At 11:58pm on Saturday, May 24th, a massive collision ensued due to a car stopped in a lane on Interstate 64, east of Maryville Center Drive in St. Louis County. A Chrysler Pacifica was stopped in the leftmost lane of northbound I-64 when they were rear-ended by a Volkswagen Jetta, and the debris from the crash did minor damage to a third, uninvolved vehicle. The driver of the minivan, a 46-year-old woman sustained minor injuries. However, when the other vehicle hit her stopped car, five others were injuries, including three seriously injured.
Situations like this highlight the dangers of stopped or abandoned vehicles on busy highways, particularly at night. Missouri law, under RSMo § 304.155, allows law enforcement to authorize the immediate removal of vehicles deemed to pose a serious hazard to motorists, especially on interstates and freeways in urban areas. A vehicle left in an active traffic lane can quickly become a threat to all road users. If an officer determines such a vehicle to be a hazard, it may be towed to safety without delay—potentially preventing collisions like the one that occurred on May 24.
Drivers are reminded that vehicles must never be left in a lane of travel, especially on high-speed roadways like I-64. Whether due to mechanical failure or other issues, drivers should activate hazard lights and attempt to move off the roadway entirely. Prompt reporting to authorities can also trigger protective measures to reduce the risk of secondary crashes.
Following traffic laws, maintaining awareness of surroundings, and taking immediate action when encountering vehicle trouble can save lives. Law enforcement continues to respond swiftly in such cases, but individual responsibility is key to keeping Missouri’s roads safe for all.