responsibility for understanding the root causes of crashes in their own communities. By following the Crash Analysis Studio model, cities can assess crash sites, identify systemic design failures and recommend specific improvements — without waiting for the state to step in. This approach empowers communities to act swiftly and effectively, preventing further loss of life.
If you’re an elected official who's committed to making your city’s streets safer, don’t wait for state agencies to take the lead. Download the "Beyond Blame" report and start your own Crash Analysis Studio today.