Oswego, IL – As Oswego Village police continue to investigate a deadly crash at a Portillo’s, questions remain about liability and community safety. Blake Vance, a trial attorney with Coplan + Crane, raises concerns about the parking lot’s safety design.
“If you talk to industry experts about parking lots, there are better ways to design them… concrete blocks and curbs are designed to warn drivers not to stop vehicles,” Vance said. Patios and outdoor seating areas can be especially dangerous for patrons if proper safety measures are not in place. Installing security barriers or bollards can help patrons dining outside and those entering and exiting the restaurant.
Redirecting traffic flow in a lot away from storefronts and patrons is another key safety measure to prevent future tragedies, Vance said, adding “we have a current lawsuit against Portillo’s for the 2023 car accident. In no doubt, Portillo’s who designed the restaurant and approved it, are on the hook for not protecting patrons entering and exiting their restaurants.”
Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage to determine where the vehicle came from before it crashed into the restaurant. “We are thoroughly reviewing all available evidence, including witness statements and surveillance video, to determine exactly what occurred,” police said. Improved safety standards may be considered once the investigation is complete.
Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman encouraged residents to attend the village board meeting later tonight as officials consider additional safety measures. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the first and third Tuesday of each month in the Board Room of the Oswego Village Hall.
The restaurant will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues. Oswego police urge “residents to stay away from the area to allow emergency personnel to safely conduct their work,” according to an official social media statement.
“You can have a person mistake a gas pedal for a brake and that will create a potential tragedy,” Vance said. “There are Portillo’s out there where patios are protected but because of individual managers this isn’t a restaurant standard.” He said better standard safety measures should be implemented to protect residents.
