Highway 63 has been named the most dangerous road in all of Missouri, with the highest number of accidents, fatalities, and the highest fatality crash rate in the state according to a report released by Geotab. In fact, there were at least 158 car accidents and 179 fatalities in a little over the last decade.

Highway 63 is the main North-South highway that travels through the entire state of Missouri starting at the Arkansas state line by Thayer, and ends near Lancaster at the Iowa state line. It runs through cities including Columbia, Jefferson City, Kirksville, Moberly, Macon, and Rolla, among others. Over 30,000 vehicles use this road daily.

Personal Injury Attorney Scott Wilson was almost killed on Highway 63.

Scott Wilson himself can attest to how dangerous Highway 63 is:  His freshman year of college, Scott was driving home to visit his mom and girlfriend when he was involved in a head-on collision on Highway 63 North.  Liability was disputed as the crash occurred in the middle of the highway on the center line, but the big telephone company “boom truck” got the best of Scott’s smaller compact car which was demolished.  It was a miracle he survived, but Scott did have a fractured arm and a ruptured spleen and underwent multiple surgeries.  That crash was one of the reasons Scott decided to become a trial attorney and dedicate his entire career to representing injury vicitms.

What Makes Highway 63 Dangerous?

Highway 63 had an average of 15 fatalities per year over the length of a decade. Why is this road so hazardous?

The biggest reasons are as follows:

  • Few exits designated for side roads.
  • Sharp turns.
  • Roadway wear, tear, and damage.
  • For decades, Highway 63 only had two lanes until areas were expanded to four lanes.

Thankfully, the Missouri Department of Transportation has repairs underway. Some of these improvements include the following:

  • Guard rail and cable upgrades.
  • High-friction surface treatment added to sharp curves.
  • Cold-milling, pavement repair and resurfacing.
  • Resurfacing for multiple entrance and exit ramps.
  • The acceleration ramp for Route H southbound will be extended.

Avoid a Highway 63 Accident

Missouri has had 914 fatal car accidents in 2022 alone. While road improvements are in progress, there are a few things that drivers can do in the meantime when traveling on U.S. 63 to avoid a collision.

  • Be patient, take it slow, and follow the signs accordingly in work zones. The traffic may be frustrating, but it’s for a good reason.
  • Don’t speed! There are many abrupt curves that can’t be navigated at high speeds without getting into a car accident. The majority of collisions in Missouri are caused by speeding. In fact, 40% of all traffic accidents in the state can be attributed to speeding.
  • Do not drift between lanes.
  • Put your phone out of sight and out of mind behind the wheel. In 2021 alone, 382 traffic fatalities involved a distracted driver.
  • Increase following distance.

If you get into a car crash caused by a negligent driver, you’re going to need a skilled personal injury attorney in your corner. Here’s what your lawyer can do to help you win the compensation you deserve.

  • Gather evidence including traffic footage, medical records, receipts, police reports, and witness statements to prove the extent of your personal injuries, and who is at fault.
  • Calculate how much your injury is worth including past, present, and future expenses related to your personal injury.
  • Negotiate a settlement that covers all of your costs, and if necessary, file a lawsuit on your behalf.
  • Help you complete and submit legal documents correctly and on time.
  • Explain the legal process and provide updates on your case.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact The Hines & Wilson Law Firm today to schedule an initial consultation. There, you’ll receive free legal advice from a compassionate Columbus Missouri attorney near you.