Driver Safety at the Spoede Road and I-64 Roundabouts

I-64 in St. Louis has been the scene of road rage and fiery crashes. A St. Louis Councilman’s vehicle was shot while driving on I-64 near Spoede Road in April 2021. At least one bullet struck the Councilman’s car. In November 2021, a driver lost control of his Nissan Sentra on I-64, hit the center median near McCausland Avenue, and came to a stop in the traffic lane. Another driver hit the Sentra, and that vehicle caught on fire. Shortly thereafter, a third vehicle hit the Sentra. The driver of the vehicle that caught on fire died from his injuries, as reported by KSDK.

What Kinds of Accidents Can Happen at Roundabouts?

Roundabouts are becoming increasingly popular in U.S. intersections. Statistically, they reduce traffic congestion and crashes. Not all drivers understand roundabouts, however, and this can lead to accidents. Drivers can cause wrecks in roundabouts by:

• Stopping within the circle: Roundabouts are designed for traffic to keep moving and stopping can be dangerous.
• Speeding: Drivers should reduce their speed when approaching or entering a roundabout. This is necessary to allow time to yield to other drivers.
• Failing to yield: Drivers entering the roundabout must yield to drivers already in the circle. When they fail to do so, it can cause a crash.
• Not using the correct lane: It is crucial to follow the signs that tell drivers which lane to use.
• Changing lanes within the circle: It is safer to go around again or get off at the wrong exit than to switch lanes in the roundabout.

Who Could Be Affected by an Accident at Spoede Road and I-64?

Commuters traveling through Spoede Road and the 1-64 area are at risk of being involved in a vehicle accident. These may include visitors to the high-end Plaza Frontenac shopping center and commuters from the west side of St. Louis County traveling downtown for work. Any motorist traveling along North or South Forty Drive could become confused using the roundabout to get onto I-64 and be involved in a collision.

What Types of Injuries Can Be Sustained in Roundabout Accidents?

Different types of crashes are common in roundabouts, including side-swipe collisions, rear-end collisions, and T-bone accidents. Victims may suffer a range of injuries, including:

• Head trauma and traumatic brain injury
• Lacerations and disfiguring facial injuries
• Internal organ damage and bleeding
• Fractured bones
• Neck and back injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Severe burns

How Is Liability Determined in a Crash at Spoede Road and 1-64 Roundabouts?

The party who caused the crash is liable for resulting injuries. For example, a driver who entered the roundabout speeding and failed to yield to a driver already in the circle could be held liable for a resulting accident. A driver who was following too closely and rear-ended another vehicle may also be held accountable. Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers can investigate your roundabout accident to determine fault and liability and pursue all available forms of compensation.

How Can You Safely Navigate the Roundabouts at Spoede Road and I-64?

To safely navigate a roundabout:

• Make sure you are in the correct lane for the direction you want to take and use your turn signal to alert other drivers.
• Yield to all other vehicles already in the roundabout.
• Watch out for motorcyclists and bicyclists.
• When making a U-turn, make sure you are in the right-hand lane with your right turn signal on.
• Indicate left when you leave the roundabout.

Call Page Law at 1-800-CAR-CRASH (800-227-2727) to schedule a free consultation if you have been hurt in a wreck at the Spoede Road and I-64 roundabouts. We can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.