What are the Most Dangerous Areas for Pedestrians in St. Louis?

Missouri ranks among the worst states for pedestrians in the country, and its road safety and laws are lacking.

A push for more pedestrian friendly infrastructure has been a general reaction to rising rates of pedestrian deaths on roadways across the country.

Pedestrian deaths in St. Louis nearly doubled in 2020, and have been on a nationwide upward tick in the past decade, rising 46%.

Unsafe roadways and unfriendly infrastructure jeopardize safety for people of all ages walking and riding bicycles.

St. Louis has historically been a car-centric urban area, with major interstates encircling the city and busy arterial roads bisecting heavily populated areas.

5 Most Dangerous Areas for Pedestrians in St. Louis

These arterial roads are most dangerous for pedestrians crossing roads and intersections or attempting to find an area safe enough to walk alongside them.

According to data gathered by the Dangerous by Design Report, a project from the non-profit Smart Growth America, these St. Louis area roads have been the most dangerous for pedestrians:

N Grand Blvd between Lindell Blvd and Natural Bridge Ave.

A total of 19 pedestrian fatalities occurred on this stretch of road between 2008 and 2019.

Shown below, the intersection of Grand Blvd and Montgomery Street has been one of the most dangerous for pedestrians.

Between 2008 and 2019, eight separate pedestrians have been struck and killed by drivers near this corner.

Natural Bridge Ave between Parnell Street and Kienlen Ave.

A total of 15 pedestrian fatalities have occurred on or very close by this four mile stretch of road between 2011 and 2019.

Four pedestrians were struck and killed in a two block radius between Turner Ave and Harris Ave, prompting the construction of a newly designed crosswalk to help with the visibility and safety of pedestrians.

The crosswalk is located at the end of Lambdin Ave, between Turner Ave and Harris Ave.

Halls Ferry Road and North Broadway area.

Near the North Riverfront, these roads which merge into one another, saw 11 pedestrian fatalities between the years of 2008 and 2019.

Four deaths occurred near the most dangerous intersection in this area, North Broadway and Christian ave, pictured below.

N Kingshighway Blvd between Page Blvd and Forest Park Ave

This area accounted for nine pedestrian fatalities between the years of 2008 and 2019, with two of those deaths being located near the entrance of the Washington University Medical Campus on Forest Park Ave and two others located on Lindell Blvd near the N Kingshighway Blvd intersection.

Pictured below, the stretch of road between Page Blvd and Delmar Blvd was the site of three pedestrian fatalities.

Chippewa Street between Watson Ave and S Compton Ave

The roads in this area of South St. Louis have totaled seven pedestrian fatalities between 2008 and 2019.

Some occurred off the main stretch of Chippewa Street and on contributing roads like Gravois Ave.

The most dangerous part of this area for pedestrians has been on and near the intersection of Chippewa Street and Hampton Ave, where three pedestrians have been struck and killed.

How do pedestrian accidents typically happen?

As pedestrian-related accidents have been increasing at an alarming rate, the questions of how and why these incidents happen have forced urban planners, city-council members, and traffic safety enforcers to confront the underlying issues with roadways and drivers.

A 2017 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) report found that most pedestrian-involved accidents are a result of distracted or negligent driving, and most accidents occur between 9 p.m. and midnight.

Alcohol consumption, of either the driver or pedestrian, was found to be involved in 47% of pedestrian accidents in 2017.

It was also found that SUVs and small trucks were involved in pedestrian accidents at higher rates than sedans.

How to Keep Yourself Safe as a Pedestrian

It’s important to consider that the above information details only pedestrian deaths, not instances where a pedestrian was struck by a car and not killed.

Accidents can happen anywhere, and being aware of your surroundings is paramount in keeping yourself safe.

Crossing roads in areas flooded with car traffic can be extremely dangerous, and it’s critical to use a designated crosswalk if available.

Traveling in well-lit areas, refraining from using headphones, and always double-checking before crossing intersections are steps to take as a pedestrian to ensure safety.

What changes can be made to avoid pedestrian accidents from an urban planning perspective?

From large city planning projects that can change the perception and appeal of an area, to incremental changes that make walking beside or crossing a street more pleasant and safe, a number of changes can be made by a city to make its streets safer for pedestrians:

• Increasing safety measures on roadways (more visible crosswalk signs, warning signs for drivers to watch out for pedestrians)
• Altering traffic patterns (implementing one-way roads, narrowing lanes)
• Slowing speed limits
• Adding bike lanes
• Reducing blind spots for drivers and pedestrians at intersections

What to Do if You’ve Been Involved in a Pedestrian Accident

Being involved in a pedestrian-vehicle accident is a stressful and often traumatizing experience.

Whether you’re the driver or the person who was hit, it’s important to know how to handle the situation.

This will help ensure the best outcome for every person involved.

These are the five steps to take after a pedestrian automobile accident:

1. Do not leave the scene
2. Call 911 and seek medical assistance
3. Document the accident and contact your insurance company
4. Thoroughly document your injuries and property damages
5. Seek legal assistance from a pedestrian accident attorney or a St. Louis injury attorney