When driving around St. Louis, you might think that all roads pose an equal risk of accidents, but that isn’t the case. Certain intersections and highway exits are known to be particularly dangerous. These spots have become notorious for frequent crashes, whether it's because of high traffic volume, poor visibility, or confusing traffic patterns.
If you've been in a crash at one of these dangerous intersections, you may already know how serious these accidents can be. You should consider speaking with a St. Louis car accident lawyer to recover compensation for your injuries. Here’s a breakdown of the most dangerous intersections in St. Louis and why they’re so prone to accidents.
Exit from Interstate 64 and Grand Boulevard
One of the most dangerous places to drive in St. Louis is the exit from Interstate 64 onto Grand Boulevard. This area combines multiple factors contributing to accidents, making it a hazardous spot for drivers. First, the high volume of traffic is a significant issue. Interstate 64 is a major east-west thoroughfare through St. Louis, bringing in thousands of vehicles daily. When you combine that heavy traffic with drivers attempting to exit onto Grand Boulevard, congestion quickly builds.
Another factor that makes this exit dangerous is the lack of visibility as drivers approach the ramp. The exit design creates blind spots, making it difficult to see cars ahead until you’re already close to them. Drivers often have to brake suddenly, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions.
In addition, the traffic pattern at this intersection is complicated. Grand Boulevard runs through residential and commercial areas, meaning there’s a constant mix of vehicles – from small sedans to delivery trucks. When these vehicles converge at the exit, drivers need to be alert, but many aren’t, leading to distracted driving and crashes.
Finally, the road conditions here often add to the danger. The pavement can be uneven, which causes vehicles to jostle around. This jostling makes it harder for drivers to maintain control of their cars. Wet weather only amplifies the risks at this exit, turning the area into a high-risk zone for accidents.
Grand Avenue and Interstate 70
Grand Avenue and Interstate 70 make for another dangerous intersection in St. Louis. This area experiences a high volume of traffic daily, with drivers trying to merge onto and off Interstate 70 or into the busy Grand Avenue corridor. Grand Avenue is a major north-south route through the city, while Interstate 70 is a crucial east-west highway.
The main issue at this intersection is the mix of high-speed traffic on Interstate 70 and slower-moving vehicles on Grand Avenue. Cars exiting the highway often have to make quick decisions about which lane to enter, while drivers on Grand Avenue may not always be prepared for the sudden influx of traffic. This creates a high-risk situation for side-impact and rear-end collisions.
Another challenge is the design of the intersection itself. The on-ramps and off-ramps are short, leaving little room for drivers to accelerate or decelerate as they merge with traffic. This lack of room often makes drivers make last-minute lane changes, which can cause accidents.
Accidents at this intersection tend to be severe due to the high speeds involved on Interstate 70. When cars collide at highway speeds, the damage is often significant, leading to serious injuries. If you’ve been in a crash at Grand Avenue and Interstate 70, a St. Louis car accident lawyer can explore your legal options and work toward recovering compensation for your injuries.
Jefferson Avenue and Interstate 44
Another dangerous spot for drivers in St. Louis is the intersection of Jefferson Avenue and Interstate 44. This area is a hotspot for collisions due to its confusing layout and heavy traffic.
One major problem is that Jefferson Avenue is one of the busiest streets in the city, running past multiple businesses and government buildings. Traffic is heavy during rush hour, with drivers attempting to merge onto and off Interstate 44. The intersection is particularly dangerous for those using the on-ramps and off-ramps. Misjudging the speed of other cars, especially during high traffic times, often leads to crashes.
The intersection's layout also poses significant challenges. Multiple lanes can make it hard for drivers to determine which lane they should be in, and last-minute lane changes are common. When drivers aren’t familiar with the area, they often make abrupt maneuvers, which increases the chance of a collision.
The high number of commercial trucks using Interstate 44 further complicates matters. These large vehicles take longer to stop and require more space to turn, often leading to accidents with smaller vehicles.
Given the complexity of this intersection and the sheer number of vehicles that pass through daily, crashes are almost inevitable. A St. Louis car accident lawyer can seek justice if you’ve been in an accident.
Interstate 70 and Salisbury Street
Interstate 70 and Salisbury Street is another high-risk area for drivers in St. Louis. Several unique factors make this intersection one of the most dangerous in the city. Interstate 70 is one of the busiest highways in the region, serving as a major corridor for both local and long-distance travelers. Traffic on this highway moves at high speeds, and the interchange at Salisbury Street can be difficult to navigate.
Another factor is the high number of commercial trucks that pass through this area. Truck drivers often have difficulty maneuvering through the tight spaces at the interchange. Also, smaller vehicles can easily get caught in the blind spots of these large trucks – a major cause of truck accidents. The speed of the traffic on Interstate 70 adds to the danger, as drivers often struggle to judge how fast oncoming cars are moving, leading to rear-end collisions and side-swiping accidents.
In addition, Salisbury Street is located near several industrial areas, which means many large vehicles enter and exit the highway. These vehicles take up a lot of space on the road, and accidents can happen when drivers are in a hurry or not paying attention.
Drivers also face visibility issues in this area, especially at night or in bad weather. Fog, rain, and snow can obscure the road, making it difficult for drivers to see cars ahead of them. This leads to chain-reaction crashes, especially during the winter months when road conditions are poor.
Accidents at this intersection often result in severe injuries due to the high speeds involved. If you’ve suffered an injury in a crash here, a St. Louis car accident lawyer can identify your legal options and work toward helping you achieve the best possible result in your case.
Interstate 64 and Kingshighway Boulevard
The intersection of Interstate 64 and Kingshighway Boulevard is another notorious accident hotspot in St. Louis. This intersection is particularly hazardous because it combines heavy interstate traffic and a major city street. Kingshighway Boulevard is one of the most heavily traveled roads in the city, running through several important neighborhoods and connecting to major hospitals, parks, and businesses.
One of the primary reasons this intersection sees so many accidents is the speed differential between vehicles exiting the highway and those driving on Kingshighway. Cars traveling at high speeds on Interstate 64 often have to slow down abruptly as they approach Kingshighway, while drivers on Kingshighway may be caught off guard by fast-moving traffic merging onto the street. When motorists are surprised, that often leads to rear-end collisions and sideswipe accidents.
Pedestrian traffic also adds to the danger. Kingshighway Boulevard runs through several busy areas, and pedestrians often cross the street at this intersection, even when it's unsafe. Drivers who aren’t paying attention or focused on complex traffic patterns may not see pedestrians in time, leading to serious accidents.
Why These Intersections Are So Dangerous
Last year, there were 52 car accident deaths in St. Louis. Not all of them occurred at intersections, of course, but a significant number do. These are some of the common factors that contribute to the frequency and severity of intersection accidents.
High Traffic Volume
One of the biggest factors is sheer traffic volume. St. Louis is a hub for both local commuters and cross-country travelers. Roads like Interstate 70, Interstate 64, and Interstate 44 see thousands of vehicles daily, from local traffic to long-haul truckers. These highways intersect with key city streets, creating bottlenecks where high-speed highway traffic merges with slower-moving city traffic. The constant ebb and flow of vehicles leads to frequent congestion, making it easy for drivers to misjudge distances or fail to stop in time.
Confusing Traffic Patterns
Many of St. Louis’ most dangerous intersections involve confusing traffic patterns. Multiple lanes of traffic merge, and on-ramps and off-ramps are often too close to one another on major interstates. This requires drivers to make quick decisions, which can easily lead to mistakes. For example, at the Exit from Interstate 64 and Grand Boulevard or Jefferson Avenue and Interstate 44, drivers often find themselves caught between multiple lanes of traffic, unclear road signs, and sudden lane shifts.
In addition, some of these intersections are located near key commercial or residential areas, meaning drivers often contend with local delivery trucks, buses, and pedestrians. The mix of large and small vehicles, combined with multiple traffic lights and heavy congestion, increases the risk of crashes.
Poor Visibility
Visibility plays a key role in many accidents, particularly at dangerous intersections. At places like the Exit from Interstate 64 onto Grand Boulevard or at Interstate 70 and Salisbury Street, the design of the roads can make it difficult for drivers to see upcoming traffic or obstacles. These blind spots lead to dangerous situations where drivers may not have enough time to react to slowed or stopped cars ahead of them. Nighttime and poor weather conditions only worsen these visibility issues, further increasing the risk of collisions.
Speed Differentials
Another major factor contributing to accidents at these intersections is the difference in vehicle speeds. Highways like Interstate 70 and Interstate 64 are designed for fast-moving traffic, but once drivers approach city streets like Kingshighway Boulevard or Grand Avenue, they need to reduce their speed.
Unfortunately, not all drivers slow down in time, leading to rear-end collisions or worse. Additionally, slower-moving traffic, such as delivery trucks or buses, often slows down the flow of traffic at these intersections, leading to sudden braking and lane changes that can result in crashes.
Speeding is a serious problem in St. Louis and the rest of the state. In one year, speeding led to 194 motor vehicle fatalities.
Road Conditions
Poor road conditions can exacerbate an already dangerous situation. Some of St. Louis’ busiest intersections have worn-down pavement, potholes, or uneven surfaces. Drivers may hit a pothole or uneven pavement, causing them to lose control of their vehicle or swerve unexpectedly. Combined with high speeds and heavy traffic, these poor road conditions make an accident far more likely.
Moving Forward After a Crash in St. Louis
If you’ve been in a crash at one of these dangerous intersections, you may be facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Dealing with medical bills, lost income, and insurance companies can be overwhelming, especially when trying to recover from an injury.
Speaking with a St. Louis car accident lawyer can handle the aftermath of a collision. They can work with you to gather the evidence to build a strong case, negotiate with insurance adjusters, and protect your rights. Whether the crash was due to another driver’s negligence, poor road conditions, or faulty signage, a lawyer knows how to pursue the compensation necessary to cover your expenses and get your life back on track.
Accidents at these dangerous intersections are common, but that doesn’t mean you should bear the consequences alone. By working with a St. Louis car accident lawyer, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal challenges of your case. Whether it’s a minor collision or a serious crash, having legal support can make all the difference in ensuring that you get the compensation you deserve. Seek your free consultation with an attorney familiar with the risks in the St. Louis area today.