Beware of Kingshighway Boulevard and I-64’s Eight Entry Points

In February 2021, four people were injured when an ambulance carrying a patient was struck by a wrong-way driver on westbound I-64 at Kingshighway Boulevard. The paramedic who was driving maneuvered the ambulance to avoid a head-on collision, but the vehicle was struck, nevertheless. All westbound lanes were closed for an hour while the crash was cleared. The wrong-way driver was transported to the hospital in critical condition.

What Makes Kingshighway Boulevard and I-64 a Dangerous Intersection?

In a typical intersection, two roads intersect at four points. Kingshighway Boulevard and I-64 has a total of eight entry points – two onramps and two offramps for westbound traffic plus two onramps and two offramps for eastbound traffic. To further complicate the traffic situation, two lanes in the middle of these entryways and exits allow for through traffic. Drivers must watch out for other vehicles entering and exiting on the right and for cars crossing lanes on the left.

What Types of Accidents Can Happen at I-64 and Kingshighway Boulevard?

Nearly any type of accident can happen in a traffic situation such as at Kingshighway Boulevard and I-64. People traveling from the eastern to the western side of St. Louis on I-64, north or south on Kingshighway Boulevard, or students traveling to and from St. Louis University could be involved in a crash. Types of accidents at this intersection may include:

• Side-swipe accidents when drivers try to merge into the same lane at the same time
• Wrong-way collisions caused by confused or intoxicated drivers traveling in the opposite direction of traffic
• T-bone crashes, when turning drivers collide with vehicles traveling straight through the intersection
• Rear-end collisions when drivers following too closely are unable to stop in time to avoid a crash
• Angle collisions, when two vehicles collide at an angle
• Multi-vehicle pileups, when one crash leads to a chain reaction

What Types of Injuries Could Be Caused by a Crash at Kingshighway Boulevard and I-64?

Traffic accidents at busy intersections can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to fatal. Common injuries in car crashes include:

• Back and spine injuries
• Traumatic brain injury
• Face, neck, and jaw injuries
• Whiplash
• Fractured or dislocated bones
• Soft tissue injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Crush injuries
• Amputation

How Can You Navigate a Dangerous Intersection More Safely?

Intersections such as Kingshighway Boulevard and I-64 can be hazardous for anyone traveling through them. To stay safer while traveling through a dangerous intersection:

• Make sure you are in the correct lane before you reach the intersection.
• Approach the intersection with extra caution.
• Do not assume it is safe to go simply because the light is green.
• Watch other vehicles and be aware of other drivers’ intentions so you can react defensively.
• Make eye contact with other drivers.
• Match the pace of the car in front of you when slowing down.
• Navigate turns slowly.
• Always signal your intentions to other drivers.
• Yield if another driver is insistent, even though you have the right of way.
• Do not tailgate or rush the light.
• Keep one car length between your vehicle and the one ahead when pulling up to an intersection (in case you are rear-ended).
• Keep your wheel straight and your foot on the brake while waiting to cross an intersection.

If you have been injured in a crash at Kingshighway Boulevard and I-64, call Page Law at 1-800-CAR-CRASH (800-227-2727). Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys have been awarded membership in the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and rated AV Preeminent® by Martindale-Hubbell®. We can evaluate liability for the accident and pursue all available forms of compensation.