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Gurnee Today
By the People, for the People
Elderly Driver Crashes SUV Into Gurnee Hair Salon
Accident injures one person inside the salon
Published on Feb. 25, 2026
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An 81-year-old driver accidentally hit the gas pedal instead of the brake while parking their 2017 Honda HR-V, causing the SUV to crash into the front of Teri's Hair Designers salon in Gurnee, Illinois. One person inside the salon sustained minor injuries.
Why it matters
Incidents of elderly drivers accidentally accelerating their vehicles and causing crashes are an ongoing public safety concern, especially as the population ages. This case highlights the need for better driver education and assessment programs to ensure senior drivers can operate vehicles safely.
The details
The Gurnee Police and Fire Departments responded to the incident around 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday at the Gurnee Plaza strip mall. The 81-year-old driver, who is from Gurnee, mistakenly hit the gas instead of the brake while parking, causing the Honda HR-V to crash into the front of the hair salon. The salon sustained damage to its brick facade and window area, and one person inside the salon was evaluated and treated for minor injuries by paramedics, but refused transport to the hospital.
- The incident occurred around 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.
The players
Gurnee Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident.
Gurnee Fire Department
The local fire department that responded to the incident along with the police.
Teri's Hair Designers
The hair salon that was damaged when the 81-year-old driver crashed their SUV into the building.
81-year-old driver
The Gurnee resident who accidentally accelerated their Honda HR-V into the hair salon while parking.
What’s next
The Gurnee Building Department will inspect the salon to ensure the structure is safe, and the business will work on repairing the damage.
The takeaway
This incident highlights the need for better driver education and assessment programs to help ensure senior drivers can operate vehicles safely and prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
