St. Louis is infamous for its fatal car crashes. You might be driving, biking, or walking in the streets of this city in Missouri. Suddenly, you face an accident leading to physical injuries, emotional trauma, and vehicle damage, followed by legal hassles. Trailnet.org states that 2023 was one of the deadliest years for Car Accidents in St. Louis because 533 crashes injured nearly 646 people. In April 2024, a woman died and three people were injured in a three-car accident in north St. Louis County. According to the investigators, the woman who was moving to Clark Boulevard, and Lewis, in a Kia Soul, crossed into a southbound lane and hit two vehicles.
The woman lost her life because of severe injuries. A passenger in the car was hospitalized because of moderate bruises. A passenger and driver from one car that got hit were moderately injured. Such accidents are common in the city. If you face one, you must consult a St. Louis car accident lawyer to navigate the legal path.
In this article, we will talk about the common causes of car crashes so that you can avoid them as much as possible.
Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis
In July 2023, Riverfronttimes.com stated in a news report that St. Louis drivers are the worst. The outcome was decided by a study conducted by ‘Consumer Affairs’, that evaluated a series of statistics explaining bad driving. It also included deadly accidents that occurred per 100,000 people. The study revealed speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol are the most common causes of accidents.
TorHoerman Law states that careless and reckless driving and auto defects are also probable causes. Based on the recent data, the driver’s age also contributed to the frequency of car accidents. The data highlights that the drivers were below 21 years old and more than 55 years old.
Here are the crucial causes of car crashes in St. Louis:
Poor Weather Conditions
Harsh conditions are common in St. Louis that can heighten the chances of car accidents. Fog, rain, ice, and snow can often make the road slick and reduce visibility. It poses a challenge for drivers to manage their vehicles and avert crashes.
You might have to go out, even in extreme weather conditions. In such a situation, you should drive slower than your usual speed. Make sure you increase your following distance. Additionally, ensure your car is equipped with windshield wipers and proper tires. However, in case of hazardous weather conditions, it’s best to avoid driving.
Driver Fatigue
In a recent study, the CDC found that one in every 25 drivers slept off while driving. There is a chance that you might face a criminal offense for driving with little or no sleep. The ideal way to avoid this is fairly simple. Disasters strike in a split second, usually when you lack focus or judgment.
Mobile Phone Usage
Mobile phones have become a necessity these days. We use it for making calls, browsing social media, playing games, and even checking routes. All these activities are harmless. But when you constantly use your mobile phone while driving that’s when you are in danger of witnessing a crash.
Excessive mobile phone use during driving distracts a driver. They can’t decide when to cross the signal or pull the brake, which causes fatal crashes, severe injuries, and even death. Therefore, it is necessary for drivers to not use their mobile phones while driving until necessary. Ideally, they should stop the car, answer a call or reply to a text, and resume driving to avert all dangers.
In conclusion, one can blame the driver’s behavior for fatal car crashes in St. Louis. There are other reasons like poor weather conditions and speeding. However, all drivers must know the major causes of vehicle crashes so that they can avoid them as much as possible.
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