No matter where you drive, you are bound to cross through an intersection or two before you arrive at your final destination. However, intersections can pose many catastrophic consequences to drivers if they are not paying close attention. The City of St. Louis is home to a number of dangerous intersections — leading to serious catastrophic injuries and even death year after year.
Today, we wanted to share some of our city’s most dangerous intersections and what you should do in the event of an intersection accident.
Where are the dangerous intersections in St. Louis City?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, roughly one-quarter of all traffic fatalities and half of all traffic injuries in the United States occur at intersections. A recent study that compiled data from NHTSA outlined some of our nation’s most dangerous intersections. The level of danger was defined based on fatal accident numbers, catastrophic injuries reported and additional crash report data.
In St. Louis City, some of our most congested intersections include Grand Blvd, Kingshighway Blvd, Broadway and Washington Ave due to their proximity to places of work, major hospitals and interstates that go to St. Louis County, downtown St. Louis or Southern Illinois.
According to the interactive map, some of the most dangerous intersections in St. Louis City that have increased risk for fatalities and major injuries include:
- N. Grand Blvd and Montgomery St
- Kingshighway Blvd and St. Louis Ave
- Kingshighway Blvd and Lindell Blvd
- Arsenal Ave and Kingshighway Blvd
- Delmar Blvd and Kingshighway Blvd
- Cass Ave and Grand Blvd
- N. Broadway and Olive St
- N. Broadway and Washington Ave
- N. 4th St and Washington Ave
- Goodfellow Blvd and Natural Bridge Ave
What makes these intersections dangerous?
An intersection is where one road connects with another — creating a crossing path for cars, bikers and pedestrians. These areas usually have traffic lights, stop signs or other forms of signage denoting how drivers and pedestrians can navigate the road ahead of them. This influx of decisions, traffic and signage makes it imperative for all people to be highly aware of their surroundings to avoid an intersection accident.
Some specific reasons why intersections may be dangerous include:
- Driving while distracted;
- Driving while intoxicated;
- Making illegal turns;
- Failing to yield to other vehicles;
- Running a red light;
- Misjudging speed or distance;
- Failing to use proper turn signals;
- Speeding through intersections;
- Obstructed views when turning; or
- Aggressive or impatient driving.
What injuries are common in intersection accidents?
T-bone collisions are among the most frequent and deadliest intersection accidents. Typically, the at-fault vehicle will strike the side of the other vehicle in the collision — causing airbags to deploy, the side door of a vehicle to crush inward and possible multiple vehicle collisions.
Depending on the location and speed of the collision, drivers and their passengers may experience serious injuries such as:
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Paralysis;
- Nerve damage;
- Head injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries;
- Fractures or broken bones;
- Neck and back injuries;
- Whiplash;
- Lacerations and serious bruising; or
- Burn injuries.
Staying Alert in Dangerous Intersections
As a driver, there is only so much you can control when you take to the roads. Having knowledge of our city’s dangerous intersections and what situations you may experience will only heighten your awareness and keep you safe from a potentially catastrophic accident.
If you were involved in an intersection accident and experienced serious injuries in St. Louis City, the attorneys at MHM are ready to help you make your case. Contact our team today to begin filing your claim.