Missouri car accidents claim 2 more teenage lives on U.S. 54

Many lives are lost on Missouri roads due to drivers crossing over the center medians and entering the lanes of traffic heading in the opposite direction. MoDOT says that installing guard cables to prevent vehicles crossing costs approximately $125,000 per mile, along with a further maintenance cost of $12,000 per mile every year. Various factors are considered to determine where to install such safety guards. The considerations include the traffic levels in an area, the number of car accidents that occur, the severity of the crashes and more.

The tragic deaths of two teenagers have prompted authorities to consider a particular stretch of U.S. 54 for installation of guard cables. The crash occurred when a 16-year-old Jefferson City teen crossed the median and crashed into a big rig. The driver and his 15-year-old passenger from Holts Summit suffered fatal injuries.

The owner of property in the vicinity where this incident occurred said it is not uncommon and mentioned that two teenagers were killed in a similar fashion in the same area not too long ago. She maintained that the presence of a cable guard might have caused injuries but would likely have prevented the deaths. MoDOT will consider other options, such as guard rails, signage, pavement treatments, lower speed limits and blinking lights.

The surviving family members of those who have lost their lives in car accidents are entitled to pursue financial relief. If there is evidence of negligence on the part of a driver, a wrongful death claim may be filed against him or her in a Missouri civil court. If, however, the family believes that authorities neglected to provide safe roads, it may be best to consult with an experienced wrongful death attorney to determine the viability of such a claim. Only once negligence has been established will the court consider documented claims for compensation.

Source: fultonsun.com, “MoDOT to explore safety options for US 54“, Jeff Haldiman, July 17, 2016