Hwy 44 and Rt 141: Dangerous for Locals and Sightseers Alike

By way of Highway 44 and in West St. Louis County, the small town of Valley Park is about a 30-minute commute from Downtown St. Louis, Missouri. According to the city, just under 7,000 residents call this place home. Its landmarks include the Valley Park Elevator and Sacred Heart Church. Museums that draw out of-town visitors include the World Bird Sanctuary and the Museum of Transportation. Residents are also able to enjoy local parks and a library.

There are a handful of main roads for those travelling through the area. These include Vance Road, Marshall Road, Forest Road, Dougherty Road, Meramec Station Road, Hanna, and others. What draws safety concerns for accidents and serious injuries, however, is where Highway 44 and Rt. 141 meet.

Just one collision can snarl traffic for quite some time. A recent crash that shut down a section of the westbound Interstate 44 occurred around 7:40 PM in the evening. This particular section can be considered chaotic and confusing, so it is important for your safety to know what you are up against when you are travelling there.

Two Dangerous Roundabouts and Other Exits

Valley Park, Missouri has seen a high concentration of accidents over the years. Data compiled by the Missouri Department of Transportation has that number at 384 car accidents in one recent year, with one fatality included. Over a three-year window, the agency reported 17 accidents that resulted in serious injuries and fatalities. Part of the reason behind this may be the options for entry and exit points for drivers to navigate, which includes two roundabouts. The way this area is set up, combined with unpredictable driver behavior, may be just one factor behind many accidents this area is known for.

In transferring between Highway 44 and Route 141, you’ll encounter exits onto various roads like Meramec Drive, North Highway Drive, and South Highway Drive as well as bridges and multi-lane traffic. There are also two roundabouts in this area which could add yet another point that you’ll especially want to be aware of when driving. Roundabouts are designed to make roads safer, but other drivers on the road may not navigate them correctly and put you or someone else at risk for a serious accident.

How to Be Safe at Hwy 44 and Rt.141

With the museums and parks in the area, this small town in Missouri will not only draw residents from within the city looking to stay local for the weekends; it will also bring in those who live in nearby neighborhoods, as well as some visitors from out of town staying in local motels or looking to get away from the busyness of Downtown St. Louis. There may be quite a few visitors who are unfamiliar with the traffic laws while they are here. You can do your part to stay safe on the road by practicing the following when at Highway 44 and Route 141:

• Watch for drivers who may be lost or distracted on the highway while trying to discern street signals and signs.
• Be aware of what’s to the front, side, and behind you when transitioning to another highway – and don’t forget to signal to alert other drivers of your exit.
• Do not speed or stop in roundabouts, as traffic is meant to flow in these sections of a highway.
• Do not block intersections under any circumstances.
• Yield to oncoming traffic at intersections in the area.

Contact an Attorney if You Have Been in an Accident

Whether drivers are unfamiliar with Highway 44 and Route 141, or if they are driving irresponsibly without regard for local traffic laws, their behavior is putting others at risk for an automobile accident. This can cause you serious injuries or the death of a loved one, and you deserve to be compensated for the damage you have suffered.

An attorney who can evaluate the circumstances that led to your accident on a roadway with roundabouts and intersections will pursue all compensation you may be entitled to. Drivers who share the highway with you have a responsibility to operate their vehicles in such a way that doesn’t endanger others. Call us at (314) 322-8515 to speak with a member of our team. We will take a closer look at your intersection or roundabout accident in order to proceed on your behalf effectively.