Gurnee, IL (February 25, 2026) – An SUV crashed into a hair salon on Tuesday morning, February 24, after an elderly driver accidentally pressed the gas pedal while parking. The incident happened around 10:40 a.m. at Teri’s Hair Designers, 974 Route 21, in the Gurnee Plaza shopping center.
Officials said the 81-year-old Gurnee resident was parking a 2017 Honda HR-V when the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward and struck the front of the business. The SUV hit the brick facade and window area, causing visible damage to the storefront.
Emergency units evaluated the driver at the scene. The driver was not hurt and declined to be taken to a hospital. One person inside the salon suffered minor injuries and received treatment on site, but also declined hospital transport. It was not clear where the person was standing when the crash occurred.
The building was inspected and determined to be structurally safe. The incident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with the person injured, and we wish them a smooth recovery.
When Vehicles Strike Buildings in Parking Areas
Parking lot crashes often happen at low speeds, but they can still cause injuries and property damage. Pedal errors, where a driver presses the accelerator instead of the brake, are a common cause. These incidents may occur when a driver is turning into a space or adjusting their position.
Storefront businesses located close to parking spaces can be vulnerable. Glass windows and entryways are especially exposed to impact. Even compact SUVs can cause structural damage if they move forward unexpectedly.
In many cases, safety measures such as wheel stops or protective posts are used to reduce the risk of vehicles entering buildings. Quick inspections after a crash help confirm whether a structure remains safe for employees and customers.
