Tuesday afternoon, after a yelling match with a bicyclist regarding lane space, a female motorist in Chicago revved her engine and intentionally tried to run over bicyclist Tim Heath with her car at the corner of Milwaukee and Diversey. Four witnesses back up the story of the bicyclist. The car ran over the Chicago bicyclist’s foot and leg causing a laceration to his leg. The bicyclist got the driver’s license plate number and turned it over to the police. The police made contact with the driver and made arrangements for her to turn herself in. The police have yet to announce what if any charges will be brought. Hopefully, the police will take the case seriously and charge the driver with aggravated battery like she deserves. With the number of bicyclist injured by cars in Chicago, police should make a special effort to protect bicyclist, for example, ticketing motorists who drive in bike lanes to cut around stopped cars. Maybe that way there will be less Chicago bicycle accidents involving cars.
New Illinois Law Requires Drivers To Stop At Crosswalks When Pedestrians Present.
A new law has just passed the Illinois Senate that would require drivers to come to a complete stop if a pedestrian enters a crosswalk. The old law only required drivers to slow down or stop only when necessary. In 2007, 172 pedestrians were struck in crosswalks in Illinois prompting the Illinois state legislature to act. This is welcome news for Chicago pedestrians who are aware that no one even slows down at cross walks, not even the police. It will be interesting to see if the police actually enforce this law.
Naperville Driver Gets Jail For Attempting To Hit Bicyclist
Mary A. Rehn, 67, got 42 days in prison after pleading guilty to aggravated battery for running down a teen bicyclist in downtown Naperville, Illinois. The teen was riding his bike on Washington Street when Rehm came up behind the bicyclist in her car and started honking her horn. Rehm then floored it but the teen was able to jump off his bike before the bike was hit. Rehm then drove off, dragging the teen’s bicycle under her car. The teen stated that Rehm acted intentionally and that the crash was not an accident.
Obama Bicycle Policy Praised By Cyclists in Chicago
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced that that the federal government is going to give bicycling the same importance as automobiles and trucks in planning and selection of federal projects. Secretary LaHood posted on a government blog: “This is the end of favoring motorized transportation at the expense of non-motorized”. LaHood’s blog recommends, for example, including biking and walking lanes on bridges and clearing snow from bike paths.
LaHood’s announcement was praised by biking organizations such as League of American Bicyclists along with local Chicago bicyclist groups.
Driver Hits, Kills Bicyclist On Chicago West Side
A 48 year old man was struck and killed as he rode his bicycle across Chicago Avenue at the intersection of Lawler Avenue and Chicago Avenue in Chicago. The accident happened at 4:30 pm. The bicyclist, who was identified as Jerry Simpson, was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead at 5:51 p.m.
The driver of the car, Victoria Fobbs, 26, was cited with negligent driving and failure to reduce speed.
With the nice weather there have been many more bicycle accidents in Chicago. Bicyclists need to be sure to wear their helmets to avoid traumatic head injuries.
Bike Designed For Chicago Bikers
Roscoe Village Bikes is selling a bike that was specially build for Chicago bicycle commuters. The bike, called the “Four Star” (like the Chicago flag) comes with Kevlar lined tires that are more puncture resistant and reflective sidewalls that are more visible. The bike also comes with full fenders to prevent mud from being sprayed on to the back of the biker. It comes in a blue and white color scheme.
Chicago Teen Killed, Two Friends Injured On Bike Trip
Another tragic bike accident claims the life of three Chicago teens. The Chicago teens were on a spring bicycle trip 320 miles south of Chicago when an 87 year old driver in a minivan crossed the center line on a rural road and struck the three Chicago girls head on. One of the girls was killed and her two Chicago Lab School friends were seriously injured. Police speculate that the elderly driver may have fallen asleep. The bicycle accident happened at 2 PM on Wednesday.
Under Illinois law drivers over 87 years old must renew their license every and must take both the written and road test.
Car Doors Cause Bicycle Accidents In Chicago
One of the most common bike accidents that the Chicago law firm of Zneimer & Zneimer handles are car doors being opened in the path of a bicyclist. It is understandable because it is easy to forget to look for bicyclists before getting out of ones car. Even if one is in the habit of looking for bicyclists it is to forget on occasion when one is distracted and thinking of other things. People who are exiting a parked car must try to look for bikes every time they exit. Additionally, it is illegal in Chicago to open ones car door in front of a bicyclist. Chicago Municipal Ordinance 9-80-035 provides: No person shall open the door of a vehicle on the side available to moving traffic unless and until it is reasonably safe to do do, and can be done without interfering with the movement of other traffic, nor shall any person leave a door open on the side of a vehicle available to moving traffic for a period of time longer than necessary to load or unload passengers.
Estheticians and Cosmetologists Cannot Perform Laser Hair Removal
Under the Barber, Cosmetology, Esthetics and Nail Technology Act of 1985, 225 ILCS 410/1 et seq., licensed cosmetologists “are prohibited from using any technique, product, or practice intended to affect the living layers of the skin.” 225 ILCS 410/3-1. Removal of unwanted hair involves affecting the dermis, which is a living layer of the skin.
The Act states that the “term cosmetology includes rendering advice on what is cosmetically appealing, but no person licensed under this Act shall render advice on what is appropriate medical treatment for diseases of the skin.”
Only persons who are qualified and under the supervision of a medical doctor may perform laser hair removal. A physician may “delegate the performance of non-ablative procedures to a licensed practical nurse, a registered professional nurse, or other persons” with on site supervision by the physician or by telephone or other electronic means. 68 Ill. Adm.Code § 1285.336(b)(3)(B). Before the physician delegates the use of laser, “[t]he physician must examine the patient and determine a course of treatment appropriate to the patient prior to any ablative or non-ablative procedures.” 68 Ill. Adm.Code § 1285.336(b)(3). The person delegated the authority to perform any laser procedures “must have received appropriate, documented training and education in the safe and effective use of each system utilized.” 68 Ill. Adm.Code § 1285.336(b)(4)
Chcago Driver Who Hit Cop Was On Cell
A Chicago driver, Kimisha Moore, 19, was on her cell phone and was driving 60 mph when she approached a stopped emergency vehicles on the Dan Ryan in Chicago. The distracted driver struck a state trooper who was standing on the shoulder and was engaged in a traffic stop investigation. The trooper suffered a smashed pelvis and two broken legs. The distracted driver was charged with aggravated reckless conduct, a felony and bond was set at $50,000.
The State Police issued a plea for drivers to stay off their cell phones and to slow down and change lanes when drivers see emergency vehicles stopped along the shoulder.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that almost 6,000 people are killed each year by distracted drivers and 50,000 are injured in auto accidents by distracted drivers.