Crashes On Ridge Avenue Fell By 14 Percent In 2018

EVANSTON, IL — Traffic crashes on Ridge Avenue from Howard to Emerson streets dropped by nearly 14 percent in 2018 compared to the prior year, Evanston police announced Wednesday.

Last year, police recorded 241 crashes, 37 fewer than were reported in 2017. Police credited a coordinated traffic safety initiative between police, traffic engineers and other city officials with the reduction.

As part of efforts to improve the safety of the "Ridge Avenue Corridor," the city dropped the speed limit to 25 mph, made changes to the timing of traffic signals, improved signage and trimmed trees to increase visibility, according to Cmdr. Ryan Glew.

The most improved intersections were Lake Street and Ridge, where signals were adjusted, and Greenwood and Ridge, where turning rules were changed. Both intersections saw 58 percent reductions in crashes in 2018, Glew said in a release.

During 2018, police issued 4,311 traffic citations in the area, including 1,339 for speeding, 901 for distracted driving, 874 for disobeying a traffic control device and 239 for failure to wear a seat belt, according to Glew.

Glew said police will continue targeted enforcement in the corridor, focusing on speeding, distracted driving, seat belt requirements and disobeying traffic rules.

Earlier:

• Ridge Avenue Speed Limit Reduced To 25 MPH From Howard To Emerson
• Green Arrows Coming To Stoplight At Ridge Avenue And Lake Street
• Trial Traffic Restrictions Planned for Ridge and Greenwood