BEACH PARK — A multi‑vehicle collision on Sheridan Road in Beach Park Tuesday morning injured three drivers and shook residents — though thanks to quick action, two children on a nearby school bus escaped harm.
At around 8 a.m., deputies from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office say a 74‑year‑old man from Zion, driving a GMC Acadia, may have suffered a medical emergency before striking the stop arm of a school bus at Sheridan Road and Michigan Boulevard. The bus was stopped to pick up children; neither the two kids nor the bus driver were hurt.
Crash Involves Four Vehicles, Three Injured
After hitting the bus stop arm, the GMC continued northbound, colliding sequentially with:
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A Ford Focus, driven by a 49‑year‑old Beach Park man — which then struck a utility pole
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A Chevrolet Colorado, driven by a 39‑year‑old Winthrop Harbor man
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A Ford Flex, driven by a 28‑year‑old Fox Lake woman
The GMC driver was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition. Injured drivers from the Focus and Colorado were taken in serious but non-life-threatening condition. Thankfully, the Flex driver walked away unharmed.
Road Closed During Investigation
Lake County Sheriff investigators closed Sheridan Road temporarily while the Technical Crash Investigations Unit documented the scene and gathered evidence. The investigation is ongoing, with officials awaiting medical reports to confirm the suspected medical episode.
Sheridan Road: A Vital Yet Risky Corridor
Running parallel to Lake Michigan, Sheridan Road connects Chicago’s North Side through affluent North Shore suburbs down to Waukegan and Zion. As a major commuter and bus route, the road sees high volumes of school traffic and bus stops, raising community concerns that unexpected medical events or distracted driving can quickly escalate into multi‑vehicle dangers.
Community Safety: What to Know
Neighbors say this stretch of Sheridan Road, while scenic, needs improved safety measures — especially around frequently used school bus stops. Residents recommend:
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Additional signage or flashing lights near stops
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Regular medical check-ins for aging drivers
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Maintaining awareness for sudden traffic hazards
Have You Witnessed a Traffic Emergency on Sheridan Road?
Share your observations or footage if you’ve experienced traffic near Sheridan Road or other busy suburban streets. Comment or submit details at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — your voice helps advocates push for safer conditions.
