Today we are going to discuss Highway 63: Missouri’s Most Dangerous Road. If you have been in an accident on this road or any other be sure to contact Cantor Injury Law today.
A recent study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), found that Highway 63, which runs the length of Missouri, has the highest rate of fatal crashes above all other roads in the state. Making it the deadliest road in Missouri. Highway 63 runs through both rural areas and crosses several other Missouri highways all the way to the Arkansas state line.
Records show that 158 crashes and 179 fatalities have occurred on this highway over the last 10 years.
According to a statement given by State Representative Don Mayhew, he is not shocked by the statistics mentioned. He regularly commutes on a narrow and curvy stretch of Highway 63 to travel between his residence and Jefferson City and has witnessed a handful of bad wrecks over the years.
The figures mentioned are worrisome, but having a better understanding of the hazards on Missouri’s most dangerous road can help you drive more cautiously and be better equipped to ensure your safety while traveling on it.
What Makes Highway 63 So Dangerous?
First, we want to discuss what makes this road so dangerous. According to data collected by FARS, state highways are the most hazardous type of road in the U.S., accounting for 33% of all automobile-related fatalities. Their findings also reveal that in 31 states, state highways register a higher number of crash-related deaths than any other category of roadway.
When it comes to Highway 63 specifically, it’s a two-lane road with several sharp turns. This combo can prove dangerous, and often fatal, for motorists traveling at high speeds. Additionally, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) district engineer David Silvester states that many problems with Highway 63 happen due to side road traffic.
According to Silvester, “…we’ve had a lot of locations along four-lane highways, particularly where we have great intersections, so we have traffic approaching from the side road and we may have some crashes that end up in a T-Bone.”
Local Initiatives To Make Highway 63 Safer For Drivers
MoDOT estimates that it would cost approximately $300 million to upgrade Highway 63 into a divided four-lane expressway.
In an effort to divide that large price tag into smaller increments, some suggest making staggered safety improvements to the most dangerous parts of the highway, including intersections and passing lanes. This would amount to $20 million worth of improvements.
It was first suggested to increase gas prices by 10 cents in local counties to help pay for the project. This idea received backlash and was voted down by Missouri residents. Currently, leaders from local counties are working with MoDOT to source funding from their communities. They’re working on a proposal that will appeal to all parties and achieve their goal of making Highway 63 safer for drivers.
“We have to come to the realization we are going to have to bring something to the table to make this happen. People are now accepting if we’re going to get this done, we have to come up with a funding proposal to present MoDOT. Counting on MoDOT alone isn’t going to work. In the past, corridor improvements like ours could be funded by earmarks, but they don’t have earmarks anymore. If we can come up with a cost-share proposal, we hope we can have a great partnership with MoDOT and move forward.”
– Tom Stehn, West Plains City Administrator from Phelps County
Injured In A Car Accident On Highway 63? We Can Help!
If you or someone you love has been harmed in a car accident on Missouri’s most dangerous road, our St. Louis personal injury attorneys are here to help.
At Cantor Injury Law, we fight tirelessly on behalf of car accident victims, earning them multi-millions in financial recovery. We’re here to fight for you, too. We hope now that you know more about Missouri’s Most Dangerous Road you will be a step ahead of everyone else.
FAQs: Highway 63: Missouri’s Most Dangerous Road
Q: What Makes Highway 63 In Missouri So Dangerous?
A: Highway 63 is considered dangerous due to its two-lane configuration with sharp turns. The combination of high speeds and the challenging road layout can lead to fatal accidents. Side road traffic and intersections also contribute to the hazards on this road.
Q: Are State Highways Generally More Dangerous Than Other Types Of Roads?
A: According to data from FARS (Fatality Analysis Reporting System), state highways are the most hazardous road type in the U.S., accounting for 33% of all automobile-related fatalities. In 31 states, state highways have a higher number of crash-related deaths compared to other road categories.
Q: What Are Local Initiatives To Improve Safety On Highway 63?
A: To address the safety concerns on Highway 63, MoDOT (Missouri Department of Transportation) estimates that it would cost approximately $300 million to upgrade the road into a divided four-lane expressway. As a more feasible approach, staggered safety improvements are being considered for the most dangerous sections, including intersections and passing lanes, with an estimated cost of $20 million. Local counties are working with MoDOT to secure funding for these improvements through community-based proposals.
Q: How Will Funding For Safety Improvements On Highway 63 Be Obtained?
A: Initially, there was a suggestion to increase gas prices by 10 cents in local counties to fund the project, but it was rejected by Missouri residents. Currently, leaders from local counties are working on a funding proposal that will involve a cost-share approach between the communities and MoDOT. They aim to create a partnership and present a viable funding plan to improve Highway 63’s safety.
Q: What Should I Do If I’ve Been Injured In A Car Accident On Highway 63?
A: If you or a loved one has been harmed in an accident on Highway 63, it’s important to seek legal assistance. Contact the St. Louis personal injury attorneys at Cantor Injury Law, who have experience in fighting for car accident victims’ rights and achieving significant financial recoveries. They can guide you through the legal process and fight for your compensation.