The open roads of Chicago’s western suburbs once promised an easier commute — but today, they tell a different story. In recent years, towns like Naperville, Aurora, Downers Grove, and Wheaton have seen a spike in serious car accidents. What’s behind the rising danger? A combination of crowded highways, outdated road designs, aggressive driving habits, and simply too many cars.
Data from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that, between 2016 and 2024, crashes on suburban roads have steadily increased — particularly during morning and evening rush hours.
Drivers face threats that aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. Here’s what you need to know before you head out.
What’s Fueling the Surge in Crashes?
- Overloaded Infrastructure: Suburban population booms have overwhelmed roads never built for today’s traffic volumes.
- Distracted Driving: Phones, touchscreens, GPS devices, and in-car technology distract drivers at the worst possible moments.
- High Speeds: Open stretches encourage drivers to push beyond safe limits, raising the likelihood and severity of crashes.
- Intersection Confusion: Crowded intersections, especially those with multiple access points, cause serious T-bone and pedestrian accidents.
- Weather Extremes: Icy winters, heavy rains, and fog dramatically reduce visibility and stopping ability — a hidden but deadly factor in many crashes.
The Top 10 Red Zones for Drivers in the Western Suburbs
Some roads have earned a reputation for being especially hazardous.
- I-88 (Reagan Memorial Tollway): Heavy truck and commuter traffic create daily risks, especially near Naperville and Aurora exits.
- Route 59: This congested route cuts through multiple suburbs, blending heavy traffic with busy shopping districts.
- Ogden Avenue (U.S. 34): A challenging mix of neighborhoods and business traffic causes frequent unexpected stops.
- Butterfield Road (Route 56): Retail and office park traffic brings unpredictable lane changes between Oak Brook and Wheaton.
- Roosevelt Road (Route 38): Known for risky left turns and distracted drivers through Glen Ellyn and Wheaton.
- North Avenue (Route 64): High speeds and poor visibility make this a common site of night-time crashes.
- Randall Road: This heavily traveled north-south route is prone to side-impact crashes at busy crossings.
- 75th Street: A hub for retail traffic, school zones, and impatient commuters — a recipe for rear-end collisions.
- Farnsworth Avenue: Frequent congestion near I-88 ramps fuels a steady flow of accidents.
- Washington Street: Downtown Naperville’s crosswalks and intersections pose real dangers for both drivers and pedestrians.
Recent Tragedies That Shook the Suburbs
Behind the statistics are families forever changed by sudden crashes:
- December 2024: A fatal two-vehicle collision on I-88 near Naperville halted traffic for hours.
- February 2025: A pedestrian was struck and killed near Fox Valley Mall on Route 59.
- May 2024: A Downers Grove woman was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Ogden Avenue.
- September 2024: A pedestrian died after being struck on Butterfield Road in Wheaton.
- March 2024: A motorcyclist was killed in a collision on North Avenue in Villa Park.
Each crash is a sobering reminder of the risks drivers and pedestrians face every day.
How to Stay Safer on Suburban Roads
Even with crowded streets and unpredictable drivers, there are steps you can take to lower your risk:
- Plan for Extra Time: Avoid feeling rushed — speeding and quick lane changes drastically increase crash risks.
- Use Defensive Driving Techniques: Assume that nearby drivers might run red lights, make illegal turns, or brake suddenly.
- Limit Distractions: Silence your phone, preset your GPS, and keep your eyes on the road at all times.
- Pay Attention at Intersections: Some of the most devastating crashes happen at intersections — slow down and check both ways even when you have the green.
- Adapt to Conditions: Rain, snow, or ice can make even familiar roads treacherous. Slow down and increase following distances when weather worsens.
Awareness and small adjustments can often make the difference between a close call and a catastrophic collision.
If a Car Accident Happens, Know Your Rights
No matter how careful you are, another driver’s poor choices can put you in harm’s way.
If you’re injured in a crash, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospital stays
- Surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages and diminished future earning ability
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Long-term disabilities or loss of quality of life
At John J. Malm & Associates, our team has helped countless accident victims hold negligent drivers accountable.
As John J. Malm says: “Even the safest driver can suffer because of someone else’s reckless decision. Our job is to make sure that wrong doesn’t go unanswered.”
We fight for every dollar you deserve — so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.
FAQs About Car Accidents in Chicago’s Western Suburbs
- What should I do immediately after a car accident?
Stay calm, call 911 if needed, seek medical attention even for minor injuries, and avoid discussing fault at the scene. Document the crash with photos and gather witness information if possible. - How soon should I contact an attorney after a crash?
As soon as possible. Early involvement helps preserve evidence, protect your rights, and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you. - Who is liable if poor road design contributed to my accident?
In some cases, local governments or contractors responsible for road maintenance may share liability. A lawyer can help investigate. - Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Illinois follows a modified comparative fault rule — as long as you are less than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages (though your compensation may be reduced). - How much does it cost to hire John J. Malm & Associates?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront costs — and no legal fees at all unless we recover compensation for you.
“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 Clients Trust John J. Malm & Associates for Their Illinois Car Accident Cases
Choosing the right personal injury lawyer matters. When you trust the dedicated accident lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates, you get:
- Over 90 years of combined courtroom experience
- Six highly awarded Illinois attorneys
- A proven track record of success in car accident claims
With convenient offices in Naperville and St. Charles, we’re positioned to serve suburban clients when they need us most.
Schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today by calling 844-MALMLAW (844-625-6529). Let’s take the first step toward your recovery together.