Rogersville, MO (July 21, 2026) – Two people were hurt on Sunday afternoon, July 19, in a two-vehicle wreck on Center Road at White Oak Road, about a mile east of Rogersville, according to a state traffic report. The report said a 17-year-old driver turned left into the path of an oncoming vehicle around 3:23 p.m.
The oncoming vehicle’s 79-year-old driver was treated for minor injuries, while a 72-year-old passenger suffered moderate injuries. Both were taken by ambulance to Mercy in Springfield. The cause remains under review.
We hope both men recover fully.
Why Are Left Turns Difficult for New Drivers?
Turning left across oncoming traffic asks a driver to judge speed, distance, and timing all at once. For someone with less time behind the wheel, that split-second decision can be harder to get right, especially on a road where cars may be moving faster than expected.
Rural roads add another layer of difficulty. Hills, curves, and fewer traffic signals can make it harder to see an approaching vehicle until it’s fairly close. A crest in the road, for example, can hide an oncoming car until just a few seconds before it arrives.
Driving instructors frequently recommend that new drivers practice left turns in lower-traffic areas before attempting them on busier roads. Waiting for a clear, wide gap in traffic, rather than a tight one, gives extra room for error and can help prevent this common type of collision.
