Stephen Schultz | February 16, 2026 | Car Accidents, Personal Injury
When you think about car accidents, you might imagine a minor crash or fender-bender. However, accidents on interstates and highways in St. Louis, Missouri, are often much more dangerous. With several major interstates running through the city, local drivers face serious risks every day.
Even small mistakes can turn into serious, life-threatening situations when traveling at high speeds on St. Louis highways. Understanding these dangers — and knowing which stretches are the most hazardous — is the first step to staying safe on the road.
High-Risk Highways in the St. Louis Area
Several major interstates run directly through the St. Louis metropolitan area. These heavily traveled roadways combine high speeds, congestion, commercial truck traffic, and complex interchanges — all of which increase crash risk.
Interstate 70 (I-70)
Interstate 70 is widely considered one of the most dangerous highways in Missouri, including the portion that runs through North St. Louis and into downtown. This corridor sees:
- Heavy commuter traffic
- Significant commercial truck volume
- Frequent merging at major interchanges
High speeds and congestion contribute to rear-end crashes, multi-vehicle pileups, and fatal collisions. Portions of I-70 through urban St. Louis have consistently ranked among the state’s most hazardous stretches.
Interstate 44 (I-44)
I-44 is another high-risk highway running southwest through the city. Within St. Louis, drivers face:
- Short entrance ramps
- Tight merges near Hampton and Kingshighway
- Dense rush-hour traffic
Statewide crash analyses have placed I-44 among Missouri’s deadliest highways. In the city, congestion combined with high-speed travel increases the likelihood of severe collisions.
Interstate 55 (I-55)
Interstate 55 runs from the Arkansas state line north into St. Louis, terminating at the Poplar Street Bridge. In the St. Louis area, this highway presents unique risks due to:
- Heavy truck traffic
- Sudden traffic slowdowns
- Complex downtown interchanges
When traffic bottlenecks occur, high-speed rear-end crashes are common. The presence of large commercial vehicles also increases the severity of injuries when accidents happen.
Interstate 64 (Highway 40)
I-64, also known locally as Highway 40, runs directly through central St. Louis. It is one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the region. Dangerous conditions often occur:
- Near downtown exits
- Around major interchanges
- During peak commuting hours
Frequent lane changes and congestion contribute to side-impact and rear-end collisions.
Interstate 270 (I-270 Loop)
I-270 forms a loop around the St. Louis metropolitan area and connects multiple major highways. Certain stretches of the loop — particularly on the north side — are known for:
- High-speed travel
- Aggressive lane changes
- Weaving between lanes
Because drivers often move quickly between interchanges, accidents on I-270 can escalate into serious multi-vehicle crashes.
Why Are Interstate Accidents So Dangerous?
Several factors make interstate accidents far more serious than accidents on regular roads. Understanding these dangers can help you become a safer driver. Factors include:
High Speeds
Interstate speed limits can reach 65 to 75 miles per hour. Many people travel at higher speeds. If a crash occurs at these speeds, the force of the impact increases the risk of catastrophic injuries.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving involves speed, but it also includes:
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Improper and dangerous lane changes
- Boxing in other vehicles to prevent them from changing lanes
- Intentionally cutting off other drivers
A national survey found that more than 78% of drivers surveyed said they engaged in at least one aggressive driving behavior in one recent year.
Road Design and Visibility Issues
Poor road design can confuse drivers or make it harder to react safely in certain conditions. Common road design problems include:
- Unclear lane markings, which can make it difficult to see the beginning and end of lanes
- Inadequate warning about sharp curves
- Poor lighting, especially during adverse weather conditions and at night
- Confusing signs or traffic signals
- Lanes that are too narrow
- Poor visibility at on-ramps and off-ramps where vehicles merge
At dangerous intersections in St. Louis, complex lane changes, heavy traffic, and poor visibility increase the risk of accidents.
Large Vehicles and Truck Traffic
Interstate highways carry large numbers of commercial trucks and semi-trailers. When a semi-truck collides with a passenger car at interstate speeds, the occupants of the car face a much greater risk of serious injury or death due to the weight difference.
Multi-Vehicle Pile-Ups
High speeds, large vehicles, and heavy traffic on interstates and highways combine to increase the risk of multi-vehicle pile-ups. These incidents are especially dangerous because vehicles are hit multiple times. With each “hit,” the chance of severe injuries or fatalities increases.
Driver Fatigue and Distracted Driving
Interstates are designed for long-distance travel. People often drive for extended periods on highways. Long stretches of monotonous driving can lead to fatigue, reduced alertness, and slower reaction times.
Contact Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in an interstate accident in Missouri, remember that you have legal rights. However, accident claims can involve complex legal issues.
Car accidents can change your life in an instant. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, call Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers now to schedule a free consultation with a St. Louis car accident attorney. We’ll review your case for free and help you take the next steps toward justice and recovery.
Contact the attorneys at Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation, we proudly serve all throughout Missouri, including St. Louis County and Boone County and we have offices in St. Louis, Ladue, Columbia, Creve Coeur.
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – St. Louis Office
319 N 4th Street, Suite 835, St. Louis, MO 63102
(314) 444-4444
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Columbia Office
28 N 8th St # 502, Columbia, MO 65201
(573) 702-3285
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Ladue Office
9807 S 40 Dr, St. Louis, MO 63124
(314) 912-3302
Schultz & Myers Personal Injury Lawyers – Creve Coeur Office
999 Executive Pkwy Dr #205, Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 350-4021
