Interstate 65 is One of the Nation’s Busiest Highways | Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C.
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Interstate 65 Is One of the Nation’s Busiest Highways

Written by Jared Staver

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Jared Staver is a Personal Injury Lawyer based in Chicago, Illinois and has been practicing law for over 20 years.

Jared Staver

CATEGORY: Auto Accidents, Personal Injury, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death


As any resident of the Chicagoland area knows, Interstate 65 is one of Chicago’s main arteries, particularly for commuters from Northern Indiana, and a highway that millions of commuters depend upon to get to their homes, schools, and back daily.

I-65 runs in a north-south direction from Gary, Indiana, all the way to Mobile, Alabama. It passes through and connects some of the Midwest and South’s major cities and most significant metropolitan areas, including Indianapolis, Louisville, and Nashville.

I-65 is also one of the nation’s busiest highways, so busy, in fact, that some Indiana lawmakers have proposed making it a toll road to raise revenue for the state.

Why Is I-65 So Dangerous?

I-65 is also one of the nation’s most dangerous highways. As any Chicago/Northern Indiana resident will tell you, car accidents on I-65 are a daily occurrence. Many times, these accidents involve serious injuries or even fatalities.

Recent Accidents Highlight I-65’s Dangers

On February 18, 2022, there was a fatal car accident on I-65 near mile marker 193 in Remington. This fatal car accident left many drivers on the interstate overnight while snow fell. Vehicles ended up in ravines off of I-65, semi-trucks were involved in truck accidents, and drivers were stuck on the highway for almost 17 hours while snowplows attempted to clear the roads.

On March 4, 2022, Indiana State police reported a multi-vehicle collision on the southbound lanes of I-65 near the Lowell exit. A tractor suffered vehicle malfunctions and was operating at a lower rate of speed. A truck rear-ended the tractor and was driven off the road, where it overturned. The truck driver suffered critical injuries.

On April 1, 2022, a major pileup crash occurred in Gary, Indiana, on I-65. Snow and ice conditions contributed to the cause of the collision, which involved multiple motor vehicles and tractor-trailers. The wreck closed all southbound lanes of traffic for the morning.

These are just several examples of how dangerous this particular highway can be.

Other Hazards of I-65

Construction Zones

Construction work on I-65 in Chicago through Indianapolis seems to be never-ending. It is essential to remain mindful of construction road signs and drive at a slower rate to reduce the number of accidents in construction areas along I-65.

Distracted driving, speeding, and negligent driving can cause collisions when lane configurations change or drivers are required to merge suddenly.

Weather Challenges

The weather conditions along I-65 often cause accidents during snow and ice storms. The flatland allows for strong winds, which can impact a vehicle’s ability to drive safely in a straight pass. This is particularly true for massive 18-wheelers at risk for rollover in high-wind weather conditions.

High Truck Volume

Tractor-trailers often travel along I-65 to cross the Midwest. Tractor-trailer accidents are common in part due to trucking companies overworking their truck drivers, failure to maintain the safety and integrity of the roadways, and defective or malfunctioning truck parts. Truck accidents along I-65 have also been caused by lost loads, impaired driving, and other types of negligence.

Protect Yourself When Driving on I-65

Defensive Driving Tips for Busy Highways

If you drive on I-65 regularly, make sure to practice defensive driving techniques to decrease your chances of becoming involved in an accident. These include:

  • Never use a handheld device while driving.
  • Always maintain a safe rate of speed and avoid erratic driving or weaving in and out of lanes.
  • Always put your safety first.
  • Be prepared for emergencies such as an accident in heavy snow.

Contact an Illinois Car Accident Lawyer for Help Today

Contact an Illinois attorney immediately if you have been injured in an auto accident on I-65 or any other highway in the Chicago area. Many cases involving personal injuries from a car accident go to court. You’ll want an experienced accident attorney by your side when negotiating with the driver who hit you and their insurance company.

Our car accident lawyers serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan. Call Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. at (312) 236-2900 to learn how our personal injury attorneys can help you or your loved one after an auto accident.

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(312) 236-2900
(312) 236-2900
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