The Top Causes of Car Accidents on I-290

If you drive Chicago’s Eisenhower Expressway—better known as I‑290—you know it can feel like a battlefield. Long stretches of heavy, stop-and-go traffic. Mash-ups with I‑294, I‑88, and I‑90. Short ramps. Sudden bottlenecks. It all adds up to a roadway infamous for crashes. In fact, the Illinois Department of Transportation reports that on one particular 8‑mile stretch between Manheim Road and Cicero Avenue, around 2,000 accidents happen each year.

But what makes I‑290 so crash-prone? In this blog, we discuss the top six causes of car accidents on I-290 and what you can do if you suffered injuries in a crash.

1. Congestion & Stop‑and‑Go Traffic

You might think slower traffic equals safer roads—but not at I‑290. According to the Texas A&M Transportation Institute, Chicago roads rank among the most congested in the nation, with drivers spending an average 145 hours a year stuck in traffic. The result? A high volume of fender‑benders, sideswipes, and rear‑end collisions.

2. Tailgating & Unsafe Following Distance

Closely tied to congestion, tailgating is a major issue on I‑290. Drivers under pressure to merge or exit often ride bump-to-bumper. Illinois crash data indicates following too closely is the most common collision type outside intersections. And in gridlocked situations, these close-following habits lead to “stop‑and‑go pileups” when a single stop triggers a series of collisions.

3. High Speeds & Aggressive Driving

While congestion prevails, periods of high speed and aggressive driving still occur—especially where lanes open or congestion clears. Illinois Department of Transportation reports that speeding contributes to 33–34% of all crashes, and over 36% of fatal crashes.

Combine speeding with chaotic merging on I‑290, especially at spots like the I‑294 exit, and crash risk spikes. Reddit drivers describe this area as a “colossal failure”—calling it “the worst stretch of highway I have ever been on.”

4. Weaving, Lane Changes & Merging Conflicts

I‑290 is a weaving nightmare. Left-side exits at Harlem and Austin Boulevards force continuous lane crossovers. Congestion plus poorly spaced left exits turns I‑290 into a rollercoaster of fast-moving drivers darting across lanes. One Reddit thread calls the infamous interchange “absolutely terrible,” with conflicts between I‑290 inbound and I‑90/94 traffic creating chaos.

5. Weather, Potholes & Road Conditions

Chicago weather hits expressways hard. Slush, ice, and heavy rain make roads slippery. IDOT notes about 15,000 crashes happened in wet conditions in 2018—and nearly 3,500 on snow or slush. I‑290’s congested structure magnifies these issues.

Drivers also report frequent pothole tire damage incidents after heavy rains, often between I‑294 and Mannheim—resulting in dozens of flat tires and accidents along the shoulder.

6. Wrong‑Way & Head‑On Crashes

Although rare, wrong‑way crashes on I‑290 are among the deadliest. A grim example: On January 1, 2022, a wrong‑way driver crashed head-on near Mannheim, killing three people. While wrong‑way incidents account for ~3% of all collisions nationwide, their fatality rate is about 22% higher than other crashes.

Quick Summary of Key Stats

Cause	Key Statistics
Congestion & rear-end crashes	28% of collisions in Chicago
Speeding	33–34% of all crashes; 36% fatal
Wet/snowy conditions	15,000 wet + 3,500 snow crashes
I‑290 accident zone	~2,000/year between Manheim–Cicero
Wrong‑way crashes	3% of total, but 22% more deadly

Safety Tips for I‑290 Drivers

Knowing the risks is the first step to safer travel. Here’s how to respond:

1. Leave space: Maintain ample distance—especially in stop‑and‑go zones.
2. Plan exits early: Merge early and signal promptly to avoid abrupt lane changes.
3. Adjust for weather: Slow down in rain/snow and actively scan for potholes.
4. Stay focused: Ignore distractions—even brief ones. At 55 mph, 5 seconds of distracted driving equals nearly a football field traveled blind.
5. Avoid aggressive driving: Don’t speed or tailgate—even when rushed.
6. Report hazards: Flat tires lining the shoulder? Dangerous potholes? Call IDOT or state police before they lead to serious crashes.

Contact the Experienced Chicago Car Accident Lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates

At John J. Malm & Associates, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a serious car accident—especially on high-risk roads like I‑290. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s negligence, unsafe road conditions, or a preventable crash on the Eisenhower Expressway, our experienced Chicago car accident lawyers are here to help. We have a proven track record of holding reckless drivers and negligent parties accountable and securing the compensation our clients need for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us help you protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.