Sen. Sara Feigenholtz (D-6) champions the effort to improve safety along one of Chicago’s busiest traffic corridors with SB 1507
In response to concerns from constituents and alarming crash data on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz is taking action with Senate Bill 1507 to identify innovative technology solutions, including the use of artificial intelligence, to improve safety along one of Chicago’s busiest traffic corridors. Since 2019, there have been more than 16,000 recorded crashes on DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
“DuSable Lake Shore Drive is one of Chicago’s most vital roadways, and the high number of crashes due to dangerous and distracted driving patterns demands urgent action. We need research-driven solutions that improve safety outcomes without imposing overly punitive measures,” said Senator Sara Feigenholtz. “Concerned constituents who have witnessed repeated crashes along this corridor are demanding that the state and city do more to address speeding and reckless driving, and I am confident that the results of this study will inform a responsible solution to save lives and encourage true changes in driving behaviors.”
Senate Bill 1507 amends the Illinois Vehicle Code to commission the Urban Transportation Center at the University of Illinois Chicago to research the responsible use of cameras as a psychological deterrent to speeding, conduct a comprehensive review of Chicago’s website multi-year crash data on DuSable Lake Shore Drive, and assess the potential effectiveness of cameras powered by artificial intelligence in improving compliance and reducing crashes and road fatalities. This technology has been successfully implemented in other countries and cities, proven to create long-term changes in driver behavior. Collectively, the results of the study will inform the best solutions for a pervasive problem on one of Chicago’s most used roadways.
“I want to thank my colleagues on the Senate Executive Committee for their swift action on moving this important initiative forward,” said Senator Feigenholtz. “Crashes happen on DuSable Lake Shore Drive every day. We have to act now to help neighbors stay safe on the road.”
Senate Bill 1507 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Thursday.
