Driving in the western suburbs of Chicago? You may need to pay extra attention on some of the region’s most accident-prone roads and highways. The western suburbs, including Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, Oak Brook, and Wheaton, are home to some of the busiest thoroughfares in Illinois. High traffic volume, heavy congestion, and frequent merging make certain roads and highways particularly dangerous for drivers.
According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), many major roads in the western suburbs see a disproportionately high number of car accidents every year. Factors such as speeding, distracted driving, and poor road design contribute to these accidents, some of which result in serious injuries or fatalities.
Data collected from 2016 to 2024 highlights key accident trends in this area. Many collisions involve rear-end crashes, side-impact collisions, and crashes at dangerous intersections. Additionally, peak traffic hours, particularly in the mornings and evenings, see a spike in accidents. Understanding these trends can help drivers stay alert and exercise extra caution on high-risk roads.
If you frequently drive in the western suburbs, it’s essential to be aware of the most dangerous roads and highways. Below, we highlight the 10 most hazardous routes based on IDOT crash data, police reports, and traffic studies.
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Interstate 88 (I-88 Reagan Memorial Tollway)
Why It’s Dangerous: I-88 is a major tollway running through the western suburbs, connecting Naperville, Oak Brook, and Aurora. It experiences a high volume of traffic, including commercial trucks and commuter vehicles.
- Accident Data: I-88 has one of the highest accident rates in the region, with hundreds of crashes annually.
- Key Safety Risks: High speeds, aggressive merging, and truck-related accidents.
- Safety Tip: Stay alert when merging onto I-88, and be mindful of large commercial vehicles that require longer stopping distances.
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Route 59
Why It’s Dangerous: Route 59 runs north-south through several western suburbs, including Naperville and Aurora, and is known for severe congestion and multiple high-traffic intersections.
- Accident Data: IDOT reports show that Route 59 consistently ranks as one of the most dangerous roads in DuPage and Will Counties.
- Key Safety Risks: Heavy commuter traffic, rear-end collisions, and red-light running.
- Safety Tip: Be extra cautious when approaching busy intersections along Route 59, particularly at Aurora Avenue and 95th Street.
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Ogden Avenue (U.S. Route 34)
Why It’s Dangerous: Ogden Avenue is a major east-west road that connects multiple suburbs, including Downers Grove, Lisle, and Naperville. It features a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial traffic.
- Accident Data: Reports indicate a high number of rear-end crashes and pedestrian accidents.
- Key Safety Risks: Frequent lane changes, unpredictable traffic signals, and high-speed collisions.
- Safety Tip: Avoid distractions when navigating Ogden Avenue’s congested intersections.
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Butterfield Road (Route 56)
Why It’s Dangerous: Butterfield Road runs through Oak Brook, Wheaton, and Lombard and serves as a vital commercial corridor.
- Accident Data: High incidence of side-impact crashes and pedestrian-related accidents.
- Key Safety Risks: Traffic light timing issues and rapid lane merges.
- Safety Tip: Approach intersections with caution and be prepared for sudden stops.
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Roosevelt Road (Route 38)
Why It’s Dangerous: Roosevelt Road is another major east-west road serving western suburbs like Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Oakbrook Terrace.
- Accident Data: A consistently high number of intersection-related crashes.
- Key Safety Risks: Left-turn collisions and distracted driving accidents.
- Safety Tip: Reduce speed at busy intersections, particularly at Main Street in Wheaton.
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North Avenue (Route 64)
Why It’s Dangerous: Running through Lombard, Villa Park, and St. Charles, North Avenue is notorious for heavy commercial traffic and frequent accidents.
- Accident Data: IDOT lists North Avenue as a high-risk road, particularly in industrial zones.
- Key Safety Risks: Speeding, lane-changing accidents, and poor visibility at night.
- Safety Tip: Be extra cautious when driving near large trucks on this road.
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Randall Road
Why It’s Dangerous: Randall Road spans Kane and DuPage Counties, serving as a critical north-south corridor.
- Accident Data: Many reported crashes occur at Randall and Fabyan Parkway in Geneva/Batavia.
- Key Safety Risks: Speeding, improper lane usage, and rear-end collisions.
- Safety Tip: Use caution when making left turns at high-speed intersections.
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75th Street
Why It’s Dangerous: 75th Street connects Naperville, Woodridge, and Darien, and experiences heavy commuter and retail traffic.
- Accident Data: High rates of multi-car accidents near commercial centers.
- Key Safety Risks: Lane-weaving, sudden braking, and distracted driving.
- Safety Tip: Stay focused and allow extra space for merging vehicles.
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Farnsworth Avenue
Why It’s Dangerous: A primary roadway in Aurora, Farnsworth Avenue experiences high-speed accidents and frequent collisions near I-88.
- Accident Data: Notable for rear-end and broadside collisions at busy intersections.
- Key Safety Risks: Rush-hour congestion and poorly timed traffic lights.
- Safety Tip: Maintain safe distances and anticipate sudden lane shifts.
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Washington Street
Why It’s Dangerous: Washington Street runs through downtown Naperville, a high-density area with pedestrian-heavy zones.
- Accident Data: High number of pedestrian and bicycle accidents.
- Key Safety Risks: Distracted driving, red-light running, and crosswalk incidents.
- Safety Tip: Always yield to pedestrians and obey traffic signals in downtown areas.
“The western suburbs of Chicago contain some of the busiest roads in Illinois, and with high traffic volume comes increased accident risks. Whether it’s a tollway like I-88 or a major arterial road like Route 59, drivers must remain extra vigilant. If you’ve been injured in a crash, our experienced team of six award winning attorneys is here to protect your rights and help you secure the compensation you deserve.” – Naperville car accident lawyer, John J. Malm
Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your Car Accident Case?
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on any of these dangerous roads, you need experienced legal representation. At John J. Malm & Associates, our team of six award-winning Illinois car accident attorneys has over 90 years of combined litigation experience. We have recovered millions for injured victims and their families. With offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we are dedicated to helping accident victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.
If you’ve been in an accident, don’t navigate the claims process alone. Contact John J. Malm & Associates for a free consultation today. Let us help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us at 844-MALMLAW (844-625-6529).