TL;DR: Drivers and pedestrians can stay safe by following Illinois traffic laws, staying alert, and respecting each other’s right-of-way. This means drivers must slow down and yield to people in crosswalks, and pedestrians should cross at intersections or crosswalks and avoid sudden, unpredictable moves. Both should eliminate distractions (no texting or headphone use) and be extra cautious at night or in bad weather. Illinois law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, and it prohibits jaywalking. These rules exist because the stakes are high: in 2023, 195 pedestrians were killed in Illinois traffic crashes (about 15.7% of all road fatalities), and Chicago alone saw 59 pedestrian deaths in 2022. By obeying the rules and looking out for each other, drivers and walkers can prevent tragedies and make the streets safer for everyone.
It’s a two-way street, literally. Every day, nearly all of us are pedestrians at some point (even if just walking to our cars or the bus). What that means is every day, even if just for a few minutes, we are the most vulnerable road users, and a moment of carelessness by either a driver or a walker can change our life (and not in a good way). In this article, we’ll break down steps and Illinois-specific laws that help protect everyone on the road. From essential driving tips to crosswalk rules and those tricky edge cases (like jaywalking or dark streets at night), here’s what you need to know to stay safe and prevent accidents between vehicles and pedestrians. Call us for further information at 773-202-5060.
What can drivers do to avoid hitting pedestrians in Illinois?
Drivers hold a huge responsibility for pedestrian safety. Since a car is much heavier and faster than a person on foot, mistakes can be deadly. Illinois law explicitly requires drivers to stop and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and generally, pedestrians have the right-of-way in most crossing situations. Beyond the law, good driving habits can save lives. Here are some key safety tips for drivers to help avoid accidents with pedestrians:
Always stay alert for pedestrians everywhere
Scan the road and sidewalks ahead of you. Children, joggers, or dog-walkers might appear suddenly. Don’t assume areas are clear and look out for people at all times, not just at crosswalks.
Slow down and be prepared to stop near crosswalks and in neighborhoods
If you’re turning or approaching an intersection, reduce your speed and cover your brake. In Illinois, you must follow the speed limits, especially in school zones or residential areas. Doing so will give you more time to react.
Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks – every time
It’s Illinois law to stop for people in marked crosswalks (and even unmarked crosswalks at intersections) when they’re on your half of the road or close enough to be in danger. Stop well back from the crosswalk so other drivers can see the pedestrian too. Never inch forward aggressively; let people cross completely. If you see a car stopped at a crosswalk, don’t pass it because they might be yielding to someone you don’t see.
Use extra caution at night and in bad weather
Pedestrians become much harder to spot in low-light conditions like dusk, nighttime, rain, or snow. Turn on your headlights and drive slower than you normally would. Expect that a person could be walking along a roadside or crossing where you wouldn’t normally expect. For example, if sidewalks are icy or puddled, pedestrians might walk on the road edge. In poor visibility, give yourself more time to react.
Tip: If you’re having trouble seeing, assume pedestrians are too.
Eliminate distractions and never drive impaired
Illinois bans texting and handheld phone use while driving, and for good reason. Taking your eyes off the road for even a second in a busy area could mean not seeing someone stepping off the curb. Similarly, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is extremely dangerous (and illegal). Never drive while impaired. Drunk or high drivers often fail to notice pedestrians. The same goes for drowsy driving. If you’re tired, stay alert or pull over.
Be careful backing up and around parked cars
Always check your mirrors and do a shoulder check for pedestrians behind you when reversing out of driveways or parking spots. In parking lots or along street parking, go slow because a person (especially a child) can dart out from between cars. Many pedestrian injuries happen in driveways and parking areas.
Watch for school zones and buses
When approaching a school zone (typically marked with signs and flashing lights during school hours), slow down to the posted 20 mph speed limit (or lower if children are present) and be prepared to stop for kids in crosswalks. Stop for school buses loading or unloading children – it’s the law. Young pedestrians can be unpredictable, so extra caution near schools, parks, and residential areas is critical. (Illinois imposes stiff fines for speeding or failing to yield in school zones.)
Be mindful of vehicle size and blind spots
If you drive a larger vehicle like an SUV, truck, or van, remember that you have bigger blind spots and your vehicle’s height can make it harder to see people close by. Nearly half of pedestrians killed in Chicago are hit by an SUV or larger vehicle, partly because of these visibility and braking distance issues. Check your mirrors diligently, shoulder check before turns, and give yourself extra distance to stop. Simple adjustments like raising your seat and adjusting mirrors can help minimize blind spots.
How can pedestrians protect themselves when walking near traffic?
Pedestrians might not have 2-ton vehicles at their command, but they aren’t powerless – there’s a lot one can do to stay safe while walking. As a pedestrian in Illinois (or anywhere), you should always assume that drivers may not see you or may make mistakes, so it’s smart to take precautions on your end. Here are essential safety tips for pedestrians to follow whenever you’re walking near roads:
Cross at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible
Illinois law expects pedestrians to use marked crosswalks (or unmarked crosswalks at intersections) to cross the street. Drivers are more likely to look for people at these crossings. If you cross in the middle of the block or against the signal, drivers won’t anticipate you – that’s how many accidents happen. It’s not just safer; in many places, jaywalking (crossing outside a crosswalk) is illegal. Save yourself the risk and cross where you’re supposed to.
Obey pedestrian signals and traffic signs
Don’t assume you can dash across just because you’re in a crosswalk – only cross when the walk signal is on (or green light in your direction). Even then, look left-right-left before stepping into the street. Make sure any approaching cars are slowing and see you. If the “Don’t Walk” hand is flashing or solid, do not start crossing – wait for the next cycle. Pedestrians must follow Illinois traffic signals just like drivers do.
Stay on sidewalks and paths
Sidewalks are your safety zone. If a sidewalk is available, use it. Walking in the road greatly increases your risk. In Illinois cities like Chicago, it’s also the law to stay off the street if a sidewalk is present. If there’s truly no sidewalk or shoulder, walk facing traffic (so you can see oncoming cars) and stay as far to the edge as possible. This way you can react if a car comes near.
Make yourself visible, especially at night
If you’re walking at night or in low-light conditions (dawn, dusk, rain), take extra steps to be seen. Wear bright or reflective clothing (a light-colored jacket, reflective armbands, or even carrying a small flashlight can help drivers notice you). In well-lit city areas, stay under street lights when waiting to cross. In dark areas, walking facing traffic (as mentioned) lets you see headlights coming. Nearly three-quarters of fatal pedestrian crashes happen in low-light conditions, so visibility is critical.
Stay alert – don’t walk distracted or impaired
It’s not just drivers who shouldn’t use phones or be intoxicated; as a pedestrian you also need your full attention and judgment. Put your phone in your pocket when crossing streets – “Head up, phone down” is a good mantra. Don’t text while walking in intersections. Remove your headphones or lower the volume so you can hear traffic horns or sirens. And of course, avoid walking if you’re drunk or high; impairment can lead to dangerously bad decisions (like stumbling into traffic). If you must get home, consider a rideshare or walking with a sober friend who can keep you on track.
Make eye contact with drivers
Never assume a driver sees you. Whenever possible, make eye contact or at least wave at an approaching driver before you cross in front of them. This is especially important in parking lots, at stop signs, or any situation where a car is present but you don’t have a signal. Eye contact is a simple way to confirm, “You see me, right?” If you can’t see the driver’s eyes, assume they haven’t seen you and wait until you’re sure it’s safe.
Be careful around parked cars and driveways
When walking along streets, watch for brake lights or engine noise from parked cars – they might back out suddenly. At intersections, look over your shoulder for cars making right turns behind you. Also, never step into the street from between parked vehicles; drivers won’t have a chance to see you. Cross at corners where you’re visible. And when crossing driveways or alleys, don’t assume the driver will stop – make sure to catch the driver’s attention.
Keep kids and pets close, and teach them early
If you’re walking with children, hold their hand when crossing and set a good example by following signals. Kids can be impulsive, so teach them to stop at curbs and look for cars. If walking the dog, use a short leash near traffic and don’t let your pet dart into the street. Your extra vigilance can prevent a sudden dash into the road.
Be extra cautious in high-risk conditions
Certain situations call for a higher level of alertness. If you’re walking at night on a road with no sidewalk, you might even consider carrying a flashlight or wearing a reflective vest. In winter, beware that snow piles can force you onto the road and also make it harder for drivers to stop. In any scenario where something feels unsafe (poor lighting, heavy traffic, etc.), adjust your behavior: cross at a light instead of mid-block, wait for an accompanying group of pedestrians, or even change your route. It’s better to be inconvenienced than injured.
Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way in Illinois?
This is a common question, and the answer is a bit nuanced: Pedestrians have the right-of-way in certain conditions, but not unconditionally everywhere. Illinois law is pretty clear about a few scenarios:
At crosswalks (and intersections)
Yes, drivers must yield to pedestrians. When traffic signals are absent or not working, any pedestrian crossing in a marked crosswalk, or at an intersection (even if unmarked), has the right-of-way. The Illinois Vehicle Code 625 ILCS 5/11-1002(a) states that drivers must stop and yield when a pedestrian is on their half of the roadway or close enough on the other half to be in danger. In practice, this means if someone is crossing the street you’re turning or driving onto, you stop and let them cross. (And as mentioned earlier, don’t pass cars stopped at a crosswalk – that’s illegal and very dangerous.) Pedestrians in these situations essentially “own” the crosswalk until they’re safely across.
When NOT at a crosswalk (i.e., jaywalking)
No, pedestrians do not have automatic right-of-way if they cross outside of a crosswalk. In fact, Illinois law explicitly says that if you cross the road at any point other than a marked crosswalk or an intersection, you must yield to vehicles. So a car doesn’t have to stop for someone darting across mid-block. This is basically the definition of jaywalking – and yes, jaywalking is illegal in Illinois. Pedestrians are expected to stick to crosswalks. If they don’t, they’re technically violating the law and could be fined. More importantly, by giving up right-of-way, a jaywalker is putting themselves at great risk because drivers are not obliged to stop (though good drivers will try anyway to avoid an accident).
Pedestrians suddenly entering the road
The law also says a pedestrian shouldn’t suddenly leave a curb and walk or run into the path of a moving vehicle that is so close it’s an immediate hazard. This means even if you’re at a crosswalk, you can’t just jump in front of a car that’s too close to stop. If you do, and the driver hits you, the driver might not be held at fault because you violated your duty of caution (and the law). So, right-of-way is partly about being in the right place at the right time – use the crosswalk and start crossing only when it’s safe.
What happens if a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk (jaywalks) in Illinois?
Despite all the safety advice, we know it happens: someone crosses in the middle of the block or steps into the road where they shouldn’t. This is essentially jaywalking, and in Illinois it’s explicitly illegal as mentioned above. But let’s talk about what that means in practical terms for both the pedestrian and the driver:
Legal consequences for the pedestrian
Jaywalking in Illinois is a violation of the vehicle code. If a police officer observes a pedestrian crossing outside of a crosswalk and creating a potential hazard, the pedestrian could technically receive a ticket. The law says pedestrians must yield to cars when not at a crosswalk. Fines for jaywalking can vary by local ordinance, but often are around $25 to $75 for a first offense (and can increase for repeat offenses). That said, enforcement is sporadic; officers often use discretion and may only cite if the jaywalking was particularly dangerous or led to an incident. The bigger “penalty” for jaywalking is the safety risk: you’re crossing without legal protection, which means if a car is coming, it has the right-of-way. You might misjudge the speed or distance and get hit – with potentially life-threatening results. No one wants to save a few seconds at the cost of their life. So while a ticket is possible, the real risk is injury or worse. In 2022, Illinois saw over 200 pedestrian fatalities statewide, and many of those involved either jaywalking or crossing against signals. It’s not worth it.
Legal situation for drivers
If you’re driving and a pedestrian suddenly crosses outside of a crosswalk, the law is on your side – technically. Since the pedestrian is supposed to yield to you, you might not be found at fault if a collision occurs and you truly had no reasonable way to avoid it. Illinois law even notes that if a pedestrian recklessly darts out and is hit, vehicles had the right-of-way in that scenario. However, this does NOT give drivers a license to ignore a person in the road. As a driver, you still have a general duty to try to avoid hitting people (there’s a provision, 625 ILCS 5/11-1003.1, that says drivers must exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian and must sound the horn when necessary, especially if the pedestrian seems confused or incapacitated). So, if you see someone jaywalking up ahead, slow down, be ready to brake, and if needed, honk to warn them. From a safety standpoint, treat any human in the road as a top priority to avoid, whether they’re “supposed” to be there or not.
Accidents involving jaywalking
These can become complicated. If a driver hits a jaywalker, police will investigate like any accident. The determination of fault can vary: often the jaywalking pedestrian will be found at fault or at least contributorily negligent, since they crossed illegally. However, if the driver was doing something else wrong (speeding, texting, intoxicated, etc.), the driver can still be liable or partially liable. Illinois is a “comparative negligence” state for injury claims – meaning both parties’ actions will be weighed. From an insurance perspective, if a pedestrian is found more than 50% at fault (which jaywalking could establish), they might not be able to recover damages from the driver’s insurance. But if the driver was say, 20% at fault (maybe they were going a bit over the speed limit or not paying full attention), the pedestrian might still recover that percentage of damages. Every scenario is unique. For drivers, the takeaway is: don’t assume you’ll be let off the hook just because the pedestrian was jaywalking – you’ll still be scrutinized for safe driving. And for pedestrians: you really have no guarantee of compensation if you get hit while jaywalking, on top of risking your life.
It’s worth noting that Illinois and cities like Chicago are continuing to invest in safety. Programs like Vision Zero aim to eliminate traffic fatalities, and infrastructure changes (better signage, crosswalk timers, refuge islands, etc.) are being implemented to protect pedestrians. For example, Chicago has installed pedestrian islands and automated speed enforcement in high-crash corridors, and has stiff penalties for speeding or reckless driving that endangers walkers. But the simplest safety device is still human vigilance. As a community of road users, we all benefit when each person makes safety their top priority.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Do pedestrians always have the right-of-way in Illinois?
A: Not in every situation. Pedestrians do have the right-of-way at marked crosswalks and intersections – drivers must stop for them per Illinois law. However, if a pedestrian crosses outside a crosswalk (jaywalks), they must yield to cars. In other words, drivers have right-of-way on open roads unless a pedestrian is in a crosswalk or otherwise crossing with the light. Even then, pedestrians can’t suddenly jump in front of a moving car – they’re expected to cross when it’s safe. The safest bet is to cross at crosswalks and for drivers to always watch for people, regardless of who technically has right-of-way.
Q: Is jaywalking illegal in Illinois?
A: Yes. Illinois law requires pedestrians to cross at intersections or crosswalks when available, and crossing elsewhere (jaywalking) is against the law. If you jaywalk, you’re supposed to yield to traffic, and you could be fined for violating the vehicle code. More importantly, it’s dangerous – drivers aren’t expecting you mid-block, which greatly raises the risk of an accident. Whenever possible, use the nearest crosswalk or wait for the “Walk” signal for your own safety.
Q: What should drivers do to avoid hitting pedestrians?
A: Drivers should stay alert, slow down, and always be ready to stop for people on foot. Key tips include: obey speed limits (especially in areas with pedestrians like school zones and downtown streets), yield to pedestrians in crosswalks, never pass a car stopped at a crosswalk, avoid distractions (no texting or calls), and never drive under the influence. Also use extra caution at night or in bad weather – pedestrians can be nearly invisible, so use your lights and reduce speed. By driving defensively and attentively, you give yourself the best chance to see and respond to people walking.
Q: What are the top safety tips for pedestrians walking in Illinois?
A: Pedestrians should follow the rules of the road and stay visible. Always cross at crosswalks or intersections with the walk signal. Use sidewalks; if there’s no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and away from traffic as far as you can. Stay off your phone and keep music low so you can hear (especially when crossing). Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them. And at night, wear bright or reflective clothing and stick to well-lit areas. Essentially, be predictable and alert – assume drivers may not see you and do what you can to be seen.
Q: What should I do if I see a pedestrian crossing illegally or unexpectedly?
A: If you’re driving and notice someone crossing where they shouldn’t (or suddenly stepping out), slow down immediately. Honk lightly if needed to warn them (particularly if they seem unaware or impaired). Do not swerve recklessly, as you could hit someone else or another car – instead, brake in a controlled manner and come to a stop if possible. Legally, the pedestrian might be in the wrong, but your goal is to prevent an accident. Once the pedestrian is clear and it’s safe, you can proceed. It’s frustrating, but patience in that moment can prevent a tragedy. Remember, no one wins in a crash.