June marks National Safety Month, with this week dedicated to Roadway Safety Focus Week. During a recent government meeting, officials highlighted pedestrian roadway safety in Mundelein, revealing concerning statistics about traffic accidents over the past decade.

From 2014 to 2023, Mundelein recorded a total of 10,362 traffic accidents, with 52 involving pedestrians. Tragically, the village experienced 13 fatalities during this period, nine of which were documented in traffic fatality data. These figures underscore the inherent risks present at various intersections throughout the community.

The Federal Highway Administration has established that the cost of a fatal accident is significantly higher than that of other types of accidents, with estimates suggesting it is 18.8 times greater than that of an incapacitating accident. For the purpose of this analysis, officials conservatively estimated the severity of a fatal accident to be ten times that of a vehicle-pedestrian accident.

Mapping the locations of these incidents revealed patterns, particularly at intersections with multiple accidents. Notably, Route 45 emerged as a critical area, with three accidents at Hammond, two at Allinson, and two at Jewel Osco. Mundelein High School also stood out, with four accidents occurring in its vicinity. The analysis indicated that students, who typically walk up to a mile to school, contributed to a total of 17 pedestrian accidents near the high school and 16 along Route 45.

The findings suggest that these two locations—Mundelein High and Route 45—are the most hazardous in the village, accounting for 82% of pedestrian accidents and 55% of fatalities. Alarmingly, most pedestrian accidents occurred at intersections lacking crossing signals, highlighting a critical area for potential safety improvements.

As National Safety Month continues, the emphasis on pedestrian safety in Mundelein serves as a call to action for community leaders to address these alarming trends and enhance safety measures for all road users.