Pedestrian safety, especially when it comes to schoolchildren and school zones, needs to remain a top priority for students, parents, and drivers who drive in and out of school zones every day.
(PRWEB) December 11, 2014
Commenting on a recent Telegraph article announcing that Illinois has been awarded a $5.9 million federal investment to create a “Safe Routes to School” pedestrian safety program in Illinois, attorney Gregory F. Coplan today stressed the importance of taking all necessary measures to keep children safe while traveling to and from school.
Coplan, a principal at Chicago law firm Coplan & Crane, based his comments on a November 30 article, “Illinois awarded $5.9M for Safe Routes to School program.” The Telegraph reported that the “Safe Routes to School” grant would encompass more than 50 safety projects throughout the state totaling $5.9 million.
“Pedestrian safety, especially when it comes to schoolchildren and school zones, needs to remain a top priority for students, parents, and drivers who drive in and out of school zones every day,” said Coplan. “That’s why, at Coplan & Crane, we support all efforts to improve safety conditions for children walking or bicycling to school.”
According to the Telegraph, the federally funded program will work to create a safe environment in a number of different ways. These include sidewalk repairs and reconstruction projects, pedestrian countdown signals, speed feedback signs, equipment for police patrolling school zones, safety training, and projects designed to reduce traffic.
According to the story, the cities, towns and villages receiving federal funding in Cook County include Chicago, Merrionette Park, Oak Park, and Mount Prospect, among other communities. This will include funding to construct new sidewalks, install illuminated stop signs, increase police presence near schools, and improve pedestrian crosswalk conditions, according to the Telegraph.
“While this safety grant is critical to ensuring the safety of schoolchildren and other pedestrians in Chicago, Oak Park, and throughout Illinois, it’s ultimately up to drivers to make wise decisions,” Coplan said. “Drivers should understand it only takes a split second for an accident to occur between a passenger vehicle and pedestrian. Drivers who share the road with pedestrians and bicyclists, especially children, should never text while driving, ignore the speed limit or drive while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Negligent drivers who cause accidents must be held accountable. If you are injured or a loved one is injured or killed in an accident, it’s important to seek the advice of legal counsel. You may be entitled to compensation for your losses.”
About Coplan & Crane
Serving clients in Oak Park, Chicago and all of Illinois, Coplan & Crane handles a wide range of cases, including car accidents, truck accidents, bus accidents, railroad accidents, workplace injuries, dangerous products, medical malpractice and birth injuries. The law firm has a strong track record for obtaining large verdicts and settlements, including several, high-profile, multi-million-dollar settlements and verdicts. A free consultation is available to all interested clients. The law firm works on a contingency fee basis. That means people only pay if they win.
Coplan & Crane
1111 Westgate St
Oak Park, IL 60301
(800) 394-6002
http://www.coplancrane.com