A rash of fatal crashes has plagued the St. Louis metro area. The wrecks have left a number of familes broken and are harsh reminders of the duties Missouri drivers have to use due care while behind the wheel.
On Friday night, three people were killed in an auto accident when a head-on collision occurred in just west of I-170 on Ladue Road. According to Ladue Police, a Ford Focus travelling westbound crossed the center divider in an attempt to pass another car and slammed into a Volkswagen Jetta travelling eastbound. Police did not release details of whether alcohol was involved.
In a separate instance, a driver who ran a red light caused an accident that led to the death of another driver. The accident occurred at Page Boulevard and North Vandever Avenue. According to authorities, a Mazda 3 was travelling eastbound on Page when it hit another car and continued through the intersection. The Mazda was then hit by a Chevy Cavalier travelling northbound on Vandever. The Cavalier spun out of control and hit a parked car. The driver of the Cavalier was thrown from his car and died and the scene. Meanwhile the driver of the Mazda was extricated from his vehicle and taken to the hospital. No information was released as to whether alcohol contributed to the accident.
The crashes lead to a number of legal issues. The families of the people lost in these accidents can seek compensation through wrongful death lawsuits, and the people injured can seek remedies for the damages caused through the drivers’ negligence. In light of the potential lawsuits, the accidents underscore the importance of using sound judgment and driving safely for the conditions.
Source: Stltoday.com, Driver ran red light before fatal crash in St. Louis, February 5, 2013; Three people die in crash on Ladue Road, February 4, 2013