Chicago Accident Lawyer Blog
By Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. – Chicago Personal Injury Attorneys
For many Chicago families, walking or biking to school is a daily routine that promotes exercise, independence, and community connection. Children enjoy seeing friends along the route, getting fresh air, and arriving at school energized. Unfortunately, the simple act of traveling to school can also expose students to significant traffic risks on Chicago streets.
Recent data highlights just how serious the problem can be. According to an analysis of Chicago Police Department crash reports, at least 2,860 Chicago pedestrians or cyclists between the ages of 1 and 19 have been struck by vehicles since 2021. These incidents represent thousands of children whose trips to school, parks, or neighborhood activities ended in injury.
Even more concerning, traffic crashes caused 39 deaths among pedestrians and cyclists under age 20 in Cook County between 2018 and 2022, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention mortality data. These tragic numbers underscore an important reality: the journey to school is not always as safe as it should be.
The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C., represent individuals and families affected by serious injuries throughout Chicago. We also believe that increasing awareness about pedestrian and bicycle safety, especially for children, can help prevent many of these incidents before they occur.
Why School Routes Can Be Dangerous
Many Chicago neighborhoods were built decades ago with automobiles in mind, long before large numbers of children regularly walked or biked to school. As traffic volume has increased, so have the risks for young pedestrians and cyclists navigating busy streets.
In some communities, students must cross major arterial roads with heavy traffic. In others, drivers ignore stop signs, speed through residential streets, or fail to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. Poor visibility at intersections, illegally parked cars blocking sightlines, and the absence of dedicated bike lanes can make the trip to school even more dangerous.
Parents in several Chicago neighborhoods report that they frequently see drivers rolling through stop signs or driving too fast near schools. In some cases, families who live only a few blocks away feel compelled to drive their children to school because they believe walking or biking is simply too risky.
Unfortunately, these dangers can be especially severe in areas with high traffic volumes or large freight corridors. Streets such as Pulaski Road and other major thoroughfares can be difficult for adults to cross safely, let alone children on their way to school.
Infrastructure Improvements Can Save Lives
Urban planning experts increasingly agree that safer street design is one of the most effective ways to prevent pedestrian and bicycle injuries. Rather than relying solely on drivers to behave perfectly, cities can implement roadway designs that naturally slow traffic and protect vulnerable road users.
Chicago has begun implementing several traffic-calming improvements near schools in recent years. These changes include raised crosswalks that force drivers to slow down, curb extensions that shorten crossing distances for pedestrians, and bollards that prevent vehicles from parking too close to intersections. These types of improvements can make students more visible to drivers and reduce the time they spend exposed to moving traffic.
Protected bike lanes have also become an important safety tool. When cyclists are physically separated from vehicle traffic by barriers or curbs, crash rates decline significantly. Students who bike to school often report feeling much safer when their route includes protected bike infrastructure rather than simply painted bike lanes.
While these improvements are promising, the reality is that Chicago has more than 600 public schools, and many still lack comprehensive safety infrastructure nearby. Expanding these programs citywide could significantly reduce injuries among young pedestrians and cyclists.
The Responsibility of Drivers
Illinois law requires drivers to exercise caution when approaching pedestrians and cyclists, particularly in school zones where children are likely to be present. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, obey posted speed limits, and remain attentive to their surroundings.
Unfortunately, many crashes involving children occur because drivers fail to follow these basic safety rules. Distracted driving, speeding, and aggressive driving behaviors can all lead to devastating consequences when a child is crossing the street or riding a bicycle.
Children are especially vulnerable because they may be smaller, less visible to drivers, and less experienced at judging traffic speeds and distances. For that reason, drivers must exercise an even greater level of caution near schools and residential areas.
How Parents and Communities Can Improve Safety
While broader infrastructure improvements require action from city officials, parents and community members can also take steps to improve safety for children walking or biking to school.
Teaching children safe crossing habits is an important first step. Kids should learn to cross only at marked crosswalks whenever possible and to make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Visibility also plays a major role in safety. Bright clothing, reflectors, and bicycle lights can make a significant difference in helping drivers see young cyclists and pedestrians.
Community advocacy can also play a powerful role in improving safety. Parents who work with neighborhood organizations, school administrators, and local alderpersons can help push for traffic-calming measures, improved signage, and safer crossings near schools.
When communities come together to demand safer streets, cities often respond with improvements that benefit everyone—not just students.
When Negligence Causes a Child’s Injury
Despite safety efforts, serious accidents still occur when drivers fail to operate their vehicles responsibly. When a child is injured in a pedestrian or bicycle crash, the physical and emotional consequences can be devastating for families.
In many cases, these accidents are preventable and occur because a driver was speeding, distracted, or failed to yield the right of way. When negligence causes harm, Illinois law allows injured victims and their families to pursue compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Holding negligent drivers accountable can also encourage safer driving behaviors and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
Protecting Chicago’s Young Pedestrians and Cyclists
Walking and biking to school should be safe, healthy activities that help children build independence and stay active. With thoughtful street design, responsible driving, and community advocacy, Chicago can continue making progress toward safer streets for students.
The statistics showing thousands of youth pedestrians and cyclists struck by vehicles in recent years make clear that more work remains to be done. By prioritizing safety around schools and holding negligent drivers accountable, communities can help protect the next generation.
The personal injury lawyers of Zneimer & Zneimer P.C. are committed to advocating for safer streets and protecting the rights of injured pedestrians and cyclists. When preventable accidents occur, families deserve experienced legal representation and a voice for accountability.