One might think that in a highly educated and sophisticated community like Evanston, it would be difficult to find someone driving while talking on a cell phone or failing to wear their seat belt, but they would be mistaken.
During a recent Click It or Ticket/Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization, Evanston’s finest issued 43 seat belt citations and 35 distracted driving/cell phone citations in an effort to keep us alive in spite of ourselves.
They also recorded two DUI arrests, three suspended/revoked licenses, seven uninsured motorists, 12 speeders, and 12 other traffic related incidents in the Nov.17-30 campaign.
“Our officers are out all year long,” said Sgt. Tracy Williams, Traffic Bureau Supervisor. “If you or your passengers are caught not wearing a seat belt, day or night, you will be cited for the safety violation,” he warned.
Careless motorists in Evanston
The EPD is doing a great job. I do sometimes think that rolling stops and violating right of way of pedestrians and cutting them off during a left or right turn are increasing. I have witnessed many a close call, especially at the Dempster and Ridge intersection. Maybe the flashing walkway warning lights are needed at more pedestrian crossings, to help improve visibility and pedestrian safety.
Also—motorists
Going through not just rolling through stop signs, speeding through yellow lights where they had time and speed to stop and end completely going through red lights; not using turn signals even with left turns on to and from Sheridan. Coming much too close to bikers-within a foot or two. Not yielding to bikes when they have right of way and no stop sign but the car has a stop sign against them.
Jaywalking tickets
There are plenty of flashing walkway warning lights. The biggest problem is pedestrians ignore don't walk signs. How about stiff fines for walking against the lights and not obeying the signs.