Drivers in Sugar Grove are no stranger to the Scott Road and Harter Road intersection. Widely considered one of the greater Chicago area’s most dangerous intersections, nearly two dozen accidents – including a fatal crash in early September – have left Kane County officials scrambling for ways to prevent similar crashes in the future. Our car accident attorneys understand that while any intersection can be dangerous due to the reckless actions of other drivers, some intersections are more dangerous than others. When coupled with a driver who chooses to run a stop sign, fails to yield at a traffic signal, is distracted or under the influence of alcohol, drivers, passengers and pedestrians alike are put into immediate danger.
Crash data reveals multiple accidents at Scott Road and Harter Road intersection
According to NBC 5, recent accidents of varying severity at the Scott Road and Harter Road intersection have Kane County safety officials examining both short- and long-term solutions to prevent accidents. Using data obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, NBC 5 reported that the most recent of the collisions – a nonfatal crash on September 21 – was the 23rd accident at the intersection since 2000. Earlier in the month, on September 9, NBC 5 reported that a fatal accident occurred after a 2003 Acura driven on Scott Road failed to stop at a stop sign, colliding with a 2000 Chevrolet Venture traveling north on Harter Road, which does not have a stop sign. The NBC 5 report indicates that of the 23 collisions at the intersection since 2000, more than half have resulted in injuries to drivers or passengers. Furthermore, NBC 5 indicates that concerned residents of the neighborhood were told at past Transportation Board meetings that there was not enough traffic at the intersection to merit 4-way stop signs, leaving the intersection’s two stop signs along Scott Road.
Safety measures designed to reduce accidents at dangerous intersection
In response to these recent collisions, NBC 5 reports that county officials will implement numerous safety measures to bolster driver safety at the intersection. First and foremost, in the wake of the September 21 crash, the article indicates that Kane County officials quickly responded by installing rumble strips to prevent speeding along the roads approaching the intersection. Furthermore, officials have responded to the recent crashes by vowing to install four-way stop signs at the intersection, going a step further by way of promising to install a flashing light above the intersection to warn drivers. While these safety measures are undoubtedly critical to driver safety, it’s important to remember that for some, it comes as too little, too late. Whether due to driver inattention, failure to yield or other factors, those injured – or whose loved ones were killed – in a serious accident may be entitled to collect compensation for another driver’s reckless actions.
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