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The 8 Most Dangerous Roads and Highways in DuPage County

Award-Winning Accident Attorneys Explore High-Risk Roads in DuPage County

Driving in DuPage County? You may need to be extra cautious on some of the most dangerous roads and highways in the area. With heavy commuter traffic, commercial transport, and high-speed roadways, DuPage County consistently sees a high number of car accidents. Whether you are traveling for work, errands, or leisure, certain roads present a greater risk due to high traffic volume, frequent merging, and dangerous intersections.

According to the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), several roads in DuPage County consistently rank among the most accident-prone in the state. These roads are characterized by frequent congestion, high-speed limits, and complex interchanges that often lead to crashes. Understanding where these hazards exist can help drivers navigate these roads with greater caution.

A review of IDOT crash data from 2016 to 2024 reveals that accidents on DuPage County roads are often caused by speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield. Below, we break down the 8 most dangerous roads and highways in DuPage County based on accident data, police reports, and traffic studies.

Fatal crashes DuPage County — This bar chart illustrates the number of fatal crashes that occurred between 2016 and 2024 on the most hazardous roads in DuPage County. Fatal crashes have remained consistently high on I-88 and Route 59, reinforcing the dangers of these key roadways that see significant commuter and commercial traffic.

1. Interstate 88 (I-88 Reagan Memorial Tollway)

Why It’s Dangerous: I-88 is a critical corridor in DuPage County, running through Oak Brook, Downers Grove, and Naperville. It experiences heavy commuter traffic and a high volume of commercial trucks.

Accident Data: IDOT reports show that I-88 has one of the highest accident rates in the region, with hundreds of crashes annually.
Key Safety Risks: Speeding, aggressive lane merging, and commercial truck collisions.
Safety Tip: Stay alert when merging onto I-88 and maintain a safe following distance from large trucks.

2. Route 59

Why It’s Dangerous: Route 59 runs through highly populated areas Naperville, Aurora, West Chicago, and Warrenville, making it one of the busiest roads in DuPage County.

Accident Data: This road has seen consistent accident increases, particularly near Aurora Avenue and 95th Street.
Key Safety Risks: Rear-end collisions, pedestrian accidents, and red-light violations.
Safety Tip: Avoid aggressive lane changes and be cautious at high-traffic intersections.

3. Ogden Avenue (U.S. Route 34)

Why It’s Dangerous: This major thoroughfare connects Downers Grove, Lisle, and Naperville and is lined with businesses, making it prone to frequent stop-and-go traffic.

Accident Data: IDOT lists Ogden Avenue as one of the top roads for rear-end crashes in DuPage County.
Key Safety Risks: Frequent lane changes, pedestrian traffic, and distracted drivers.
Safety Tip: Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and avoid distractions while driving.

Total number of DuPage County fatal accidents — This chart presents the total number of reported accidents over the past eight years at DuPage County’s most hazardous roads. Total accident rates remain elevated across all major roadways, with roads near commercial and residential hubs—such as Ogden Avenue and 75th Street—showing particularly high crash volumes.

4. Butterfield Road (Route 56)

Why It’s Dangerous: Butterfield Road connects Oak Brook, Wheaton, and Lombard, with multiple commercial districts creating congestion.

Accident Data: Many accidents involve side-impact and rear-end crashes at intersections.
Key Safety Risks: Poorly timed traffic signals and rapid lane merges.
Safety Tip: Use extra caution when changing lanes and be mindful of sudden stops.

5. Roosevelt Road (Route 38)

Why It’s Dangerous: Roosevelt Road is a heavily traveled east-west route running through Wheaton, Glen Ellyn, and Oakbrook Terrace.

Accident Data: Intersection crashes are common, particularly at Main Street in Wheaton.
Key Safety Risks: Left-turn collisions, speeding, and distracted driving.
Safety Tip: Reduce speed at major intersections and watch for sudden stops.

6. North Avenue (Route 64)

Why It’s Dangerous: North Avenue is a major trucking route running through Lombard, Villa Park, and Glendale Heights.

Accident Data: Heavy truck traffic contributes to frequent multi-vehicle collisions.
Key Safety Risks: Speeding, merging lane accidents, and poor nighttime visibility.
Safety Tip: Give large trucks extra space and use caution when merging.

7. 75th Street

Why It’s Dangerous: 75th Street runs through Naperville, Woodridge, and Darien, seeing heavy retail and commuter traffic.

Accident Data: High crash rates near commercial centers and residential areas.
Key Safety Risks: Distracted driving, improper lane usage, and speeding.
Safety Tip: Stay alert for merging vehicles and maintain a safe following distance.

8. Farnsworth Avenue

Why It’s Dangerous: This Aurora road has a high number of rear-end and broadside collisions.

Accident Data: Accidents are common near the I-88 interchange due to high-speed merging.
Key Safety Risks: Traffic congestion, poorly timed lights, and aggressive driving.
Safety Tip: Plan ahead for sudden lane shifts and avoid tailgating.

“DuPage County’s roadways experience some of the highest traffic volumes in the region, and with that comes increased accident risks. From high-speed tollways like I-88 to busy commercial roads like Route 59, drivers need to stay vigilant. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, our experienced team is here to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.” – DuPage County car accident attorney, John J. Malm

Proportion of Fatal Crashes across DuPage County — This pie chart highlights the percentage of fatal crashes occurring on the eight most dangerous roads in DuPage County. High-speed roads like I-88 and major commuter routes like Route 59 make up the majority of fatal crashes in DuPage County, indicating that congestion and speed are major contributors to severe accidents.

Why Choose John J. Malm & Associates for Your DuPage County Car Accident Case?

If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident on one of these dangerous roads in DuPage County, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. At John J. Malm & Associates, we bring over 90 years of combined experience fighting for accident victims. With a proven track record of securing millions for our clients, we are dedicated to achieving the best results for you.

We are a team of six award-winning DuPage County personal injury attorneys, with offices in Naperville and St. Charles, ready to provide personalized legal representation for your case. If you’ve been in an accident, don’t face the legal process alone. Contact John J. Malm & Associates today for a free consultation and let us help you secure the compensation you deserve.

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