Available 
CHICAGO, Cook County, Ill., Sept. 16, 2026 — Four people, including two Chicago police officers, were reportedly hospitalized after a crash early Wednesday morning, September 16, in the 11400 block of South Pulaski Road in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood. Authorities said the collision happened around 2 a.m. on the Southwest Side.
According to authorities, the two officers were traveling south in a marked patrol vehicle when a driver heading north reportedly attempted a U-turn and struck the cruiser. The second vehicle then continued forward and hit a pole, police said.
Both officers and two occupants of the other vehicle were taken to area hospitals, authorities said. The extent of their injuries has not been released.
The crash remains under investigation. Authorities have not said whether charges are expected or released further details about what led up to the U-turn.
We wish those injured a full and quickly recovery.
What Actually Cuts Down Overnight Intersection Crashes Like This One
Speed is often the difference between a fender bender and a hospital trip. At lower speeds, drivers have more time to react to another car making an unexpected move, like a U-turn, and vehicles absorb less energy on impact. At night, when roads are emptier and drivers may feel freer to speed up, that margin shrinks fast.
Engineering fixes have shown real results. Better street lighting at intersections helps drivers spot turning vehicles sooner. Signal timing that gives dedicated turn phases, removes much of the guesswork behind U-turn crashes. Roundabouts and medians that physically block turning movements at certain points also cut down on these collisions by design, not just by driver caution.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023. Behavior matters too: drivers who slow down before attempting turns, and who scan twice for oncoming traffic at night, give themselves and others more room to avoid a crash. But the data consistently show that road design changes reach every driver who passes through, not just the cautious ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe spot if possible, call 911, and exchange information with everyone involved. Even if you feel fine, it helps to get checked by a medical professional, since some injuries take hours to show symptoms.
Where do most traffic accidents happen?
Intersections account for a large share of urban crashes, especially where turning vehicles cross paths with oncoming traffic. Nighttime and early-morning hours also see a higher share of serious crashes due to lower visibility and higher average speeds.
How can drivers avoid contributing to a crash like this?
Slowing down before turning, using turn signals early, and double-checking for oncoming traffic, especially at night, all reduce the chance of a collision at an intersection.
What injuries are common in car accidents like this one?
Impacts of this kind can cause whiplash, broken bones, and head or chest injuries, particularly when a vehicle is struck from the side or continues on to hit a fixed object like a pole.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Chicago, IL
If you're involved in a crash in Chicago, stay at the scene and call police so a report can be filed. Even minor collisions should be documented, since it can affect insurance claims later. It'snimportant that you seek medical evaluation promptly, even for injuries that seem mild at first. Take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so, and get contact information from any witnesses nearby.
