Cooper, MO (August 19, 2025) – Emergency crews responded to a two-vehicle crash late Monday morning that resulted in a rollover and one person injured near the intersection of MO-179 and Cedar Ln in Cooper County. The incident occurred around 10:50 a.m. and involved a teen driver and an older adult motorist.
First responders, including the Cooper County Sheriff’s Department and Cooper County EMS, quickly arrived on scene to provide assistance. Emergency medical personnel treated a 73-year-old man from Wooldridge who was driving a 2014 Honda CR-V. He was transported by ambulance to University Hospital with minor injuries.
According to investigators, the crash happened when a 16-year-old female from Boonville, driving a 2015 Chevrolet Malibu, attempted to make a left-hand turn and entered the path of the southbound Honda. The Malibu’s front end struck the right side of the CR-V, causing the Honda to veer off the left side of the road and overturn. Both vehicles had to be towed from the scene by Nash Towing due to the extent of the damage.
The young driver was reportedly wearing a seatbelt and was not injured. Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash and have not issued any citations at this time. Our thoughts are with the injured driver as he recovers.
Teen Driver Crashes in Missouri
The crash at the junction of MO-179 and Cedar Ln highlights a recurring traffic safety concern in Missouri: collisions involving inexperienced drivers. In this case, a 16-year-old attempting a left turn collided with a southbound vehicle, leading to a rollover crash and injuries to an older adult driver.
Teen drivers are statistically more likely to be involved in crashes due to limited experience, slower reaction times, and difficulties in accurately judging distance or speed—especially in complex maneuvers like left turns across traffic. Intersections such as MO-179 and Cedar Ln, which often lack signals or marked turn lanes, present particular hazards for new drivers navigating busy routes in rural counties like Cooper.
Fortunately, seatbelt use by both drivers in this incident helped prevent more serious injuries. Still, the 73-year-old driver required hospital care after his vehicle overturned—a risk that increases significantly for older adults, who are more susceptible to injury even in lower-speed crashes.
Rollover crashes are particularly dangerous due to the violent nature of the motion and the risk of ejection or cabin intrusion. In side-impact collisions, like the one reported here, the likelihood of a rollover increases if the struck vehicle is traveling at speed or if the impact angle is steep. SUVs, such as the Honda CR-V involved, are especially vulnerable due to their higher center of gravity.
This incident serves as a valuable reminder about the importance of driver education, particularly for teens and novice drivers. Emphasis on defensive driving, safe turn execution, and intersection awareness can help reduce the risk of crashes involving young motorists. Meanwhile, community investment in clearer signage and intersection improvements can further safeguard rural roadways like those in Cooper County.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash involving a teen or a rollover accident, access to legal and medical resources can ease the burden of recovery.
Recovering from a crash can be physically and emotionally draining. That’s why Local Accident Reports is here—to provide clear information, reliable updates, and support when you need it most. Whether you’re navigating medical care or seeking legal guidance, we’ll help you take the next step with confidence. Reach out today to learn more about how we can assist.
