Category: Politics As Usual

This slimeball

~ susie ~ 1 Comment

I can’t believe he may get another chance to get elected:

Pedestrian accidents on the rise in Chicago

~ susie
Photo by Stephen Walker on Unsplash


Those walking around The Windy City have reason for concern. According to the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), pedestrian deaths in the city have risen significantly over the past five years. Contrary to what drivers may think, this is not due to pedestrians jaywalking or jumping out in front of cars. In fact, most pedestrian deaths in Chicago happen in intersections when people are using a crosswalk to get across the street.

“Drivers simply need to start giving pedestrians the room they need to cross a street safely,” says Lawrence Disparti of Disparti Law Group, P.A. “Pedestrians always have the right-of-way when they are in a crosswalk. Even if the light has changed, drivers are required to stop. Unfortunately, too many drivers in Chicago are impatient, cutting pedestrians off and placing them at risk.”

More drivers are engaging in this type of behavior, too. City data shows that in 2017, 46 people in Chicago died after being hit by a vehicle while walking in an intersection. That was two more people than the 44 pedestrians killed in intersections the year before.

That city data is backed up by findings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The federal agency found that in Chicago, 75 percent of pedestrian accidents occurred in or near intersections. Most of these accidents were preventable if only drivers had paid closer attention to traffic signals.

There are several reasons for the steady incline in pedestrian accidents. Ride-sharing programs such as Uber and Lyft have meant an increase in the number of vehicles on the road. The increased number of drivers using smartphones has also contributed to the rise in pedestrian accidents, even though in Illinois it is illegal to use a handheld device while driving.

What will make drivers slow down and take more notice of pedestrians at intersections? With the trend on an upward climb for the past five years, it is difficult to say. Increasing penalties for drivers disobeying the law is a potential answer. Currently, drivers are only fined $500 for violating Chicago’s crosswalk laws. That fee may seem high to drivers. However, considering that pedestrians are no match for vehicles when there is a crash and that many of these accidents are fatal for the pedestrian struck, a fine is a small price to pay.

Further clarification on legality of CBD products in Alabama

~ susie
Photo by Caleb Simpson on Unsplash

Those that live in Alabama and are confused about the legality of cannabidiol, or CBD, are not to blame. In November of 2018, the state’s Attorney General, Angie Hamilton, announced during a press conference that CBD oil was still illegal throughout Alabama. The very next month though, she updated a public notice clarifying that some CBD oil is considered legal in the state. So, how are consumers to know what is legal and what is not?


“The most recent news is good for those suffering from certain afflictions that CBD can help with,” says Whitney Polson of Polson & Polson, P.C. “However, the many press releases and clarifications have made it confusing for those looking for the very relief that was once considered off-limits in Alabama.”

To clear it up, the AG’s office stated that industrial hemp is legal in Alabama, even if it contains CBD. Industrial hemp is part of the marijuana plant. The difference between hemp and other marijuana products is that it contains very little, if any, THC. It is this clarification of industrial hemp that was covered under the new farm bill passed in Congress in December. As long as the industrial hemp products contain 0.3 percent or less of THC, it is legal to produce, sell, and possess these products in the state.

So, what type of products are made from industrial hemp? Typically these include paper, textiles, biodegradable plastics, construction materials, health food, and even fuel. The best news for those looking for relief from certain ailments and conditions is that certain CBD oils are also made from industrial hemp. As long as these do not go over the THC limit outlined by the Attorney General, these too are also legal.

Some exceptions to the law remain. For example, those who have epilepsy or that have a prescription for CBD from the UAB Department of Neurology can still use CBD oil under Carly’s Law and Leni’s Law. Even in these instances though, the CBD oil cannot contain more than three percent of THC. These laws too, could possibly change soon. Carly’s Law is set to expire in July of this year.