Most Dangerous Intersections for Motorcyclists in Chicago

Chicago is a beautiful city with many fun and exciting motorcycle routes to try. However, riding in the Windy City is often dangerous, and certain intersections are particularly accident-prone. We looked at what researchers have found regarding the most dangerous intersections for motorcyclists in Chicago, and the answers may surprise you.

What Are Chicago’s Most Dangerous Intersections?

Writers at NCHStats analyzed a traffic study published in the Chicago Journal to identify the city’s most dangerous intersections. The Chicago Journal study looked at three years of city crash data to spot the intersections most prone to crashes. Based on their findings, the five most dangerous intersections in Chicago are as follows.

1: East 79th Street & South Stony Island Avenue

Chicago’s most dangerous intersection saw 196 crashes, 1 death, and 9 serious injuries from 2018 to 2020. Multiple heavy-traffic lanes meet here, buses and commuter traffic mix with cars, and drivers must navigate many turning movements in a short space. Furthermore, the large volume of vehicles and long pedestrian crossing distances at the intersection create a high risk of severe collisions.

2: East 95th Street & South Stony Island Avenue

The Chicago Journal study found that 160 crashes, 1 death, and 4 serious injuries occurred at this intersection from 2018 to 2020. The layout funnels fast-moving traffic into multiple lanes with long crossing distances and limited pedestrian space, leaving little time for riders and drivers to react.

3: West Garfield Boulevard & Wentworth Avenue

This busy South Side junction recorded 141 crashes and 6 serious injuries during the three years of the Chicago Journal study. The meeting of an east-west arterial with a feeder road near expressway ramps often leads to sudden lane changes and complex traffic movements. These patterns make it hard for riders to anticipate what other vehicles will do.

4: West Garfield Boulevard & Wells Street

Data show 131 crashes and 4 serious injuries at this intersection during the study period. The combination of residential traffic and commuter drivers in the area significantly increases the chances of an accident. Additionally, multiple lanes and turning points leave little clear space for motorcycle riders, so split-second decisions can quickly turn into collisions.

5: North Michigan Avenue & East Wacker Drive

Finally, this downtown intersection saw 125 crashes and 3 serious injuries from 2018 to 2020. (There were no fatalities, thankfully.) Heavy pedestrian numbers, intense bus and rideshare traffic, and constant turning movements make this intersection risky for drivers and motorcyclists alike. The mix of vehicles and people pursuing different goals raises the likelihood of collisions, especially for riders maneuvering between cars and foot traffic.

Staying Safe at Intersections While Riding in Chicago

You can’t control what other motorists do, which means it’s impossible to prevent all accidents. However, taking some common-sense precautions can make it less likely that you’ll join the ranks of Chicago’s accident victims. Here’s how to keep yourself safe:

• Watch cross traffic closely, even when you have a green light. Drivers often rush through yellow and red lights at busy Chicago intersections.
• Slow down as you approach intersections. That way, you have more time to react to sudden turns, lane changes, or vehicles pulling out unexpectedly.
• Position yourself where other drivers can see you clearly. Similarly, avoid lingering in blind spots near large trucks, buses, or SUVs.
• Use your signals early and clearly. Confirm that other drivers have acknowledged your movement before you commit to a turn or lane shift.
• Stay alert for pedestrians, cyclists, and rideshare vehicles. They often enter intersections quickly and without much warning, leaving you little time to react.

Contact Law Tigers Now for Help After a Motorcycle Accident

The Law Tigers team has extensive experience with motorcycle accidents in Chicago, and we can fight on your behalf for fair compensation after a collision. Call now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.