Parents of Four Killed in Wrong-Way Crash on I-55

On Tuesday night, a couple died and three of their children were injured in a wrong-way crash on I-55 in Wilmington.

ABC 7 Chicago reports the “crash occurred at about 10:36 p.m. near milepost 238 as police said a Ford F-150 was driving north in the southbound lanes near milepost 238 and struck a GMC Yukon head-on. The Yukon was then hit by a semi-trailer.”

The driver of the Ford also suffered injuries.

The victims, who were driving the Yukon, were Kelly and Ron Dube – married for 15 years and with four children between the ages of two and 11. They had just dropped off their oldest child at a sleepover and were headed home with the other three when they were struck by the Ford.

Per ABC 7, “The couple was killed instantly, police said. The three children, a 2-year-old boy and 7-year-old twins, were taken to Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago for treatment.”

Said their sister, Melissa Allen, “It was a beautiful family. Four beautiful kids. I love those kids so much. But their parents were just ripped away from them by a senseless act and for the rest of their lives, their lives are completely changed.” She added, “Those kids are my first priority. Making sure they are OK. They are taken care of and they have the support that they need just to make it through this.”

Our hearts go out to the Dube family after this terrible, tragic, and preventable accident.

The dangers of wrong-way accidents

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports 2,008 fatalities across the United States from wrong-way driving accidents between 2015 and 2018. This is an average of 500 deaths every year – up 34% from 375 deaths per year between 2010 and 2014. AAA notes that “Researchers found that the odds of being a wrong-way driver increased with alcohol-impairment, older age, and driving without a passenger.”

Further, wrong-way crashes on highways are often fatal accidents, as they are nearly always head-on collisions. Illinois sees about 12 wrong-way crash deaths per year.

Why do wrong-way accidents happen?

The majority of wrong-way crashes occur due to driver error, with most drivers entering a highway via an exit ramp rather than an entrance ramp. A variety of factors can contribute to these errors, including:

• Driving under the influence
• Driving while distracted
• Drivers unfamiliar with local roadways
• Inadequately marked ramps
• Inadequate signage
• Failure to notice a detour
• Poor visibility
• Fatigued motorists

As AAA points out, the number-one cause of wrong-way crashes is alcohol impairment, reporting that “six in ten wrong-way crashes involved an alcohol-impaired driver.”

How can I avoid wrong-way drivers in Chicago?

Following are some tips for avoiding wrong-way drivers and accidents:

• Stay in the right lane, especially at night. Wrong-way drivers tend to drive close to the median.
• Keep your headlights on at dusk, nighttime, and during inclement weather. They can serve as a warning to oncoming motorists.
• Keep a high visual horizon. Make sure you’re looking far enough down the road to spot any objects, including wildlife, traffic, and wrong-way drivers.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Check your mirrors and glance out your side windows every now and then, too.
• If you spot a wrong-way driver, pull over to the right, find a safe location, and wait for the wrong-way driver to pass. Call 911 to report the wrong-way driver to the police.

If you realize you’re driving the wrong way down a one-way street, pull over as soon as possible and wait for a safe time to turn around and follow the correct direction.

How can we reduce wrong-way accidents in Illinois?

More and more states are implementing ideas in an attempt to prevent further wrong-way driving tragedies. Some of these include:

• Flashing “wrong way” signs in high-risk areas
• “Wrong Way” painted onto the pavement
• Concrete structures or spikes that prevent wrong-way vehicles from entering
• Added wrong-way warnings signs on streets and ramps
• Increased lighting in high-risk areas
• Surveillance and sensors that recognize wrong-way vehicles and warn drivers and police
• Getting rid of cloverleaf traffic patterns and creating more space between entrance and exit ramps in future highway design

Illinois could benefit from a lot of these options. Massachusetts, for example, is setting up a $2.6 million pilot system that alerts wrong-way drivers “by installing wrong-way vehicle detection systems at highway ramps. When the system detects a car entering a ramp in the wrong direction it sets off flashing lights, signs and, at some locations, audible alarms to alert the driver.” If the driver continues, state police receive a notice of the wrong-way driver.

We could use something like that here, too.

What to do after a wrong-way car accident in Chicago

After a wrong-way car accident in Chicago, there are a few things you can do to protect your health and any potential legal action you may take in the future.

First, ensure you get a copy of the police report after the accident. You will need this to show the insurance company. Second, if you haven’t seen a doctor yet, see one immediately. Even if you do not feel injured at the scene of the accident, keep in mind that some injuries take time to present themselves – especially brain and soft tissue injuries. Further, if you do not see a medical professional as soon as possible after your accident, the insurance company may claim that you were not seriously injured.

Next, talk to an experienced personal injury attorney. Your attorney can investigate the circumstances of your accident, the extent of your injuries, and how those injuries and losses will affect you – not only today, but for the rest of your life. Your attorney will also negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf and take care of all the legal issues so you can take the time you need to rest and recover from your injuries.

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in a wrong-way crash? The Chicago attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers want to help. We have the experience, the resources, and the knowledge to take on your case with confidence and skill. Reach out to us today by calling our office or submitting our contact form to schedule a free consultation.