TRAFFIC SAFETY:
REGIONAL SOLUTIONS

What can be expected when 38 separate municipal governments discover that though their region is blessed with an excellent transportation network, it may also be home to serious traffic safety problems? In this case, the 38 municipalities have decided that it makes good sense to work together as a region to identify traffic safety problems and mutually develop solutions.

With the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association (SSMMA) acting as a coordinating body, communities in south Cook and east Will counties have produced a Regional Traffic Safety Program heralded by state and federal authorities as a model of innovation and cooperation. The program is funded by the federal government, administered through the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), overseen by the SSMMA Transportation Committee, and staffed by Association personnel.

Volunteers from a wide range of regional groups have worked to compile data for the project, assess problems, suggest solutions, and move toward putting those suggestions into action. Individuals from public works departments, the South Suburban Association of Chiefs of Police (SSACOP), firefighters, and medical community, the judiciary, schools, the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, the media, and IDOT's Department of Traffic Safety have all contributed to the success and energy of this project.

First, police chiefs were surveyed for input on what they perceived as their most critical traffic safety concerns. Additionally, statistics were collected on traffic, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents. Data tabulated from these surveys led to the establishment of a task force to oversee the entire project, with five committees formed to address specific issues: Occupant Protection, Alcohol, Enforcement, Engineering and Emergency Services, and Non-Motor Traffic.

With this information as a base, the committees focused on formulating specific recommendations to make south suburban roadways safer. Their recommendations will be reviewed by the Department of Traffic Safety.

What did the committees discover in their research? How can accident levels and traffic safety hazards be reduced?

The Occupant Protection Committee, chaired by Ronnie Burks of Allstate Insurance, placed the use of safety belts and child safety seats high on its list of priorities. A goal of 75% safety belt usage for the southern suburbs by September 30, 1994 was set. Public service announcements stressing the "buckle up habit" are planned for local radio and television stations.

Informational press releases, videotapes, decals, and other materials that can be widely distributed will be created. Students from preschool through high school plus major employers in the region will be targeted in an effort to increase usage of vehicle occupant restraints.

Recognizing that education campaigns will not necessarily reach everyone in the region, law enforcement agencies will increase the enforcement of occupant protection laws through roadside safety checks.

To stimulate the use of child safety seats, a seat giveaway plan for local hospitals has been proposed. Seat usage training programs will be conducted for new parents before they take their babies home. Obstetricians, pediatricians, and pre-natal educators will be targeted too as resources for passing along safety seat instruction.

The Alcohol Committee, led by Judge Edwin Richardson, cited several recommendations: that south suburban municipalities should endorse a uniform parental responsibility ordinance regarding the use of alcohol by minors; that the implications of "driving under the influence" should be highlighted in high school drivers' education classes and to the general public; that anyone employed in a situation that requires serving alcohol should be trained to detect intoxication and deal with it appropriately; and that enforcement of laws prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverage to minors should be underscored.

Classroom DUI discussions will be led by both uniformed police officers and teenage patients from the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago. Literature accentuating responsible drinking will be distributed at local street festivals. The award-winning film, "Shattered Lives, Shattered Dreams" will be aired on local cable networks.

The Enforcement Committee, chaired by Burnham Police Chief James Crull, indicated that a series of

September 1991 / Illinois Municipal Review / Page 9

uniform roadside safety checks would be useful in enforcing laws dealing with occupant protection and alcohol-impaired driving. The committee recommended that off-duty police officers be hired to assist with law enforcement in areas with high rates of traffic safety violations. It was suggested that video cameras be installed in municipal vehicles to assist in the documentation of DUI of tenses.

The Engineering Committee, led by David McKay, Public Works Director for the Village of Park Forest, offered several means of decreasing accidents due to road hazards. This group outlined ideas for upgrading deficient "stop" and "yield" signs and training municipal employees in the correct installation of traffic control devices.

The Non-Motor Traffic Committee, chaired by Peg Donohue of Governors State University, examined pedestrian and bicycle safety. It was determined that the "safety consciousness" of pedestrians needs to be raised, particularly around high schools and commuter rail stations. An education campaign, upgraded signage, and stronger enforcement of crosswalk and speed laws appear to be necessary.

To increase awareness by children and adults of bicycle laws and safety riding techniques, pamphlets and videos will be developed and helmet usage encouraged. Bicycle rodeos were proposed as a means of demonstrating safe riding maneuvers and showing bikers how to perform regular safety and maintenance checks.

The next step— implementation of the project's recommendations — will demonstrate even more graphically what can be accomplished when segments of a region tackle problems together.

LEAGUE PUBLISHES 1990-91
UTILITY TAX SURVEY

In August, the IML published the results of the 1990-91 utility tax survey. The survey was mailed to 303 municipalities that reported a utility tax. Results show that a large percentage of those municipalities taxing utilities are doing so at statutory limits.

Information concerning the type of utility the tax is levied on, tax rates in percent, and the total and per capita amount of revenue collected annually from each tax are given for all municipalities listed in the report.

Copies of the 1990-91 IML Utility Tax Survey may be obtained from the League by calling Research Associate Jim McCurdy at 217/525-1220 or writing to him at the League offices.

Page 10 / Illinois Municipal Review / September 1991