Most Dangerous Roads for Car Accidents in Kansas City in 2018

Car Accident Fatalities Continue to Rise in Kansas and Missouri

Our Kansas City car accident law firm continues to monitor accident and injury trends in Kansas and Missouri and nationwide to help keep our clients and community safe.  

The year 2018 was the third deadliest year of the last decade for America's roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 36,750 people were killed in the United States in car accidents in 2018. The number of fatalities from car crashes in 2018 was down slightly by 1% from 2017. However, the number of people who died in car crashes is still over 12% higher than the low of 32,744 in 2014.

The continued high number of people who are killed in traffic-related crashes persist despite new technologies being implemented by car manufacturers to increase safety. Car safety experts believe that distracted driving, speeding and reckless behavior, and drinking and impaired driving continued to be a major source of traffic-related deaths.

Pedestrian Accidents & Fatalities Also Increase in KS & MO

Similarly, pedestrian deaths caused by cars reached a 28-year high in the year 2018, according to recent estimates by the Governor's Highway Safety Association. This study estimated that pedestrian deaths across the country rose 4% to 6,227 in 2018.

There are a number of potential reasons for the continued increase in pedestrian accidents and deaths, including larger vehicles such as SUVs being popular with consumers, distracted driving and impaired and drunk driving, and the need for pedestrian-friendly infrastructure upgrades.

Missouri Car Accident Statistics

In Missouri, 918 people were killed in traffic accidents in 2018. This represents a slight decline from 932 car accident fatalities in 2017. However, the number individuals who are killed in car accidents in Missouri has remained above 900 people for three years in a row. 

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, cellphone-related crashes have climbed to 35% since 2014. Missouri is one of the only states without a statewide ban on texting while driving. Speed, distraction, fatigue and other impairment continue to be a driving cause of fatal crashes in the state of Missouri.

Kansas Car Accident Statistics

In Kansas, the number of traffic-related fatalities is overall less than Missouri, but it remains startling high in terms of per capita proportions. The death toll from car accidents in Kansas was 462 in 2017 and has remained over 400 for the past several years.

Again, impaired driving, distracted driving, driving too fast, poor road conditions and the failure to use a seatbelt are all contributing factors in the number of fatalities.

Most Dangerous Roadways & Intersections in Kansas City

Beyond these nationwide and statewide trends, you may be asking "what are the most dangerous intersections in Kansas City?" Based on recent data and statistics, the below roadways and intersections are where most car accident and injuries occur in the Kansas City area:

• I-70 Intersection with
  • I-670 and US 71 Hwy. / I-49, I-435, I-35, I-29, Blue Ridge Cutoff, Lee's Summit Road, Van Brunt Blvd, Noland Road
• I-435 Intersection with
  • I-70, Front Street, 23rd Street, I-49, Holmes Road, Wornall Road, State Line Road, 87th Street, Bannister Road, Blue Parkway, US-69 Hwy
• I-49 or U.S. 71 Hwy. Intersection with
  • 63rd Street, 75th Street, Gregory Blvd., Bannister Road, 87th Street, Red Bridge Road, I-435 / I-470, 155th Street
• I-29 Intersection with
  • Barry Road
• I-470 Intersection with
  • Blue Ridge Cut Off, I-435, US 50 Hwy

How to Stay Safe on the Road in Kansas City 

Given these car accident statistics and the long list of dangerous roads, what can you do to stay safe on the road?  Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do to keep you and your family safe on the road in both Kansas and Missouri. 

1. Wear a seatbelt. Data shows that you are up to eight times more likely to die from a crash if you are not wearing a seatbelt. Even if you survive, the risk of serious injury including traumatic brain injury, is much greater if you are not wearing a seatbelt.

2. Don't drive distracted. Put your cellphone down and pay attention to the road and those around you. It only takes a split second for the circumstances that caused an accident to occur. You need complete attention on the road to protect yourself and others from a serious crash.

3. Be safe in bad weather conditions. If the roads are slick or the weather is bad, find alternative transportation or at the very least drive at an appropriate speed for the conditions that exist.

4. Don't drive drunk or impaired. Drunk driving continues to be a factor in too many car accidents. In addition, impaired driving can be caused by use of both legal and illegal substances. If you are drowsy, or fatigued, pull over and find a safe place to rest but don't continue to drive because you are putting yourself and others at risk.

Call Our Kansas City Car Accident Attorney

If you or someone you love has been injured due to another's negligence, please know that you have rights and must take action to protect them. Our Kansas City car accident attorney is ready to listen to your story and offer guidance and support. We can also help you seek and recover maximum compensation for your injuries.

Call us today at 816-203-0143 for a free confidential case consultation. We can help you understand your legal rights and take action to recover amounts for past and future medical bills, lost income and pain and suffering. Don't be a victim and another statistic, take action today.