How Weather Impacts Car Accidents in St. Louis
St. Louis drivers know one thing for sure: the weather here changes fast. It can be bright and sunny during your morning commute, only to shift into heavy rain, thick fog, or icy conditions by the afternoon. These rapid weather changes play a significant role in local traffic crashes—especially along high-traffic roads like Highway 40, Clarkson, Clayton, Olive, and Manchester.
Understanding how different weather conditions affect driving can help you stay prepared and reduce your risk on the road.
Rain and Wet Pavement
Rain is one of the leading causes of weather-related crashes in St. Louis. Wet pavement reduces tire traction and increases stopping distances. Heavy rain can also create standing water, making hydroplaning more likely—especially near curves, highway merges, and low-lying areas.
Even a quick shower can turn familiar roads into a hazard zone if drivers don’t adjust their speed and following distance.
Morning Fog
Fog is common during early mornings across St. Louis, and it can drastically reduce visibility. When drivers can’t clearly see brake lights, lane markings, or sudden slowdowns, the risk of rear-end collisions rises sharply.
Dense fog also makes it harder to judge distance and speed, which means even cautious drivers can miscalculate and end up in a crash.
Snow and Black Ice
Winters in St. Louis may be unpredictable, but even light snowfall can create dangerous conditions. Bridges and overpasses along major corridors—like Highway 40, 270, and 44—freeze before the rest of the road, becoming slick without warning.
Black ice is especially dangerous because it’s nearly invisible. Drivers often don’t realize they’ve hit a patch until they lose control, leading to spin-outs, slide-offs, and multi-vehicle accidents.
High Winds
St. Louis also experiences strong wind gusts, particularly during thunderstorms and seasonal weather shifts. High winds can push vehicles off course, especially SUVs, vans, and trucks with higher centers of gravity.
When drivers aren’t prepared, these sudden gusts can cause sideswipe collisions or, in severe cases, rollovers.
Bad Weather Doesn’t Excuse Negligence
It’s important to remember that drivers must adjust their behavior based on the conditions around them. Slowing down, increasing distance, and staying alert are not optional—they’re required for safe driving.
If someone fails to drive responsibly during poor weather, they can still be held liable for the crash.
Injured in a Weather-Related Accident?
If you’ve been hurt in a collision caused by hazardous weather, you may be facing medical expenses, time away from work, and a confusing insurance process. You don’t have to handle this alone.
J Tolin Law is here to help you understand your options and protect your rights.
Contact us for support and guidance 314-207-1000