February 23, 2022

The 5 Most Dangerous Roads in Champaign-Urbana

Car accidents happen, but in the Chambana region, they occur more frequently in certain areas. According to a traffic study conducted by the Champaign County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC), the intersections and roads listed below are the most dangerous in Champaign-Urbana.

Rear-end collisions, turning, and angle accidents occurred more frequently. When an accident is listed as “other,” it may include head-on, sideswipe, or fixed object accidents.

Here are the most dangerous roads in Champaign-Urbana.

1. Prospect Avenue & Bloomington Road

The Prospect Avenue and Bloomington Road intersection had more crashes than any signalized intersection in Champaign-Urbana. The intersection accommodates many cars, trucks, buses, bicyclists, and pedestrians. The sheer volume of traffic makes this area particularly dangerous.

With 128 accidents and one fatality in four years, Prospect and Bloomington earned a “very high priority” rating by the CCRPC for the number of accidents and severity of injuries.

Accidents by Type

Rear-end collisions and turns caused most of the accidents at Prospect and Bloomington:

Rear-end collisions: 39%
Turning: 34%
Angle: 13%
Sideswipe in the Same Direction: 10%
Other: 3%
Pedestrian: 1%

2. Lincoln Avenue & University Avenue

Another “very high priority” intersection, there were 101 crashes with injuries at Lincoln and University, with one fatal accident. The CCRPC traffic study identified University Avenue among the most dangerous roads in Champaign-Urbana.

Students, commuters, delivery trucks, and ride-sharing vehicles make navigating this intersection treacherous.

Accidents by Type

There were an equal number of rear-end and turning accidents at Lincoln and University:

Rear-end collisions: 38%
Turning: 38%
Other: 18%
Angle: 6%

3. Cunningham Avenue & University Avenue

There were 96 crashes at Cunningham and University in four years. Although there were no fatalities during this time, several accident victims suffered severe injuries.

According to the study, University Avenue had a high rate of fatal car crashes.

Accidents by Type

Sudden stops or distracted drivers probably account for the high number of rear-end collisions at Cunningham and University:

Rear-end collisions: 38%
Turning: 33%
Other: 18%
Sideswipe same direction: 10%
Bicyclist: 1%

4. Mattis Avenue & Bradley Avenue

There were 94 traffic accidents with injuries at the intersection of Mattis and Bradley in four years. The nearby intersection of Prospect and Bradley saw the most accidents involving bicycles. More than 90% of all bicycle accidents in Champaign-Urbana occur at intersections.

Accidents by Type

Almost half of all the accidents at Mattis and Bradly were rear-end collisions:

Rear-end collisions: 49%
Turning: 31%
Other: 12%
Angle: 8%

5. State Street & Springfield Avenue

State Street is a significant crash corridor, according to the CCRCP study. The intersection of State and Springfield had 52 accidents but is listed as a “very high priority” due to the number of angle accidents.

Accidents by Type

Angle accidents, including broadside or T-bone, were the most common at this intersection:

Angle: 58%
Other: 36%
Pedestrian: 4%
Bicyclist: 2%

Other Dangerous Intersections

Champaign-Urbana has other dangerous intersections and roads. Notable additions to this deadly list include:

Mattis Avenue & Springfield Avenue
Sixth Street & John Street
First Street & Green Street
Prospect Avenue & Marketview Drive
Neil Street & Kirby Avenue

Leading Causes of Accidents

According to Investigate Midwest, driver behavior is the leading cause of car accidents in Champaign-Urbana. Most accidents happened on days when the weather was clear and dry. Often, accidents involve a fixed object, such as a parked car.

Examples of Driver Error

In a study of car accidents from 2010 to 2017, very few of the nearly 40,000 crashes were caused by potholes, road construction, or other infrastructure issues.

The following driving errors caused most accidents:

Failing to reduce speed to avoid the crash
Failing to yield the right of way
Improper lane change and usage
Driving at an unsafe speed for conditions
Following too closely
Failing to obey traffic signals
Impairment due to drugs or alcohol
Distracted driver

What To Do After a Car Accident

No one expects to be injured in a car crash. When it happens, here are some things to do:

Get Help: Immediate medical attention is critical since you don’t know the extent or severity of your injuries (or someone else’s injuries). Call 9-1-1 to report the crash and for help from police and emergency services.
Take Pictures: If possible, use your phone to take pictures at the accident site. Include debris, skid marks, and damage to your vehicle.
Ask for Witnesses: Ask people who saw and heard the accident if they would be willing to make a statement. Get their names and phone numbers.
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Follow through with your medical treatment, including prescriptions, physical therapy, and appointments. Make sure you keep all receipts and bills.
Wait to Make a Statement: You might get a call from the insurance company. Politely decline to speak with them until you have a chance to talk to an attorney.
Call a Champaign-Urbana Car Accident Lawyer: You could be entitled to compensation for an accident that was not your fault. An experienced attorney helps you maximize potential damages to cover medical bills, lost pay, pain and suffering, and other losses.

Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers

Our car accident lawyers in Champaign-Urbana fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Before talking to the insurance company, speak to Staver Accident Injury Lawyers. We’ve recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.

The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless you recover compensation. Call 312-236-2900 or use our contact form to schedule your free, no-risk consultation.