Driving in Northwest Indiana can be unpredictable, especially in areas where traffic, weather, and road design collide to create risky conditions for motorists. Whether you’re commuting along I-65, crossing busy intersections in Merrillville, or navigating the Borman Expressway, it’s important to understand where accidents happen most frequently and why.
Schafer and Schafer LLP has spent decades representing accident victims across the region, helping them recover compensation and rebuild their lives after serious crashes. We know the toll accidents take on Americans who are just trying to get through the day, especially when so many families are at risk of financial disaster if they suffer even a minor emergency.
Below, we highlight the most dangerous roads for car accidents in Indiana, why they pose such hazards, and what steps you should take if you’re involved in a collision.
What Makes a Road “Dangerous” in Northwest Indiana?
Certain stretches of highway and local roads are more prone to crashes due to a mix of environmental, structural, and behavioral factors. Many of these roads develop reputations of having bad road conditions, outdated design, and distractions on the road. Understanding these risks can help drivers stay alert and possibly avoid tragedy.
Traffic Volume and Speed
High-traffic corridors like I-65 and I-80/I-94 carry thousands of vehicles daily, including heavy trucks. With dense congestion, higher speeds, and frequent lane changes, a single mistake can quickly turn into a multi-vehicle collision. Speeding and tailgating are especially common in these zones, often leading to rear-end and side-impact crashes. Couple these factors with an enhanced risk of a driver being distracted in modern society, and you have the perfect storm of vehicle accidents waiting to happen.
Poor Road Maintenance and Visibility
Potholes, uneven pavement, and inadequate lighting contribute significantly to crashes. Northwest Indiana’s harsh winters and frequent freeze-thaw cycles worsen road damage, while rain, fog, and snow reduce visibility. Poor signage or faded lane markings can also cause drivers to drift unintentionally into other lanes. While road engineers try to account for these factors, the state budget doesn’t always align with road longevity expectations and many hazards or infrastructural issues can remain problematic for a very long time.
Driver Behavior and Distraction Zones
Many serious vehicle collisions stem from distracted or aggressive driving. Cell phone use, eating behind the wheel, or speeding through intersections creates a dangerous mix especially in congested areas where pedestrians, cyclists, and turning vehicles all share limited space. While almost every state has instituted some form of legislation regarding texting and driving, many more states are choosing to institute hands-free laws that make even eating or talking on the phone a misdemeanour.
Indiana is considered a hands-free state, meaning having your phone in your hand at all is illegal, even if you are using it to talk. Instead, drivers are encouraged to utilize bluetooth devices that allow both hands to be on the wheel if they need to make a phone call.
Top Dangerous Roads and Intersections in Northwest Indiana
Over the years, several routes in Northwest Indiana have become known for their higher accident rates. From busy interstates to local intersections, these areas demand extra caution.
I-65 Near Gary and Merrillville
Interstate 65 is one of Indiana’s busiest north-south highways and a frequent site of crashes, particularly near Gary and Merrillville. The combination of commuter traffic, frequent merging, and semi-truck congestion makes this area a hotspot for high-speed collisions. Wet or icy conditions in the winter only increase the risk of spinouts and pileups.
U.S. Route 30 and Broadway
The stretch of U.S. Route 30 intersecting Broadway in Merrillville sees a high number of rear-end and intersection accidents. Heavy commercial development means drivers constantly enter and exit shopping centers, increasing the likelihood of side-impact collisions and pedestrian incidents. Congested traffic and frequent stoplights make it a dangerous mix of high volume and unpredictable movement.
I-80/I-94 Corridor (The Borman Expressway)
Locally known as the Borman Expressway, I-80/I-94 is one of the most notorious highways in Northwest Indiana for crashes. It connects multiple major routes and serves as a vital corridor for long-haul trucking. Frequent lane shifts, heavy truck traffic, and sudden slowdowns are common. Multi-vehicle pileups are not unusual during bad weather, and construction zones add to the chaos.
U.S. Highway 41 and Ridge Road
Another high-risk area is the intersection of U.S. 41 and Ridge Road, where fast-moving vehicles meet dense local traffic. Visibility issues, red-light running, and sudden lane changes often result in T-bone collisions. This intersection also experiences a high number of accidents involving motorcyclists and pedestrians due to its urban surroundings.
Local Roads in Lake County with High Crash Reports
Beyond major highways, several local roads in Lake County have seen rising accident numbers. Roads such as Taft Street, 61st Avenue, and sections of U.S. 20 often experience congestion and frequent collisions, especially during peak commute times. Poor lighting and inadequate signage in residential and semi-rural areas add to the danger.
What to Do If You're in a Crash on One of These Roads
Even the safest drivers can be caught off guard by another motorist’s negligence. If you’re involved in a car accident on any of Indiana’s dangerous roads, taking the right steps can protect your health and your legal rights. The important thing to remember is your health matters above everything else, and good record keeping can ensure a smoother process should you be eligible to pursue a claim because of someone else's negligence.
Report the Accident Immediately
Always call 911 after a collision. Reporting the accident ensures an official police record, which is essential for insurance claims and any future legal action. Never assume minor accidents don’t require documentation. Hidden injuries or delayed symptoms can surface later and it is important to have as many verified records of the accident and its details available to correlate it to your injury.
Seek Medical Attention, Even for Minor Injuries
Some injuries, such as concussions, internal bleeding, or whiplash, may not show immediate symptoms. Visit a doctor right away and follow all medical advice. Prompt treatment not only safeguards your health but also establishes a clear link between the accident and your injuries.
Contact a Local Car Accident Lawyer Right Away
Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, especially when liability is shared among multiple drivers or entities. An experienced personal injury attorney can handle negotiations, gather evidence, and ensure you don’t accept an unfair settlement.
The attorneys at Schafer and Schafer LLP have deep experience handling cases involving collisions on Northwest Indiana’s most dangerous roads. Whether your crash involved a passenger car, delivery truck, or commercial vehicle, our team knows how to identify all liable parties and pursue full compensation for your losses.
Why Northwest Indiana Crash Victims Trust Schafer and Schafer LLP
After a serious accident, victims often face mounting medical bills, missed work, and emotional distress. Schafer and Schafer LLP understands the physical and financial toll these crashes take and has built a strong record of success representing injured clients throughout Lake County and beyond.
Our attorneys approach every case with compassion, transparency, and tenacity. We investigate thoroughly, working with accident reconstruction experts when needed, and fight to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies, or municipalities accountable.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash on one of Indiana’s dangerous roads, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Contact us today for a free consultation at (219) 947-1911. We proudly serve clients across Northwest Indiana, including Gary, Merrillville, Hammond, Crown Point, and Valparaiso.
Your recovery matters and taking action now can help you move forward with confidence.
