Most Dangerous Roads in Chicago: Highways and Local Streets

Chicago’s streets are dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. Traffic congestion and dangerously built and maintained roadways lead to accidents more often than in most places. 

To date, the majority of Chicago’s fatal crashes happened on city streets rather than state or county roadways. By July 2024, Chicago had 632 fatalities, which is only 50 fatalities short of the previous year [1]. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we see the impact of Chicago’s dangerous roads every day. Even many of the city’s most dangerous intersections impact people who are just trying to commute or get things done. 

Our clients come to us seeking legal help to recover from their accidents. That’s why we are reaching out to help others identify and avoid dangerous roads. Read on to learn more about the most dangerous parts of Chicago to drive in. 

Most Dangerous Highways in Chicago

Chicago’s highways are particularly dangerous since they are the fastest-moving and most congested options for getting across the city. Some highways are more dangerous than others and at different times of the day. 

You can significantly reduce your risk of being in an accident by avoiding the most dangerous highways in Chicago at the right times. Here are the highways with a track record of causing accidents. 

Route 55/Stevenson Expressway

One of the most dangerous roads in Chicago is the Stevenson Expressway (Route 55), but not just because of traffic congestion. The Stevenson Expressway has had multiple road rage-related shootings, instances of thrown rocks and vandalism, and even toxic spills. 

There is always something dangerous happening on this stretch of road, and it has been a hotbed of dangerous activity since it was part of Route 66.

Dan Ryan Expressway

The Dan Ryan Expressway is dangerous because people use it to speed through town. This often means that accidents cause heavy traffic every day. Not only that, but it is one of the most used expressways in the city, leading to extremely high car volume. 

A big reason for this is that it cuts through the middle of downtown, making it an easy way to access much of the city. Unfortunately, many drivers treat it like a raceway, not a highway, driving erratically and dangerously. 

Elgin O’Hare Tollway

The Elgin O’Hare Tollway is another dangerous road in Chicago. Although it is relatively short, it is also highly dangerous because of its continued construction. The tollway is being reconstructed to improve traffic volume. However, unsafe driving often causes multi-car pileups and fatal accidents. 

Route 66/55

Route 66 is one of the most famous roadways in the world and was the first highway in the United States. Unfortunately, most of Route 66 was decommissioned in the 1980s and turned into Route 55. 

Still, it remains a dangerous place to drive for a variety of reasons. Violence along the roadway continues to be a serious problem. Combined with congestion and an aging roadway, many pile-ups and speed-related accidents occur.

Most Dangerous Local Streets in Chicago

Expressways and tollways are not the only problem roadways in Chicago. Many of the local streets are just as dangerous but for different reasons. Chicago is an old city, and much of the infrastructure does not support car traffic well. Despite efforts to fix this, the roadways remain dangerous. These are some of the most dangerous roadways in Chicago.

Stony Island Avenue at South Chicago Avenue

The intersection of Stony Island Avenue and South Chicago Avenue can be very dangerous. It forms a three-way intersection with East 79th Street, meaning traffic can come from six directions. During rush hour, it is difficult to navigate even with traffic lights. 

Western Avenue at Peterson Avenue

Western Avenue at Peterson Avenue is a busy intersection with dense traffic from businesses in the area. A single traffic light in each direction can be hard to see in certain conditions. Combined with the fact that many vehicles make turns, the chances of being in an accident are higher than in other places. 

Kedzie Avenue at Belmont Avenue

Kedzie Avenue at Belmont Avenue is dangerous because of the overpass that travels over the intersection. A significant section of Belmonte Avenue is under the overpass, limiting visibility. Making turns in the area is particularly difficult because of the traffic pattern. 

The intersection is wide, which makes it difficult to make safe turns in heavy traffic. On top of that, the pillars holding up the overpass block your view right up until you need to pass through the intersection. It is a difficult place to navigate, even under the best conditions. 

Suburban Road Dangers

Many of the suburban roads in Chicago are also dangerous for their own reasons. Chicago has a high number of pedestrian accidents every year, many of which likely happen in suburban areas. Here are some of the dangerous suburban areas in Chicago. 

La Grange Road at I-80 Westbound Ramp

Intersections are often challenging to navigate when the rules for right of way and turns are confusing. That is the case at the intersection of La Grange Road and the I-80 Westbound Ramp. 

The ramp has two right-turn lanes, but only the outside lane can turn right at a red light. Confusion over this rule often leads to rear-end collisions as drivers pull out into traffic when they are not supposed to. 

Cicero Avenue and 127th Street

The biggest problem with the intersection of Cicero Avenue and 127th Street is how you merge. There are many lanes with a different number of lanes traveling in each direction, making it difficult to know where you can move and how. Combined with consistently heavy traffic, it is easy to see why there are so many accidents. 

Special Considerations for Bikers

Bikers, in particular, are in danger since they are harder to see. Drivers focusing on making difficult maneuvers quickly are less likely to see motorcycles merging quickly. If you ride, it’s important to ride as defensively as possible. 

Milwaukee Avenue

Milwaukee Avenue has a high number of motorcycle crashes each year, making it a perilous stretch of road. Most accidents are between North and Division, but the entire stretch is particularly dangerous. 

It’s a four-lane highway where people merge on and off constantly, creating potential hazards for bikers. The roadway is also aging, with many patches and cracks that can cause bike tires to lose traction. 

Lincoln and Clark

Motorcyclists and bicyclists are in danger in many places. The intersection of Clark and Lincoln is particularly dangerous because it is a T-intersection that can make it difficult to pass through. A lack of bicycle lanes makes it even more dangerous, as bikes have no clear space. In heavy traffic, this is one of the more dangerous areas to pass through on a motorcycle, bike, or on foot. 

The Bottom Line

Chicago’s roads are hazardous for a variety of reasons, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get where you are going safely. Nearly all of the hazards consistently leading to accidents in Chicago are man-made, and driving with caution and focus can minimize most hazards. Anytime you go out on the road, drive defensively as much as possible. 

Defensive driving is an effective way to improve your safety. It lets you be proactive in protecting yourself and your family. For example, putting more space between your car and the car around you makes it easier to avoid an accident. It’s a simple change, but it can make a substantial difference. 

Alternatively, avoid some of the most dangerous roads in Chicago as much as possible. Route 66 may be fun to drive on, but you can avoid the dangers of aggressive driving, people throwing rocks, and potential road rage violence if you stay off the road entirely. 

It’s up to you to decide if it is worth the risk and to take a more defensive stance when driving in areas where you know there can be problems. 

Contact a Chicago Personal Injury Lawyer

You can still be in an accident on Chicago’s roads despite your best efforts. There are so many accidents that you will always risk being in one when you drive. Fortunately, you can take action to make your recovery a bit easier. If another party is responsible for your accident, you can file a lawsuit to claim compensation for the costs of your recovery. 

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent vehicle accident victims who need legal services. Whether you are trying to negotiate with the insurance company for a fair settlement or filing a lawsuit against another driver or trucking company, we can help you with the legal process. 

Fill out our contact form or call toll-free at (888) 424-5757 to schedule a free consultation.

We also serve clients from Buffalo Grove, Elgin, Naperville, Rockford  and throughout Illinois.

Resources: [1] IDOT