According to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) from 2004 to 2008, Missouri has four of the nation’s most dangerous roads. Interstate 64 was the first Missouri road on the list, checking in at 17. At the time, I-64 was the state’s deadliest road with 16 fatal accidents, a total of 17 fatalities, and 1.07 fatal accidents per mile. Interstate 70, 44, and 55 all made it on the list as well.

I-70 was #42 most dangerous road with a total of 226 fatalities and 0.80 fatal accidents per mile. I-44 was the #56 most dangerous road with a total of 233 fatalities and 0.65 fatal accidents per mile.  I-55 was the #85 most dangerous road  with 124 fatalities and 0.51 fatal accidents per mile.The data from the NHTSA was analyzed by The Daily Beast in 2010, which closely examined the number of fatalities across the country during the particularly heavy-traffic months of June, July, and August of 2004 through the summer of 2008.

U.S. Highway 63 also a Dangerous Road

A more recent study of NHSTA and the Federal Highway Administration data conducted by the telematics supplier Geotab, determined that U.S. Highway 63 was the most dangerous road in Missouri. Geotab has a nifty interactive map that shows all fifty states and can be sorted by fatal crash rate, number of crashes and number of fatalities.

Safety on the road is always imperative. As a result, drivers must be attentive, focused and alert to their surroundings. Especially, drivers should put down their cell phone and avoid drunk driving. As summer approaches, roadways will be under construction and orange barrels will be the norm. Here are some work zone safety tips to consider when driving through work zones:

1. Expect the unexpected, including lower speed limits, changes in traffic lanes and people working on or along the roadway.

2. Don’t tailgate or speed. Maintain a safe distance between cars, leaving plenty of room to stop between you and the car in front of you.

3. Keep plenty of room between your vehicle and construction workers and equipment. Go slow when workers are nearby.

4. Follow road-crew flaggers’ directions and warning signs. Flaggers communicate with each other and understand what is best for traffic safety.

5. Put full attention on the road and avoid distractions.

Injured on a Dangerous Road?

At Kennedy, Kennedy, Robbins & Yarbro, LC, we have a team of experienced auto accident attorneys. Our firm represents folks who are injured in auto accidents. If you have been involved in an auto accident caused by the negligence of another driver, contact our experienced Southeast Missouri personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim. You can also call us at (573)686-2459. We are here for you when you need us. Our commitment is to earn your confidence by answering all questions and providing quality representation.