Chesterfield Road Safety Overview
You might wonder whether it is safe to drive in Chesterfield, Missouri. Located approximately 20 miles west of downtown St. Louis, the city’s 32 square miles are home to residential neighborhoods, parks, and numerous businesses. Among the city’s attractions include the Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House, Faust Park, and Veterans Honor Park.
If you live or work in this community, or if you just stop to visit, you do not want to be one of the thousands of people every year who are injured or killed in Missouri car accidents. Continue reading to learn whether Chesterfield is a city where you should be overly cautious driving.
How Common Are Car Accidents in Chesterfield, MO?
There were 1,016 traffic-related fatalities and 52,109 injuries reported throughout Missouri during 2021. These numbers were higher than statistics from 2020, when 987 people died and 47,894 people were hurt in traffic collisions. Jackson County reported 114 road-related deaths — the most fatalities of any county that year.
Overall, there were 146,759 Missouri traffic crashes in 2021. About 109,750 of these only caused property damage. Another 36,062 injured at least one person, and 931 were classified as fatal accidents.
Additionally, there were 105 fatal pedestrian crashes and seven fatal bicycle wrecks. Combined, these killed a total of 115 people. Overall, there were about 1,500 accidents of all severity levels throughout Missouri that involved either a bicyclist or a motorcyclist.
St. Louis County and Chesterfield Road Statistics
The City of Chesterfield is located within St. Louis County. Over the past ten years, the county has averaged approximately 75.6 motor vehicle fatalities per year. However, 110 traffic deaths were recorded in St. Louis County in 2021, which was approximately 10% of all such deaths across the entire state.
The total number of accidents in 2021 that occurred in Chesterfield is not available. However, there were no traffic fatalities within the city limits. There were two deaths that happened the previous year.
It is worth remembering, though, that the majority of accidents that happen across the state result in injuries or property damage. The lack of traffic fatalities does not indicate that Chesterfield is safer to drive in than other Missouri towns and cities.
Top Causes of Chesterfield Crashes
Speeding and impaired driving are two of the most common factors that contribute to fatal crashes in Missouri. Nearly four out of every ten fatal accidents in the state involved a speeding driver, and 28.6% involved a motorist who was impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Speeding
Speeding drivers endanger themselves and everyone else with whom they share the road. A motorist who travels too fast in congested traffic or bad weather is just as dangerous as one who exceeds the posted speed limit. Both drivers risk losing control of their vehicles or not having enough time to avoid a collision with another person or object.
Over 400 people lost their lives in speeding-related wrecks throughout Missouri in 2021, and nearly 4,000 more were injured.
Alcohol- or Drug-Impaired Driving
Alcohol, illegal drugs, and prescription medications can all make a driver dangerous behind the wheel. Some substances make a driver drowsy and slow to respond, while others interfere with an individual’s perception. When a person in this condition is in control of a motor vehicle, the results can be tragic for both that person and others.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported over 250 fatal wrecks and nearly 7,000 injury crashes across the state in 2021 that involved alcohol or drugs.
Other Contributing Factors To Missouri Wrecks
These contributing factors also played a role in a large number of injury and fatality crashes in Missouri:
- Improper lane usage or lane changes
- Failing to yield the right of way
- Driving on the wrong side of the road
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Unknown circumstances
Only two crash-related circumstances did not result in fatal accidents. Neither failing to dim headlights nor an improperly parked vehicle caused a deadly wreck.
Tips For Staying Safe When Driving in Chesterfield, Missouri
When it comes to road safety and avoiding accidents, there will always be an element of chance. You cannot control how other drivers will behave on the road or respond to emergency situations. Nonetheless, there are things you can do to reduce your chance of crashing:
Watch Your Speed
First, pay attention to the speed limits and road conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. Just because the speed limit allows you to travel at a certain maximum speed does not mean you must if it is unsafe to do so. Reduce your speed when traffic is congested or during inclement weather so that you can remain in control of your car.
Be Aware of Consuming Impairing Substances Before Driving
While you should avoid drinking and driving or consuming illegal substances, be aware that other substances can cause similar effects. Read your prescription warning labels carefully and allow someone else to drive if your medication suggests you should not do so.
No matter what you consume, do not drive if you feel tired or if the substance seems to have affected your thinking.
Follow the Rules of the Road
Finally, familiarize yourself with Missouri’s traffic laws so that you know what to do when you encounter certain situations on the road. The right-of-way laws are especially important for staying safe at intersections, and following traffic lights and signs is an essential step to avoiding traffic collisions.
Driving in Chesterfield Can Be Safe
Like any other Missouri community, Chesterfield’s streets present a risk of harm to those who use them. This includes not only motor vehicle drivers but also pedestrians, bicyclists, and others. The factors that contribute to crashes throughout the state — specifically speeding and impaired driving — are present in Chesterfield as well.
Nonetheless, by recognizing the danger that exists and what contributes to it, you can make more informed choices about how to protect yourself. This can include modifying your own driving behaviors or even deciding whether traveling through Chesterfield is a risk you are willing to take.