ST. LOUIS, Mo. (Local News Wire) – Four fatal crashes occurred on St. Louis area highways in a 24-hour span from July 16 to July 17.
The incidents include:
- 10:47 a.m. on July 16, Highway V, Franklin County. A driver died after losing control and crashing into a tree.
- 2:49 p.m. on July 16, I-255 near I-64, East St. Louis. A driver died after crossing the median and colliding with another car.
- 9:02 p.m. on July 16, Lilac Rd., North St. Louis County. A driver died after attempting to overtake a vehicle and striking two others.
- 12:27 a.m. on July 17, I-44 near Kirkwood. An SUV driver, who stopped in the roadway, was hit by a tractor-trailer.
Three incidents were under the jurisdiction of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, while the Illinois State Police handled the fourth. Authorities stated there were no common factors among the crashes, but all could have been avoided.
Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dallas Thompson cited speeding, lane drifting, and distracted driving as key contributors to the fatalities. “It’s up to the person behind the wheel to make good choices,” Thompson said.
Driving instructor Rico Williams emphasized the need for awareness. “You have to pay attention to what’s going on around you,” Williams stated.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol warned that highway crashes typically increase during the summer months due to higher travel volume and advised drivers to plan ahead to avoid speeding.
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