Car Accident in Bridgeview

On Monday, December 5, 2022, at approximately 8:15 PM, there was a three-car collision on the intersection of 79th Street and Roberts Rd.

Some Bridgeview residents have lamented that the intersection is likely cursed since this is the second collision since the fatal one that occurred on July 16th of this year, in which two lives were lost after a vehicle speeding at 115 mph at 4:20 AM rammed into a semi-truck. The roadside memorial for the dead can still be found on the southbound side of Roberts Rd., just a quarter block from 79th St. The accident was so severe that the entire area was cordoned off for several hours, causing heavy delays because of the detours. Such as it was on Monday night.

According to Ricard Mancha, Chief of Bridgeview Police Department, the accident began when a Justice squad car was going east at high speed on 79th St., when it hit a car going northbound on Roberts Rd. The impact of the collision caused the vehicle to "bounce," striking a standing vehicle. The accident caused damage to the sign for the BP gas station and destroyed a Pace bus sign.

Mancha stated that the reason the police squad car was driving at such a high speed was because it was pursuing a stolen vehicle, but he deferred to the Justice Police Department for confirmation thereof.

Chief McDermott and Deputy Chief Kurschner could not be reached for questioning.

The police officer involved in the accident, whose name has not been disclosed, is being treated in fair condition at Christ Hospital. The driver of the standing vehicle, also injured, was sent to Palos Hospital in fair condition.

This and other accidents at this intersection begs the following questions. First, why did the northbound driver not pull over immediately after seeing the flashing lights and hearing the siren? Perhaps this could have prevented the accident, especially since the law requires us to do so, yet there is a growing number of drivers who do not yield to emergency vehicles. Second, pertaining to the constant speeding that takes place at 79th and Roberts, is it time for a speed camera thereabouts? If not, then perhaps Bridgeview Police Department should collaborate with the police departments of local towns to plan stings for controlling this speeding problem--especially as it pertains to the constant drag racing on Roberts Rd., Harlem Ave., and even residential streets. On thing is certain: if there is no crackdown on drivers who flout the law, we will see more accidents on these streets. Perhaps the next accident will cost more lives.