Traffic crashes are a devastating reality in St. Louis City and County. According to Trailnet, a staggering 173 people lost their lives in these incidents during 2022, with another 14,930 suffering injuries.
The situation in St. Louis City is particularly alarming. With 78 traffic fatalities in 2022, the city witnessed the second-highest number of deaths on record. This disturbing number is more than double the traffic fatalities the city experienced a decade ago.
These grim statistics raise a critical question: are the city’s roads contributing to these fatalities? This article will discuss the design and condition of St. Louis’ roadways, exploring how they may be impacting traffic safety.
Hit-and-Run Incident Sheds Light on Road Safety Concerns
The tragic death of Craig Schuman at the intersection of Gravois and Nebraska avenues exemplifies the potential dangers lurking within the city’s road design.
According to Fox2Now, Mr. Schuman was crossing Gravois Avenue, not in a designated crosswalk, when he was struck by a vehicle that fled the scene. While the details of Mr. Schuman’s decision to cross outside a crosswalk are unknown, this incident highlights the importance of pedestrian infrastructure.
This case study underscores the need to examine the pedestrian experience on St. Louis roads. Are there enough designated crosswalks, and are they properly placed and maintained? Does road design prioritize car speed over pedestrian safety?
By analyzing specific high-crash areas like this intersection, we can identify potential improvements to make St. Louis streets safer for everyone.
The Deadly Intersection of Grand Boulevard
In the heart of the city lies a thoroughfare notorious for its perilous intersections – Grand Boulevard.
According to a study highlighted by Riverfront Times, Grand Boulevard stands as a stark reminder of the dangers lurking on St. Louis’ roads. The intersection of North Grand and Montgomery in the JeffVanderLou neighborhood emerges as one of the deadliest in the nation.
The study underscores a troubling trend. Intersections where high-speed traffic arteries intersect with local roads, like Montgomery, are prime breeding grounds for fatal accidents. From 2000 to 2019, seven lives were tragically lost at the North Grand and Montgomery intersection. This places it alarmingly close to the deadliest intersections nationwide.
The absence of traffic control measures exacerbates the risk, with cars frequently exceeding 40 mph along North Grand. This leaves little room for error, especially during hectic weekday mornings.
The lack of traffic signals or stop signs along Grand Boulevard compounds the danger. They amplify the challenge for drivers attempting to merge or turn onto the thoroughfare. The absence of infrastructure to regulate traffic flow encourages speeding and increases the likelihood of collisions.
As Grand Boulevard continues to claim lives, urgent measures are warranted to address the underlying issues and safeguard the community against further tragedy.
The Worsening Condition of St. Louis Roads
While road design plays a significant role in traffic safety, the condition of the city’s roads presents an additional layer of concern.
A recent survey conducted by KSDK, a local news station, revealed the frustrations of many residents. Over 1,200 responses highlighted a multitude of issues plaguing St. Louis’ roadways.
The most prevalent complaint, mentioned by nearly 90% of respondents, was potholes and crumbling pavement. Viewers detailed experiences with damaged vehicles and the overall hazardous driving conditions caused by these neglected roads.
Speeding emerged as another significant concern, with over half of respondents reporting excessive speeds on city and county roads, as well as highways. This issue was further amplified on streets like Grand Boulevard, where viewers mentioned problems with illegal street racing.
The survey results also shed light on problems like disobeying traffic signals, traffic congestion, narrow lanes, and unsafe pedestrian crossings. Confusing road designs were also a concern, highlighting a lack of clarity and potentially contributing to accidents.
Recourse for Victims’ Families
In the face of a tragedy like a traffic fatality, the emotional toll on surviving family members is immense. While nothing can replace their loved one, the legal system can offer a path toward some measure of justice and financial security.
St. Louis personal injury lawyers play a crucial role in helping families navigate the legal complexities following a fatal crash. These lawyers specialize in cases where negligence or wrongdoing contributes to an accident.
TorHoerman Law notes that a personal injury lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, and build a case against the responsible party. This process can involve working with accident reconstruction specialists, obtaining police reports, and potentially even filing a lawsuit against responsible parties.
You need to remember that there are time limits for filing wrongful death lawsuits in Missouri. Consulting with a lawyer as soon as possible after a fatal crash is crucial to ensure a timely investigation and the preservation of evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Major Cause Of Fatality In Road Accidents?
The major cause of fatalities in road accidents is often attributed to human factors. They include speeding, reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and failure to wear seat belts. These behaviors significantly increase the likelihood and severity of accidents, resulting in tragic consequences.
What Type Of Road Do Most Fatal Accidents Occur On?
Most fatal accidents occur on rural roads, which present significant risks. Cyclists, motorcyclists, and car drivers are three times as likely to be killed per mile traveled on rural roads compared to urban roads.
What Measures Can Be Taken To Reduce Road Accidents?
Road accidents can be reduced through various measures such as strict enforcement of traffic laws and promoting responsible driving behaviors. Improving road infrastructure and maintenance also plays a crucial role in accident prevention. Additionally, enhancing vehicle safety standards, implementing public awareness campaigns, and investing in advanced technology are vital strategies for reducing road accidents.
In conclusion, this article has explored the role that road design and overall road conditions play in contributing to these crashes. The human cost of these design flaws and infrastructure neglect is immeasurable. Families lose loved ones, and countless individuals suffer life-altering injuries.
The good news is that change is possible. By acknowledging the role that road design plays in traffic safety, St. Louis can take concrete steps to improve its infrastructure. This may involve redesigning high-crash intersections, implementing traffic calming measures, and prioritizing pedestrian safety features. Additionally, addressing the deteriorating condition of roads through proper maintenance and repairs is crucial.
Creating safer roads is a shared responsibility. Citizens can advocate for better infrastructure and traffic enforcement. Lawyers can help hold negligent parties accountable when crashes are caused by road design flaws. A collective effort is needed to transform the city’s roads from a source of danger into a safe and efficient transportation network for everyone.
