Press Release: Gov. signs Cross’ Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act
July 22, 2010
Gov. signs Cross’ Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act
HB5095 is effective immediately
Springfield…Today, Governor Pat Quinn signed into a law a bill sponsored by Rep. Tom Cross (R-Oswego) which aims to give equal rights to pedestrians with disabilities.
House Bill 5095 creates the Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act. It provides equal access and use of the streets, sidewalks, highways and walkways to pedestrians with disabilities. The act also provides any person who denies or interferes with the rights of a pedestrian with a disability shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor with a mandatory minimum fine of $500 for each violation.
Plainfield residents Valerie Brew-Parrish and Richard Parrish live with physical disabilities every day—they wanted to make sure that people with disabilities in Illinois communities were better protected and to bring awareness to some of these issues statewide.
“We are thrilled that Rep. Cross listened to our concerns and we were able to help draft this bill that will improve the public’s safety,” said Brew-Parrish. “People will be safer because of this new law.”
According to this new law, an operator of a vehicle must stop the vehicle before approaching closer than 10 feet to a pedestrian with a disability who is using a mobility device, accompanied by a visibly identifiable service animal, or carrying or using a white cane, and shall take all precautions that may be necessary to avoid an accident or injury to the pedestrian with a disability.
“Pedestrians with disabilities have the same rights as other pedestrians,” Cross said. “This new act will ensure those rights, including safety in public places.”
Each year, the Governor is authorized to designate Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Day (October 15) and to issue a proclamation.
“Besides ensuring the rights of pedestrians with disabilities, there is a need to inform and educate the public,” Cross added.
Lastly, the Secretary of State shall make any necessary revisions in its publications including, but not limited to, the Illinois Rules of the Road, to accurately conform its publications to the provisions of the Pedestrians with Disabilities Safety Act. This means that when Illinois residents take drivers’ license exams, they must demonstrate an understanding of this new law.