Road Safety in St. Louis: A Prominent Issue

Road safety in St. Louis remains a serious concern for residents. Despite efforts to improve the city’s infrastructure, many people still feel that its roads are not designed to accommodate all road users, including drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. As St. Louis continues to grow and evolve, it is becoming increasingly clear that road safety must be a top priority to ensure everyone can travel safely.

Brown & Crouppen’s recent survey highlights key issues contributing to this ongoing problem, including dangerous intersections, distracted driving, and inadequate infrastructure.

As a law firm committed to advocating for victims of road accidents, we know how critical it is to address these safety concerns. The results below provide valuable insight into what is being done to improve safety and where more work is needed. Let’s dive into what the survey revealed and explore how St. Louis can improve road safety for all its residents.

Survey Results: How St. Louis Roads Fail to Accommodate All Users

The survey results reveal that St. Louis roads are not fully accommodating both drivers and pedestrians. While 70% of respondents feel that current road designs are somewhat adequate, they believe that improvements are necessary. Additionally, 16% of respondents feel that these designs are poorly structured, indicating a significant gap in meeting the needs of all road users.

When it comes to pedestrian safety, nearly half of respondents (47%) feel that city planners address concerns only occasionally, while 38% believe pedestrian issues are rarely considered in road planning. This suggests that, while there are efforts to improve safety, pedestrians are not always prioritized in the city’s design plans.

These findings point to a clear need for more inclusive road design that better balances the needs of drivers and pedestrians alike. Without substantial changes, pedestrian accidents in St. Louis will remain a significant concern.

The Most Dangerous Intersections in St. Louis, MO

Survey respondents identified several intersections as the most dangerous spots in St. Louis. These are high-risk zones where cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers frequently interact. Residents flagged the following intersections as the highest risk:

Kingshighway Boulevard & Lindell Boulevard (cited by 42% of respondents)
Grand Boulevard & Forest Park Parkway (41%)
Watson Road & Chippewa Street (36%)
Halls Ferry Road & Riverview Circle (26%)
Kingshighway Boulevard & Southwest Avenue (25%)
Chouteau Avenue & South Vandeventer Avenue (19%)

Busy downtown areas, event-heavy zones near sports venues, Forest Park, and major arterial roads where pedestrian traffic and high vehicle speeds collide were also highlighted as problematic.

These locations are hotspots for accidents, where both vehicle and pedestrian traffic can merge in dangerous ways. If you’ve been injured in a car accident at one of these intersections or elsewhere, our team of St. Louis car accident attorneys can help guide you through the legal process.

Frequent Distraction Among Drivers and Pedestrians

76% of survey respondents reported that both drivers and pedestrians are frequently distracted. This statistic highlights the significant role that distraction plays in accidents on St. Louis roads.

Distracted driving is a leading cause of traffic accidents, with texting and driving being one of the most common forms of distraction. However, pedestrian distraction—such as crossing outside marked areas or failing to stay alert—can be just as dangerous. This combination increases the likelihood of accidents and injuries for both parties.

If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important to understand your legal rights. Our St. Louis distracted driving lawyers are ready to assist you in seeking justice for your injuries.

Infrastructure, Weather, and Congestion Increase Risk

Infrastructure problems also contribute heavily to accidents on St. Louis streets. 48% of respondents reported personally witnessing or being involved in an accident due to poor infrastructure, such as narrow lanes, inadequate crosswalks, and poor lighting. These infrastructure gaps make navigating the city especially dangerous for pedestrians.

In addition, weather conditions and traffic congestion often exacerbate the risks. Inclement weather can make already dangerous intersections even more hazardous, while heavy traffic increases the chances of collisions. Improving infrastructure is essential, but better management of these other factors is also necessary to ensure safety.

These findings reflect what many St. Louis residents experience daily as they navigate streets that were not designed for current traffic demands.

What’s Being Done to Improve St. Louis Roads and Pedestrian Safety

While there’s still much to be done, there have been some significant improvements in St. Louis. Survey respondents pointed to several efforts aimed at improving road safety, including:

Enhanced traffic signals in high-risk areas
Crosswalk improvements to increase pedestrian visibility
Speed limit reductions in neighborhoods and pedestrian-heavy areas

One of the most notable initiatives is the St. Louis Transportation Mobility Plan (TMP). The plan outlines strategies for improving safety, efficiency, and mobility on the city’s streets. It focuses on expanding safe transportation options for all users, prioritizing pedestrian safety, and reducing congestion.

Local and State Transportation Safety Initiatives

Several local and state initiatives are designed to improve road safety. Programs such as Vision Zero, Friendly Streets, and the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety are actively working to reduce accidents and improve infrastructure. In addition, the St. Louis City Community Mobility Committee has been pushing for changes to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

It’s crucial that we continue to advocate for these changes and get involved at the local level. Real change in our communities begins with active participation.

Safety Tips to Reduce Accidents in St. Louis

While improvements are underway, everyone needs to take personal responsibility in reducing accidents on St. Louis roads. Here are a few tips for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists:

For Drivers: Stay focused, avoid distractions, and always yield to pedestrians.
For Pedestrians: Use crosswalks, look both ways before crossing, and remain alert to your surroundings.
For Cyclists: Wear a helmet, use bike lanes when available, and follow all traffic signals.

These simple precautions can make a big difference in reducing accidents.

Your Safety, Your Future: How Improving Roads Protects Lives

At Brown & Crouppen, we know that improving road safety is not just about better infrastructure; it’s about protecting lives. These survey results show a clear need for change, and together, we can work toward a future where everyone can travel through St. Louis with confidence.

If you were injured because of unsafe roads or infrastructure in St. Louis, Brown & Crouppen is here to help. As trusted personal injury attorneys in St. Louis, we have spent decades standing up for our neighbors and fighting for safer communities. Contact us today for a free consultation to understand your rights.