Missouri’s Most Accident-Prone Roads Revealed
With an average of 15 fatal accidents annually, Highway 63 remains the most hazardous route in Missouri. However, several urban stretches in St. Louis and Kansas City present even higher fatality rates per mile due to infrastructure limitations and high traffic density.
| Missouri High-Risk Zones Data | |
|---|---|
| Deadliest Urban Stretch | Page Avenue, Wellston (5.59 deaths per mile) |
| Most Hazardous Interstate | I-70 (St. Louis segment) |
| Primary Infrastructure Issues | Poor lighting, inadequate signage, winter icing |
Page Avenue, Wellston: The 0.53-Mile Danger Zone
A critical 0.53-mile section of Page Avenue in Wellston (St. Louis) has recorded one of the highest fatal crash rates in the state: 5.59 per mile. Technical reports suggest that poor street lighting and limited road signage are major contributing factors. Despite local advocacy for traffic light installations, the intersection remains controlled only by "Stop" signs, requiring extreme driver alertness during night-time transit.
Interstate 70: High-Speed Hazards in St. Louis
The 4-mile urban segment of I-70 through St. Louis is notorious for high-speed collisions, particularly involving tractor-trailers. With nine fatalities recorded in just a two-year period, this stretch is a focal point for the Missouri Department of Transportation. Current safety protocols include intensive anti-icing treatments during winter months and increased traffic enforcement to mitigate the risks of heavy congestion.
U.S. Highway 71: Kansas City’s Safety Challenge
In Kansas City, a 7.8-mile segment of U.S. 71 has been the site of multiple fatal accidents. Although the road meets standard engineering requirements, the mix of high speed limits and controlled intersections creates a complex environment for motorists. Strategic proposals to remove certain traffic lights to improve flow are currently under review by state officials.
Infrastructure vs. Driver Behavior
The high-risk nature of roads like Highway 63 and the I-70 corridor highlights a dual challenge: the need for ongoing investment in safety infrastructure (lighting and barriers) and the critical role of driver behavior in preventing high-speed collisions in Missouri’s urban centers.