LITH Intersections With the Most Accidents in 2011

There were more than 100 traffic accidents in 2011 along the mile stretch of Randall Road in Lake in the Hills. 

As was the case in 2010, three intersections along the stretch — Randall and Miller roads, Randall and Algonquin roads and Randall Road and Acorn Lane — saw the highest number of accidents in Lake in the Hills in 2011.

The village recently released information on intersections, which saw the most accidents in 2011 to Lake in the Hills Patch.Randall and Miller roads topped the list for having the most accidents in Lake in the Hills last year.  

• In 2011, there were 40 crashes at Randall and Miller roads. In 2010, there were 30 accidents recorded at that intersection, according to statistics provided to Patch by . 
• In 2011, there were 33 crashes at Randall Road and Acorn Lane. In 2011, there were 42 accidents at Randall and Acorn. 
• In 2011, Randall and Algonquin saw 32 accidents. There were 30 crashes at the intersection in 2010.

Distracted and unsafe drivers not paying close enough attention along Randall, which has seen an increase in traffic, are the main reasons for crashes along the crowded roadway, police officials told Patch. 

“The main reasons for these accidents is because two major roadways are crossing regulated by a traffic control device,”  “In 11 intersections listed, they are regulated by a stoplight or stop sign. In addition to the traffic control devices, intersections are locations where increased driving maneuvers are taking place.

“Drivers’ inattention, misjudgments, aggressive driving and driving too fast for road conditions while passing through these intersections are resulting in crashes,” said David Brey, Chief of Patrol Services for the Lake in the Hills Police Department. 

Due to a high number of crashes at the intersection of Randall and Miller roads, the McHenry County Highway Department made some changes last year, which officials say should help.

Wally Dittrich, design manger for the McHenry County Highway Department, said in 2011, the county added a protected left turn to the intersection.

This means cars waiting to turn left from Miller onto Randall can only legally legally do so with a green arrow. Before, there was no green arrow and vehicles could turn left anytime the light was green. 

Dittrich expects this should make the intersection safer. Brey credits the decreased number of accidents at Randall and Acorn to a red light camera at the intersection.

High Number of Crashes Also Along Algonquin

Algonquin Road also saw a number of accidents in Lake in the Hills in 2011.

• At Algonquin Road and Hilltop, there were 20 accidents — up from 10 in 2010. 
• At Algonquin and Lakewood, there were 18 — the same number as in 2010.
• At Algonquin and Pyott the number of accidents went up from 11 in 2010 to 13 in 2011. 

The greatest percent increase in accidents in 2011 occurred at the intersection of Lakewood and Miller roads, which saw four crashes in 2010 and nine in 2011.

“The Lakewood and Miller intersection is controlled by a stop sign and during the morning and afternoon rush, the intersection tends to back up a little,” Brey said. “Drivers need to be patient and pay attention when approaching the intersection."

No matter where they are driving, Brey warned drivers to be cautious and alert. 

“The best way to avoid an intersection related accident is to slow down and pay attention. Stop bad distracted driving habits, and focus your attention on what is going on around you," Brey said. "When the traffic light turns yellow, slow down and stop do not speed up to beat the red light. Also, adjust your speed and following distance appropriately for the weather conditions." 

The Intersections With Most Accidents in 2011

Intersection

2010  

2011

Randall & Acorn

42

33

Randall & Algonquin

30

32

Algonquin & Hilltop

19

20

Algonquin & Lakewood  

18

18

Algonquin & Pyott

11

13

Virginia & Rakow

6

2

4

Pingree & Rakow

6

8

Pyott & E. Oak

3

4

Virginia & Rt. 31

2

5