St. Louis, Missouri, renowned for its bustling highways and extensive road networks, is home to various stretches that differ significantly in terms of safety. Unfortunately, certain sections have gained notoriety as the deadliest highway stretches in the region.
According to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP), the vehicle accidents that occurred in St. Louis in 2021 had significant consequences. These accidents resulted in 437 injuries that caused disability, 1,298 injuries that were visibly evident, and 2,691 injuries that were not immediately apparent.
Such statistics emphasize the importance of being aware of these risky roads, understanding their contributing factors, and taking measures to prioritize safety while traveling through St. Louis.
The Dangers of Intersections
Intersections pose a significant risk for traffic accidents, comprising approximately 40% of such incidents, as reported by the NHTSA. These accidents are often caused by drivers failing to yield the right of way, and sometimes inadequate intersection design can contribute to the high occurrence of crashes.
Disturbing figures were reported by the Missouri Department of Transportation between 2016 and 2018, with 127 fatalities occurring at intersections equipped with traffic signals and 357 fatalities at intersections without signals in the state of Missouri. The city of St. Louis alone witnessed 65 deaths and 331 serious injuries resulting from intersection accidents during the same period.
Additionally, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety highlights that 36 percent of all truck accidents take place on interstates and freeways. Given the alarming statistics surrounding intersection accidents, it becomes imperative to prioritize seeking the assistance of a car or truck accident attorney in St. Louis if you or someone you know has been involved in such an incident.
TorHoerman Law notes that these accidents pose a significant risk to individuals, with a substantial number of fatalities and serious injuries reported in Missouri and specifically in St. Louis. Engaging the expertise of a personal injury attorney is crucial in order to navigate the complexities of the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected.
Some of the most dangerous intersections around St. Louis include:
Page Avenue
According to a Fox 2 Now news article, a section of Page Avenue in Wellston has been identified as having the second-highest rate of fatal crashes per mile, making it the most dangerous stretch of road in the St. Louis area. Specifically, the half-mile stretch between Sutter and RM Moore Avenues recorded the highest number of fatal crashes per mile.
The main contributing factors to the high accident rates are believed to be inadequate street lighting and road signs in the area. Despite requests from local businesses to install traffic lights to deter speeding, these requests have not been granted, leaving the road perilous for motorists.
Interstate 70
Interstate 70, a significant east-west route that traverses St. Louis, has unfortunately seen its fair share of fatal accidents. According to statistics, it was ranked as the ninth deadliest interstate in the United States, with a staggering 134 recorded fatalities in the year 2020 alone.
The combination of high traffic volume, speeding, distracted driving, and aggressive behavior contribute to the heightened dangers along this particular highway stretch. To mitigate the risk of accidents, it is crucial for drivers to remain vigilant, strictly adhere to traffic laws, and avoid distractions while behind the wheel.
Interstate 44
Regarded as the “highway of death” by some, Interstate 44 has unfortunately experienced a significant number of fatal crashes in the St. Louis area. The challenges of navigating this road are exacerbated by its design, featuring sharp curves, and accommodating heavy truck traffic.
Compounding these risks are factors such as impaired driving and reckless maneuvers. In fact, the statistics reveal that Interstate 44 spans an extensive distance of 290.49 miles in Missouri and has an average of 0.65 fatal accidents per mile.
Notably, the section of I-44 between exits 288-292A has gained a reputation as an especially perilous stretch, witnessing 37 fatal crashes and claiming 44 lives within the specified timeframe. It is crucial for drivers to remain focused, maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, and adopt a defensive driving approach when traveling along this highway.
These precautions are essential for mitigating the risks associated with Interstate 44, which ranks among Missouri’s top ten deadliest roads based on its tragic accident records.
Conclusion
While St. Louis offers an extensive network of highways, it is important to be aware of the deadliest highway stretches in the area to take extra precautions while driving. By understanding the contributing factors and risks associated with these roads, you can be better prepared to navigate safely through St. Louis.
Remember to always adhere to traffic laws, avoid distractions, and remain vigilant while driving on these challenging stretches. Together, we can work towards reducing accidents and promoting safer roadways in our city.