Most Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Madison County (2024)

Driving along the roads of Madison County can be rather complicated, especially in some of the areas with high volumes of accidents on an annual basis. Staying safe can be harder to do when you are unaware of complex roadways and traffic patterns. As an Illinois driver, knowing the most dangerous roads and intersections in Madison County can help you be more attentive while driving and potentially prevent some accidents.

Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Madison County

In Madison County, there are several dangerous intersections and roads where you should be especially careful:

Illinois Route 140 and Illinois Route 4

Over recent years, attention has been drawn to the intersection where Illinois Route 140 and Illinois Route 4 meet. A number of car accidents resulting from drivers going over the speed limit and poor visibility have taken place there. It is believed to be one of the most unsafe locations in the area, and it is well-known that drivers need to take special care when traveling there.

The layout of this intersection and the amount of traffic that flows through it make it especially dangerous and contribute to its high accident rates

Illinois Route 157

This highway goes through many highly populated areas in Madison County, like the cities of Collinsville and Edwardsville. It is one of the locations where the number of accidents is higher than usual due to heavy traffic, intersections all over the route, and an especially high level of pedestrian activity.

Other Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Illinois

Illinois has several highly dangerous roads and intersections. Two that are of particular note are:

Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway

One of the most dangerous highways in Illinois is Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway in Chicago. This highway serves as a major connector between St. Louis and other parts of Illinois. It is dangerous because of high traffic volumes, a diverse mix of vehicles, frequent construction, hazardous weather conditions, high speeds, and complex interchanges.

The Jane Byrne Interchange

The Jane Byrne Interchange, located in downtown Chicago where I-90/I-94 meets I-290 is the busiest intersection in the state. Formerly known as the Circle Interchange, it is rated the most congested intersection in the nation, used by approximately 400,000 vehicles daily. This intersection is adjacent to the west end of Chicago’s central business district and is notorious for congestion and accidents​.

Safety Tips for Navigating These Areas

Following these safety tips can help keep you safe on any road:

• Stay Alert: Know what is happening around you and anticipate what other drivers are doing. Pay special attention to intersections where there have been accidents.
• Follow Speed Limits: You must follow all posted speed limits on the roads, especially at intersections and on busy roads.
• Concentrate: Keep your eyes on the road. Do not use a cell phone or engage in other distractions while driving.
• Turn Signals: Use turn signals early when changing lanes or turning.
• Check Blind Spots: Always check your blind spots before changing lanes or merging.
• Be Cautious in Bad Weather: Poor weather conditions can make a bad road or intersection even worse.

What to Do If You’re Involved in an Accident

If you are involved in an accident in Illinois, here is what you should do to ensure your safety and protect your legal claims:

• Check for Injuries: Ask yourself, “How do I feel?” “Are others in your vehicle hurt?” If you are hurt or anyone else seems injured, call for emergency help right away.
• Shift Into Park: If possible, turn your vehicle off, shift it into park, and then turn on your hazard warning lights.
• Move to Safety: If circumstances allow, safely moving your vehicle out of the flow of traffic can help prevent additional collisions.
• Call the Police: Report the accident to the police and ask for a copy of the police report. You’ll need it for insurance claims and, if applicable, legal claims.
• Collect Information From Other Drivers: Be sure to get the names, addresses, and insurance information of other drivers involved in the accident.
• Take Photos: Take pictures of visible injuries, the accident scene, damage to the vehicles, and damage to property. This evidence is useful to your insurance company and possibly later in a claim.
• See a Doctor: There might be injuries that you cannot feel at all. Even if you feel perfectly okay, you still need to get evaluated by a medical professional.
• Contact an Attorney: A skilled car accident attorney can defend your right to pursue compensation and handle communications with other parties. This is especially crucial when dealing with insurance companies.

FAQs

Q: What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections in Madison?

A: One of the most dangerous intersections in Madison is located at the cross of Illinois Route 140 and Illinois Route 4. This area is dangerous because of traffic, poor visibility, and other traffic patterns. Traffic on Illinois Route 4 has grown a lot over the past few years, so drivers must stay alert and aware when navigating the road to keep themselves and others safe.

Q: What Is the Most Dangerous Highway in Illinois?

A: Possibly the most dangerous highway in Illinois is Interstate 55/Stevenson Expressway in Chicago. This highway is a key roadway that connects St. Louis and other parts of Illinois. It is dangerous because of high volumes of traffic, many different types of vehicles, persistent construction, dangerous weather, fast speeds, and complicated interchanges.

Q: What Is the Busiest Intersection in Illinois?

A: The busiest intersection in Illinois is the Jane Byrne Interchange, located in downtown Chicago, where I-90/I-94 meets I-290. It was once known as the Circle Interchange. As it is traveled by around 400,000 vehicles every day, it is deemed the most congested intersection in the country. As it is next to the west end of Chicago’s central business district, this highly congested intersection is a frequent site of accidents.

Q: Which Is Considered the Most Dangerous Maneuver at an Intersection?

A: The most hazardous maneuver you can make at an intersection is a left turn. It’s dangerous to perform a left turn because of the need to cross traffic, which can be particularly hazardous if visibility is poor or if you make the common mistake of misjudging the speed and distance of oncoming drivers.

Contact a Car Accident Attorney

If you know the high-risk roads and intersections in Madison County, you can take extra precautions and keep you and the people in your car safe. Knowledge can save lives. Safety on the road is dependent on mutual respect as well as your immediate understanding of what to do in the event of an accident.

For more detailed information and to stay updated on road safety in Madison County, visit local government and transportation websites, such as the Madison County Highway Department and the Illinois Department of Transportation.

If you were involved in an accident, please contact us for a consultation. We are here to support and carefully guide you through this experience.