Missouri Intersections

Each year, thousands of Missouri drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists are involved in serious traffic crashes, many of them fatal. From the busy interstates of St. Louis to the winding rural roads of the Ozarks, Missouri’s unique transportation network presents an array of hazards. With a mix of old infrastructure, heavy freight traffic, and evolving commuter patterns, the risk of a crash can increase drastically depending on where and when you’re driving.

Urban centers like Kansas City and St. Louis see high volumes of daily traffic that challenge aging roadways. Crowded intersections, complex interchanges, and unpredictable merging contribute to higher crash rates. Suburban growth in places like Columbia and Springfield has also strained existing infrastructure, often leading to congestion, signal issues, and frequent fender-benders, or worse.

Meanwhile, Missouri’s rural roadways account for a disproportionate share of deadly crashes. Long, open stretches encourage speeding, while wildlife crossings and a lack of lighting increase the risk of severe collisions. Limited law enforcement coverage and longer emergency response times make these accidents even more dangerous, especially at night or during severe weather.

Missouri’s 10 Deadliest Intersections

1. I-70 & West Florissant Ave – St. Louis

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 16
Fatalities: 17
Known for heavy traffic volume, poor visibility, and confusing signage, this intersection is a hotspot for rear-end and angle collisions. Merging lanes and quick stops create daily hazards. Pedestrian activity is also high, raising risks. The aging infrastructure adds to the confusion during bad weather. Police have increased patrols, but problems persist.

2. I-44 & Grand Blvd – St. Louis

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 15
Fatalities: 16
This interchange combines high-speed traffic with rapid merges and poor lane discipline. The curves and limited sightlines often lead to sudden braking and sideswipes. The proximity to sports venues and downtown congestion intensifies risks during peak events. Construction frequently adds confusion.

3. US 71 & Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd – Kansas City

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 14
Fatalities: 15
High-speed traffic and erratic lane changes create near-constant crash potential. Frequent pedestrian crossings and unclear markings make navigation risky. It’s also close to schools and residential areas, further increasing vulnerability. Public outcry has pushed for safety upgrades.

4. MO-291 & I-70 – Independence

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 13
Fatalities: 13
This intersection handles heavy freight and commuter volumes. Congestion builds fast, especially during rush hour. Left turns and short merge lanes can be confusing. Overpasses reduce visibility, and lighting is inadequate at night.

5. Page Ave & N Kingshighway Blvd – St. Louis

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 12
Fatalities: 12
Poor road conditions and high foot traffic often lead to frequent speeding here. Traffic signal timing is inconsistent. Double parking and bus stops add unpredictability. This area sees many pedestrian-involved crashes. Multiple safety studies are underway. Residents have called for increased enforcement, better lighting, and more precise crosswalk markings. Temporary barriers and speed feedback signs are also being considered to calm traffic and improve safety.

6. US 60 & US 65 Interchange – Springfield

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 11
Fatalities: 11
High-speed merging and diverging lanes lead to confusion, exacerbated by visibility issues and inconsistent signage. The area often backs up during peak shopping hours due to nearby retail centers. Recent crashes have involved distracted drivers missing lane-split cues. Local planners are reviewing options like lane realignment, improved directional signs, and adding overhead lighting to reduce driver error.

7. Lindbergh Blvd & New Halls Ferry Rd – Florissant

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 10
Fatalities: 11
Complicated lane changes and inconsistent signal patterns create confusion, leading to frequent abrupt stops in this busy suburban area. Nearby schools and parks increase pedestrian vulnerability. Traffic enforcement is present but under-resourced.

8. Broadway & 10th St – Kansas City

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 10
Fatalities: 10
The dense urban layout with multiple one-way converging streets creates driver confusion. Pedestrian presence is constant, and turning visibility is poor. Several bike accidents have also been reported in this area.

9. I-270 & MO-367 – Hazelwood

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 9
Fatalities: 9
Fast-moving traffic meets abrupt exits. Merging issues cause rear-end and side-swipe crashes. Inclement weather worsens outcomes. Poor lighting and a lack of rumble strips exacerbate the situation.

10. MO-7 & US 50 – Lee’s Summit

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 8
Fatalities: 9
This busy intersection sees speeding and frequent red-light running. High-speed turns and aggressive lane shifts are standard.
Local businesses bring in additional traffic volume during weekends.

Missouri’s 10 Most Hazardous Road Stretches

1. I-70 (St. Louis to Wentzville stretch)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 42
Fatalities: 47
High-speed traffic, freight volume, and frequent lane shifts create constant risk. Construction zones are common and often poorly marked. Fog and rain reduce visibility. Rear-end and multi-vehicle pileups are a frequent result.

2. US 63 (Jefferson City to Columbia)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 36
Fatalities: 40
A fast-moving corridor with narrow shoulders and few passing opportunities. Speeding and head-on crashes are common. Wildlife crossings increase night risks. This road is crucial for regional commuting, adding to its high exposure. Poor lighting and limited signage make hazard detection difficult. Calls for centerline rumble strips and better deer-warning systems are growing, especially from local emergency responders familiar with frequent incidents.

3. I-44 (Joplin to Rolla segment)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 34
Fatalities: 36
Steep grades and tight curves challenge even experienced drivers. Tractor-trailer traffic is constant. Fog and snow in the winter months add layers of danger. Enforcement is sparse across long stretches.

4. MO-13 (Bolivar to Springfield)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 30
Fatalities: 31
Inconsistent lane width and multiple at-grade intersections contribute to angle and T-bone crashes. Limited lighting makes night driving treacherous. Farm equipment adds complexity to traffic patterns.

5. US 36 (St. Joseph to Chillicothe)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 28
Fatalities: 29
Long, rural stretches encourage excessive speed. Minimal enforcement and wildlife crossings add danger, and some areas lack guardrails entirely.
Emergency response is often delayed in these regions.

6. US 65 (Branson to Springfield)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 26
Fatalities: 27
Curvy terrain and frequent tourist traffic create unpredictable conditions. Exit ramps are short and confusing. Crashes spike during peak travel months. Inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with the area often misjudge speeds or lane changes. Seasonal signage improvements and increased law enforcement presence have been proposed to help reduce accidents and guide tourists more safely through this corridor.

7. MO-21 (Arnold to Hillsboro)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 24
Fatalities: 25
Steep inclines, inconsistent speed limits, and local commuter traffic lead to mixed driving behaviors. Rain and ice regularly cause crashes. Limited shoulder space compounds the issue.

8. MO-291 (Liberty to Lee’s Summit)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 23
Fatalities: 24
High traffic volume and numerous intersections create crash potential. Visibility issues at night are common. Signal timing is a persistent concern. Congestion during school hours worsens safety.

9. US 24 (Independence to Buckner)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 21
Fatalities: 23
Two-lane rural highway with heavy truck and farm equipment traffic. Speeding is common, and enforcement is minimal. Sharp curves and inconsistent signage challenge unfamiliar drivers.

10. MO-10 (Richmond to Excelsior Springs)

Fatal Crashes (2018–2022): 20
Fatalities: 22
A winding, shoulderless corridor with limited passing zones. Fog and deer crossings present constant threats. The route is popular among local commuters, raising exposure risk. Frequent low-visibility conditions lead to sudden braking and collisions. Community groups have pushed for added guardrails, improved road markings, and wildlife fencing to protect drivers, especially during early morning and dusk.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Missouri

Speeding continues to be the most prevalent contributing factor in Missouri crashes, especially along rural highways and interstates. Drivers frequently exceed posted limits, especially on long, open stretches. Speed not only increases crash likelihood but also dramatically raises the risk of severe injury or death.

Distracted driving, including texting, eating, and using GPS, remains a top concern. According to MoDOT, distracted driving was involved in more than 20,000 crashes annually over the past five years. Even brief lapses in attention at high speeds can be deadly.

Impaired driving is a persistent problem throughout Missouri. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for roughly 25% of all roadway fatalities statewide. Despite widespread awareness campaigns, weekend nights and holidays still see spikes in DUI-related incidents.

Weather conditions also play a significant role. Snow, fog, and ice are common in Missouri winters, and poor drainage on older roads leads to dangerous hydroplaning in storms. When combined with poor visibility and unlit roads, crash risk skyrockets.

Get the Help of a Trusted Arizona Personal Injury Attorney

Navigating Missouri’s roadways, urban or rural, demands attention, patience, and preparation. Recognizing the most dangerous intersections and corridors can help you make smarter route decisions and understand when to slow down and stay alert.

While infrastructure improvements, enforcement, and policy changes play a role in reducing crashes, personal responsibility remains a powerful safety tool. Avoid speeding, stay off your phone, and never drive under the influence. When the weather worsens, give yourself more time and space.

Remember, even with precautions, accidents still happen. That’s where Local Accident Reports can help. We connect victims with experienced Missouri personal injury attorneys, help request official crash reports, and guide you through every step after a collision.

If you or a loved one is injured in a crash, don’t face it alone. Call 1-888-657-1460 now for trusted help, legal support, and peace of mind when you need it most.