Our attorneys analyze the Top Ten
Joliet residents, take note: One intersection is more dangerous than all others. Over the last six months, 14 total collisions have occurred at the intersection of W. Caton Farm and Frontage Road, making it number one on our list of Joliet’s ten most dangerous intersections between January and June of this year. Rounding out the top three are IL-59 and Vermette Circle and IL-53 and S. Chicago Street. Our designation of “most dangerous” is determined by total number of collisions.
No. 1: W. Caton Farm Rd. and Frontage Rd.
Caton Farm is a four-lane road, divided by a single yellow line, on a relatively unmarked stretch of road. Frontage funnels to Caton Farm by way of a winding curve, enforced by a single stop sign. There are no prominent street lamps in the vicinity and the frequency with which accidents take place is likely aided by a small hill to the left, obstructing the view of oncoming cars. The stats also suggest that the collisions are not only frequent but severe. Nine injuries have occurred in at least 14 cases in which a police report was filed. Going a step further, we can reasonably conclude that Caton Farm Rd. is one of the most dangerous roads in Joliet; based on information gathered on 40 different intersections, Caton Farm Rd. accounts for 30 total collisions.
No. 2: IL-59 and Vermette Circle
The intersection of IL-59 and Vermette Circle netted seven collisions and two reported injuries. Traffic is fast, heavy, and congested, a four-corner intersection that sees commercial trucks and small autos cross paths regularly. Making matters more complicated, the juncture is surrounded by populated and attractions like shopping centers, fast-food chains, and a nearby preschool that funnels towards the interstate. These types of intersections are notoriously dangerous for the reasons we mentioned above, but perhaps more so because the juncture lends itself to one problematic tendency: speeding while another car is in the midst of a left-hand turn.
No. 3: IL-53 and S. Chicago St.
IL-53 and S. Chicago street saw six collisions and one injury over the last six months. Based on a birds-eye-view from Google Maps, it’s evident that a major point of tension is the layout of corresponding streets like 4th avenue, which runs like an S-shape between the intersection. Like the previously mentioned top two on our list, IL-53 is a four-lane road with traffic running in opposite directions, making traffic dense and frequent.
Do you encounter any of these intersections on a regular basis? Tell us what you see and some suggestions that might improve road safety.
Note: This is the first in a series of posts in which our attorneys will look at dangerous intersections around the Chicagoland area. Check back for more posts with further updates and outlooks.