Kane County's most infamous intersection continues to be considered one of the most hazardous in Illinois. Randall Road was originally constructed to be a free-flowing, quick way to traverse Kane County from north to south, but it has essentially developed into a death trap. As farmland has transformed into subdivisions and retail centers, congestion and the speed of travel have increased - adding up to increased risk of serious injuries and fatal collisions.
Many people feel that the Randall Road/Route 72 intersection could be made safer. But it's trapped in governmental red tape: Randall Road is the property and responsibility of Kane County, while Route 72 is under the authority of the Illinois Department of Transportation. Lowered speed limits, signal changes and other traffic control measures might lessen the risk of harm, but those measures come with a price tag. Neither Kane County nor the Illinois Department of Transportation is willing to pay for it.
Recent Cases Highlight the Problem
While the Randall Road/Route 72 intersection has seen many motor vehicle accidents over the years, several high-profile car accidents in the past few years have brought national and worldwide attention to this plagued stretch of roadway. In the recent past, all manner of accidents from rear-end collisions to head-on crashes (running the gamut from failing to stop at red lights to excessive speed) have caused serious injuries to dozens of people and taken the lives of several motorists.
One newsworthy case caught the eye of media outlets in Illinois, the country and worldwide. This accident, which occurred on October 7, 2007, involved a nun of the Fraternite Notre Dame order striking a car carrying four area youths. Sister Marie Marot was accused of running a red light and colliding with another vehicle. The impact resulted in the death of 16-year-old Keith Forbes. She was acquitted of a related traffic charge in 2009.
The case drew attention not only for the involvement of a nun, but also that Sister Marot was allowed to wear her habit to the trial. Critics also decried the fact that the criminal jury was not allowed to know that Mr. Forbes died in the crash. Civil lawsuits (including one filed in this matter) and those filed in other fatal accidents that have occurred on Randall Road over the years are still pending.
If you or a loved one has been injured on one of the inherently dangerous intersections located on Randall Road, or at any other hazardous stretch of road in Illinois, consult a skilled personal injury attorney in your area. Doing so will increase your chances of securing adequate compensation for the medical treatment you need and the justice you seek for pain and suffering.
