Lawrence Co., MO (March 24, 2026) – A woman was seriously injured on Monday morning in a two-vehicle crash on MO 96 about 10 miles northeast of Mount Vernon in Lawrence County.
The accident occurred around 10:47 a.m. on Monday, March 23, when a Chevrolet Silverado was stopped in traffic facing east while waiting to turn left. A 2000 International Harvester traveling in the same direction attempted to avoid the stopped truck by driving off the right side of the roadway.
Officials said the International Harvester then collided with the Silverado during the maneuver. The impact caused severe damage to the Silverado, which had to be towed from the scene.
A 64-year-old woman from Miller, Missouri, who was riding in the Silverado, suffered serious injuries in the crash. She was transported to Cox South Hospital in Springfield for treatment.
The driver of the International Harvester, a 19-year-old man from Miller, Missouri, was not reported injured. The driver of the Silverado, a 61-year-old man from Miller, Missouri, also reported no injuries.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and more details will be released as they become available. Our thoughts are with the injured woman as she receives medical care.
Why Rear-End and Avoidance Maneuvers Can Lead to Collisions
Crashes sometimes occur when a driver attempts to avoid a stopped or slowing vehicle ahead. If a driver reacts suddenly, the maneuver can lead to a loss of control or an unintended collision.
Drivers may steer onto the shoulder or off the roadway to prevent a direct rear-end impact. However, this action can still result in a crash if the vehicle cannot stop in time or returns to the roadway unexpectedly.
Traffic situations where vehicles are waiting to turn can increase the risk of these incidents. Drivers approaching from behind may not immediately notice the stopped vehicle, especially on rural roads where speeds can be higher.
Maintaining a safe following distance and reducing speed in areas where vehicles may be turning can help lower the chances of these types of crashes.
