Cape Girardeau, MO (May 13, 2025) – A midday collision Monday along Highway 34 resulted in one man sustaining injuries after a U-turn maneuver led to a two-vehicle crash just west of Route U in Cape Girardeau County.
The crash took place around 12:40 p.m., approximately one mile west of Route U. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, the driver of a 2001 Chevrolet Cavalier, a 42-year-old woman from Marble Hill, attempted to make a U-turn while traveling westbound on Hwy 34. During the maneuver, her vehicle was struck by another westbound vehicle, a 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan operated by a 77-year-old male from Chesterfield.
The impact caused minor to moderate damage to the vehicles involved. The Cavalier sustained minor damage and was towed by Sperling’s Towing, while the Tiguan was moderately damaged and removed by Cape County Towing. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts and were reportedly uninjured.
However, a 71-year-old male passenger in the Cavalier was hurt in the collision. He suffered minor injuries and was transported by EMS to St. Francis Medical Center in Cape Girardeau for treatment. No other occupants were listed as injured.
Investigators continue to review the crash, particularly the decision to attempt a U-turn on a high-speed rural route with active westbound traffic. Weather and road conditions at the time of the crash were not detailed in the preliminary report.
We send our best wishes to the injured passenger and hope for a smooth recovery.
U-Turn Crashes on Missouri Highways
U-turn maneuvers on two-lane highways like Missouri’s Hwy 34 can be especially dangerous due to high travel speeds, limited sightlines, and oncoming traffic traveling in the same direction. Monday’s incident west of Route U illustrates the risks involved when attempting to reverse course without a designated turning lane or adequate clearance.
In this case, the driver of the Cavalier began a U-turn on a straight stretch of Hwy 34, inadvertently placing her vehicle in the path of a westbound Volkswagen Tiguan. Despite both drivers being restrained, a passenger in the Cavalier sustained injuries in the resulting collision, highlighting how sudden maneuvers—even those made cautiously—can create dangerous situations on rural highways.
While U-turns are legal in certain areas of Missouri, they must be executed only when it is safe to do so, and when no traffic is approaching from either direction at a close distance. On higher-speed roads like Hwy 34, even a brief miscalculation in timing can lead to a serious collision.
Cape Girardeau County, with its network of curving and hilly highways, is no stranger to complex traffic maneuvers gone wrong. Local safety advocates and highway patrol officers consistently urge drivers to proceed to safer turnarounds or exit points, rather than attempting impromptu U-turns on rural stretches without warning signals or turn lanes.
For those involved in such crashes, particularly injured passengers, the aftermath often includes unexpected medical care needs, transportation concerns, and insurance complications. Prompt documentation and clarity about the crash scenario can significantly aid in navigating recovery.
If you or someone close to you was hurt in a collision involving a U-turn or other roadway maneuver, it’s important to explore your support options. Understanding liability and accessing reliable care resources can make a meaningful difference in your recovery process.
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a sudden maneuver like a U-turn, Local Accident Reports is here to help. We provide the resources and direction victims need after serious incidents—connecting you with trusted care providers, legal guidance, and information tailored to your case. Contact Local Accident Reports today and take the first step toward peace of mind and healing.