Statewide, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that nearly 1,000 people die annually in our state from injuries they suffer in collisions. Not surprisingly, the bustling hub of Chicago sees more than its fair share of wrecks.
Below are the top seven sites that have the most frequent wrecks in and around the city.
Stony Island Avenue at South Chicago Avenue
The six lanes of fast-moving Stony Island Ave. traffic join 79th Ave. at a diagonal intersection. This is also the site where the road joins the Chicago Skyway. Those conditions combine to make it the single most dangerous intersection in Chicago, with more than 60 accidents in an average year.
Western Avenue at Peterson Avenue
Coming in at a close second is the intersection of Western and Peterson with about 50 wrecks each year. Motorists who speed and run red lights are the dangers here, as well as the many drivers pulling out of car dealership and other lots along the highway.
Kedzie Avenue at Belmont Avenue
This confusing intersection has a diagonal one-way road on either sides of the underpass leading to nearby Kennedy Expressway. Drivers must be very aware of multiple lanes merging. Also, don’t block the red lights opposite the underpass.
La Grange Road at I-80 westbound ramp
Here in the ‘burbs, drivers must also be mindful of the two right turn lanes, as only the one in the far right lane may turn right on red. Here, and at Bollingbrook off-ramp, roughly 50 accidents happen each year.
Cicero Avenue and 127th Street
Chicagoland definitely has its share of danger spots around on- and off-ramps to the interstate. Here, drivers navigate 10 lanes of traffic — six headed in one direction and four in the other. Also, traffic merges off and onto the nearby 294.
Milwaukee Avenue
Bikers face particular peril riding on Milwaukee Ave. between North and Division. About 50 riders get injured in this spot each year.
Lincoln and Clark
Another diagonal road that is hazardous for cyclists. Both streets feed into the Loop with lots of traffic. The lack of bike lanes makes it even more perilous.
What to do if you get into a collision
If you are involved in an accident with an at-fault driver, you will need to do all that you can to uphold your rights to seek compensation for your injuries and other damages. Filing a police report is the first thing you should do to make the claims process smoother.