Top Causes of Car Accidents in St. Louis and How to Avoid Them

St. Louis has a high car accident rate, with distracted driving, speeding, drunk driving, reckless driving, and poor weather conditions being the main causes.

Car accidents can happen anytime and anywhere, but some cities have a higher accident rate than others. Unfortunately, St. Louis is one of those cities. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, there were 31,050 motor vehicle crashes in the city of St. Louis in 2019 alone, resulting in 10,209 injuries and 100 fatalities.

Our St. Louis car accident lawyers have seen firsthand the devastation and pain that car accidents can cause. The good news is that many of these accidents are preventable. This article will discuss the top causes of car accidents in St. Louis and how to avoid them.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the number one cause of car accidents in St. Louis and nationwide. Anything that takes a driver’s attention away from the road can be considered a distraction, including texting, talking on the phone, eating, drinking, adjusting the radio, and even talking to passengers.

To avoid distracted driving, it’s important to focus solely on the road while driving. Put your phone away, finish eating or drinking before getting behind the wheel, and limit conversations with passengers that may be distracting.

Speeding

Speeding is another leading cause of car accidents in St. Louis. When drivers exceed the posted speed limit, they have less time to react to obstacles or changes in traffic, increasing the likelihood of a collision. Speeding also increases the force of impact in a crash, resulting in more severe injuries.

Avoiding this risk is simple. Obey the posted speed limit and adjust your speed based on traffic and weather conditions. If you’re running late, remember that arriving safely is more important than arriving on time.

Drunk Driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious offense and a major cause of car accidents in St. Louis. Impaired drivers have slower reaction times, decreased judgment, and impaired coordination, making them more likely to cause accidents.

Never get behind the wheel if you have been drinking. Use a ride-sharing service or designated driver instead.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving involves any behavior that puts others at risk on the road. This includes weaving in and out of traffic, tailgating, ignoring traffic signals, and failing to yield the right of way. Reckless driving is dangerous and can easily lead to accidents.

To avoid reckless driving, always follow traffic laws and exercise patience. Remember that arriving safely is more important than getting there quickly.

Poor Weather Conditions

St. Louis is no stranger to harsh weather conditions, which can increase the risk of car accidents. Rain, snow, ice, and fog can make roads slick and reduce visibility, making it harder for drivers to control their vehicles and avoid collisions.

If you must be on the road during poor weather conditions, drive slower than usual and increase your following distance. Ensure your vehicle is equipped with proper tires and windshield wipers, and avoid driving altogether if conditions are particularly hazardous.

Speak With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer

If you’ve been involved in a car accident in St. Louis, seeking legal help is crucial. At The Hoffmann Law Firm, we have over 25 years of experience helping car accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Our proven track record of success speaks for itself, and we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and damages.

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help. Don’t wait – time is of the essence in car accident cases.