Two of the three most accident-prone intersections in DeKalb are located on North Annie Glidden Road.

The DeKalb Police Department reported 27 accidents at the intersection of Annie Glidden Road and West Lincoln Highway in 2002.

The intersection of North Annie Glidden Road and West Hillcrest Drive saw 19 accidents last year, and 18 accidents were reported at the intersection of County Farm and Peace roads.

The Illinois Department of Transportation has worked to reduce the number of accidents at Annie Glidden Road and West Lincoln Highway.

Kris Tobin of IDOT District 2, which includes DeKalb County, said the department monitors traffic throughout the year and recommends safety improvements for higher traffic volume areas. Improvements often include lights, increased signage and turn lanes, Tobin said.

The measures taken at particular intersections depend on the nature of each situation, Tobin said.

Three years ago, IDOT restricted left turns at the intersection, Tobin said. With drivers only allowed to turn with a green arrow, she said, drivers will not be trying to fight oncoming traffic to make a turn.

One recent improvement to North Annie Glidden Road was been the installation of traffic lights at Stadium Drive, said Joel Maurer, assistant manager with DeKalb public works. The city is working to replace the temporary wood pole and wire setup with a permanent structure.

By enforcing traffic laws, DeKalb police does its part to reduce accidents, said Lt. Carl Leoni.

“Accidents will happen – that’s why they’re called accidents,” Leoni said, “but we have to try.”