The 5 Most Dangerous Road Stretches in Illinois for 2025

An In-Depth Look at High-Risk Corridors

Illinois is home to iconic interstates and urban thoroughfares that carry millions of drivers daily, but not without serious risk. From Chicago’s dense expressways to rural highway corridors, our analysis of IDOT and NHTSA FARS data highlights five road segments that consistently rank as the most dangerous in the state. Whether commuting downtown, heading to a Cubs game, or driving between towns, awareness of these crash hotspots is key to staying safe.

1. Stevenson Expressway (I‑55) – Chicago Suburbs to Downtown

The Stevenson Expressway is a significant link between the suburbs and downtown Chicago. Daily traffic volumes routinely exceed 100,000 vehicles, including many students, freight trucks, and city commuters. The route is prone to high-speed rear-end collisions, especially during rush hours and unexpected traffic slowdowns.

Crashes here often involve catastrophic chain reaction pileups, particularly near large interchanges like the Dan Ryan and Stevenson split. Poor lighting under overpasses and abrupt lane drops exacerbate confusion. Nearby landmarks, such as Guaranteed Rate Field and U.S. Cellular Field, add unpredictability when events end and crowds flood traffic. Frequent winter weather conditions like icy bridges and blowing snow only compound danger on this stretch.

2. I‑90 Jane Addams Memorial Tollway – Chicago to Rockford (Cook & Winnebago Counties)

Also known as the Jane Addams Memorial Tollway, I‑90 connects the northwest suburbs to the heart of Chicago and beyond to Rockford. It’s one of the busiest highways in the state, carrying a heavy mix of commuter traffic, freight trucks, and out-of-state travelers. Merging near the Jane Byrne Interchange is chaotic, with narrow ramps and lane drops adding to driver confusion.

Areas near O’Hare International Airport see a sharp increase in rear-end collisions and lane-change crashes, especially as drivers weave across lanes at the last-minute exits. During winter, blowing snow and black ice create additional hazards, particularly in the vast open stretches west of Schaumburg. The tollway’s straightaways invite high speeds, but sharp curves near interchanges catch distracted or aggressive drivers off guard.

Part of this corridor includes the Eisenhower Expressway (I‑290), one of Illinois’s most treacherous urban freeways. Also known as the Ike, I‑290 carries heavy suburban and commercial traffic into Chicago’s Loop. The highway is notorious for sideswipe collisions, lane-change incidents, and rear-end crashes near bottlenecks like Oak Park and near the I‑90/94 junctions.

Narrow lanes, frequent on- and off-ramps, and aggressive merging make this corridor a hotspot, even during off-peak hours. Nearby landmarks like Oakbrook Center Mall and major train stations near Harlem Avenue bring additional pedestrian and vehicle interactions near exits. Crashes often involve confused suburban commuters negotiating exit lanes and slowing traffic. As midday shopping traffic mixes with evening rush-hour flows, you’ll see a spike in incidents.

3. U.S. Route 45 – Chicagoland Suburbs & Will County

running out of Chicago into the southern suburbs. Running out of Chicago into the south of the suburbs, it passes through busy commercial nodes with numerous strip malls, restaurants, and shopping plazas, especially near Joliet and Romeoville. Frequent angle crashes and rear-end collisions occur at unsignalized driveways and suburban intersections. In Spring Valley, pedestrians near schools and facilities have been in danger due to speeding traffic and insufficient crosswalks. Seasonal agriculture vehicles further complicate flow, adding slow-moving hazards. Limited lighting and patchy sidewalks only exacerbate the risk—especially after dark.

4. Interstate 57 – Chicago to Champaign (Cook, Will & Champaign Counties)

I‑57 stretches from Chicago’s south side down through Champaign, connecting commuters, students, and massive freight flows. This corridor combines highway speeds with frequent lane shifts, resulting in rear-end collisions and spin-outs near crests and long gradients north of Kankakee.

Traffic around gas and rest areas can slow abruptly, leading to avoidable crashes. In Champaign County, the highway serves Illinois University traffic and experiences severe crashes due to winter black ice and dark rural segments. Distances between interchanges can lead to speeding drivers delaying braking too late, a common factor in multi-car crashes.

5. U.S. Route 41 – Lake Shore Drive

This is arguably one of the most scenic and dangerous roadways in Chicago. This lakefront highway carries thousands of daily drivers past iconic landmarks such as Grant Park, Soldier Field, the Museum Campus, and Navy Pier. Despite the view, the road’s design features sharp curves, limited shoulders, and narrow merging zones that regularly contribute to high-speed crashes.

In particular, crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists spike near museum crosswalks and bike trail intersections. During summer, tourist traffic and frequent lane closures for events add further complexity to an already unforgiving stretch of road.

How to Stay Safe on Illinois’ Most Dangerous Roads

Whether commuting through Chicago or traveling downstate on I-57, navigating Illinois highways comes with real risks. Here are some key safety tips for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to help reduce the chances of accidents on the state’s most hazardous roadways:

For Drivers:

• Slow down in high-crash zones: Speeding is a leading cause of collisions on expressways like I-55 and I-290. Stay within posted speed limits and reduce speed in heavy traffic or poor weather.
• Use your signals consistently: Roads like the U.S. Route 45 and 41 involve complex lane changes and merges. Always signal before changing lanes or turning to help others anticipate your movements.
• Watch for aggressive drivers: Tailgating and weaving are common along stretches like I-90. Stay calm, maintain a safe distance, and avoid escalating aggressive behavior.
• Stay focused in urban areas: In dense parts of Chicago, such as Lake Shore Drive or near downtown interchanges, distractions can be deadly. Put your phone away and keep both hands on the wheel.
• Be extra alert at night: Lighting is poor on certain downstate highways and tollways. Use high beams when appropriate, and watch for pedestrians or stalled vehicles.

For Pedestrians:

• Cross only at marked intersections. Jaywalking increases the risk of fatal collisions, especially in Chicago and suburban corridors like U.S. Route 45.
• Make eye contact with drivers: Don’t assume you’ve been seen. Wait until a vehicle comes to a complete stop before crossing.
• Avoid distractions: Phones and headphones can prevent you from hearing oncoming traffic or emergency vehicles.

For Cyclists:

• Use designated bike lanes: When available, use bike lanes along city corridors like Lake Shore Drive. If riding on roads without them, stay as far right as possible.
• Be visible and predictable: Wear bright clothing, use lights at night, and signal your turns to let drivers know your intentions.
• Stay cautious at intersections: Most fatal bike collisions in Illinois occur at or near intersections. Be vigilant, and never assume a driver will yield.

General Tips:

• Know the high-risk corridors: Plan for delays and drive defensively if your route includes I-90, I-290, or I-55.
• Check the weather before long trips: Snow, ice, and rain significantly increase crash risk, particularly on I-57 and rural highways.
• Stay updated with local alerts: Use apps or IDOT’s traffic info system for real-time updates on crashes, closures, or construction zones.

What to Do If You’re Injured in an Illinois Car Accident

A serious crash on a central Illinois roadway, whether it’s I-55, U.S. 45, or Lake Shore Drive, can leave victims stunned, injured, and unsure of what to do next. The steps you take in the hours and days after a collision can significantly impact your health, legal options, and financial future.

Here’s what to do if you or a loved one is injured in a crash in Illinois:

1. Call 911 Immediately
   Even if injuries don’t seem life-threatening, reporting the crash is essential. Police will create an official accident report, a necessary document for insurance and legal claims. If anyone is seriously injured, request an ambulance right away.
2. Seek Medical Attention
   Many crash injuries (like concussions or internal trauma) aren’t immediately visible. Don’t delay a visit to the ER or an urgent care clinic. Your medical records will be vital if you pursue a personal injury claim. Follow up with your doctor and monitor symptoms closely in the days following the crash.
3. Document the Scene (If You Can)
   If you’re physically able and it’s safe to do so:

• Take photos of all vehicles, damage, and license plates
• Capture skid marks, traffic signs, weather, and road conditions
• Get the names and contact information of witnesses
• Exchange insurance info with the other driver, but don’t admit fault

4. Avoid Giving Recorded Statements to Insurance Adjusters
   Soon after a crash, the other driver’s insurance company may call you. Be careful, adjusters often look for ways to limit their liability. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
5. Contact an Illinois Personal Injury Lawyer
   Whether your crash happened on I-90 near Rockford or US-41 in downtown Chicago, an experienced attorney can guide you through the legal process. An experienced car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate liability and gather crash evidence
• Calculate the full extent of your damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• File a lawsuit if needed and represent you in court

6. Keep Records of Everything
   Save all medical records, bills, repair estimates, time missed from work, and correspondence with insurance. These documents will help your lawyer build a strong compensation case.

Injured on a Dangerous Road in Illinois? Get the Legal Help You Deserve

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash on the Stevenson Expressway, I-90, U.S. 45, or any other high-risk roadway in Illinois, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. The road to recovery can be overwhelming, but the right attorney can make all the difference.

At Local Accident Reports, we connect crash victims across Illinois with trusted local car accident lawyers who know how to fight for full compensation. Whether your crash happened in Chicago, Rockford, Champaign, or beyond, you deserve answers and justice.

Call us today or fill out our brief contact form to connect with an experienced Illinois car accident lawyer. It’s 100% free and confidential. Let us help you take the first step toward recovery.