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The Most Dangerous St. Louis Roads for Pedestrians

Originally published October 11, 2021. Updated May 22, 2023.

Pedestrians are increasingly at risk of being injured or killed while walking near traffic. Since 2017, 40% of crashes involving pedestrians and 46% of fatalities took place on nine roads across St. Louis., St. Louis ranks 51 out of 101 metro areas studied for the Pedestrian Danger Index.

St. Louis has seen a shocking amount of pedestrian deaths over the years. There were at least 90 pedestrian deaths across the state of Missouri in 2022 alone. If you’ve been involved in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis, our legal team at Cofman Townsley can help you fight for the compensation you deserve. Our St. Louis car accident lawyers understand the seriousness of pedestrian accidents, and we work hard to help our clients receive what they are owed.

ST. LOUIS’ MOST DANGEROUS ROADS AND INTERSECTIONS

Pedestrians are more likely to be involved in accidents on or near roads having four or more lanes of traffic. Fatal accidents are also less likely to occur when there are, like posting lower speed limits. For example, in 2022, 95% of pedestrian fatalities St. Louis County happened on roads with speed limits that were 35 MPH or higher.

There are several hotspot areas in St. Louis where pedestrian accidents are more likely to occur.

North Grand Boulevard

North Grand Blvd runs through the heart of St. Louis. The road cuts through St. Louis University and the theater and restaurant district north of campus. The area is busy all day and night with pedestrian traffic and cars.

Several interstates have exchanges onto N Grand Blvd. The exchanges haven’t been updated in decades, and there are a few intersections that are more dangerous than others:

  • North Grand Boulevard and Montgomery Street: The intersection of North Grand Boulevard and Montgomery Street is Missouri’s most dangerous intersection. It’s also one of the most dangerous intersections in the country.
  • North Grand Boulevard and Interstate 64: I-64 exits onto Grand Blvd in the midtown area next to St. Louis University. Its main campus is north of the exit, and the university’s medical campus and facility lie just south of the exit.

St. Louis’ major art district lies directly north of the university, right off of N Grand Blvd, where theaters, restaurants, and bars are popular.

The increased traffic from SLU’s campuses and nightlife means this area is always busy, but the exits from I-64 to N Grand Blvd haven’t been redesigned in decades. The northbound exit from I-64 to Grand Blvd is especially dangerous. The exit ramp has a sharp curve, surprising many drivers who are traveling too quickly.

I-70 at Grand Ave

I-70 is the area’s busiest interstate, connecting the city of St. Louis to the St. Louis international airport. The I-70 and Grand Ave intersection is in College Hill, about one mile from the Mississippi River.

While the exit ramps have been repaved more recently than other dangerous sections, Grand Ave needs serious repairs to make the intersection safe. Lanes aren’t properly marked, and there’s no guidance for drivers exiting or entering the interstate.

There are no markings for pedestrian crosswalks or for where cars should stop at the traffic lights. A lack of direction for both drivers and pedestrians increases the accident rate here.

Lindell Blvd

Located North of Forest Park, officials are working to reduce the lanes of Lindell Blvd from four to two. They’re also planning to add bike lanes and parking along the park to create safer roads and intersections.

By reducing the number of lanes and adding more parking, they hope to cut down on the number of pedestrians crossing in high traffic. Pedestrian accidents are an ongoing problem in this area, as high speeds associated with multiple lanes create a dangerous environment for anyone on foot. Officials hope the lane reduction slows down drivers. Some neighborhood residents are suing the city to move the project along faster. 

Natural Bridge Avenue

Natural Bridge Avenue is an area where St. Louis drivers tend to speed, frequently endangering pedestrians and leading to four fatal wrecks in 2019. It’s almost impossible to fathom, but Natural Bridge saw more than 1,400 crashes between 2012 and 2017.

Changes are currently underway to make the area safer, with the department of transportation seeking to implement crosswalks, medians, and improved stripping.

Jefferson Ave at I-44

I-44 is a main east-west thoroughfare in St. Louis, and there are seven interchanges at the intersection of Jefferson Ave and I-44.

Two other roads split Jefferson Ave at this intersection, leading to confusion and wrong turns. This poorly designed intersection causes numerous car accidents, and drivers have trouble recognizing right-of-way and turn lanes. To ensure your safety, avoid walking in these dangerous areas. Find alternative routes wherever possible, use public transportation, or ask a friend for a ride instead of walking.

BIGGEST RISK FACTORS

Even if you avoid dangerous intersections and follow pedestrian safety guidelines, additional factors increase your risk of being struck by a moving vehicle.

  • In 2020, those aged 65+ accounted for 20% of all pedestrian deaths in the U.S. Seniors may suffer from slower reaction times, making them unable to move out of the path of a car quickly enough to escape injury.
  • Children: Youth under 13 are at higher risk of injury or death from a pedestrian accident. In 2020, 611 child passengers under 13 were killed in crashes. Of these deaths, 17% of the children were pedestrians.
  • Alcohol Involvement: Alcohol impairment of drivers or pedestrians is involved in 46% of all pedestrian deaths. The consumption of alcohol impairs your judgment and abilities, lowering your inhibitions and increasing reaction time.

SEEK HELP FFROM THE CAR ACCIDENT LAWYERS AT COFMAN TOWNSLEY

Pedestrian fatalities should never happen, but they do at an alarming rate each year. Our team hopes you’ll keep yourself safe by avoiding the most dangerous intersections when walking. Be aware of traffic when traveling on foot and learn pedestrian safety techniques.

If you find yourself injured in a pedestrian accident in St. Louis, contact a car accident lawyer at Cofman Townsley for a free case review.