Two Recent Head-On Fatal Crashes on Highway 54

By Zane T. Cagle | June 17, 2016 | Boating Accidents, Car Accidents, Drunk Driving, Featured, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death

Fatal Head-On Crash Kills Three

Three people area were killed in a  head-on crash on Highway 54 which was the second head-on crash  in a week. on this highway.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, an Oldsmobile Aurora driven by an Eldon, MO  woman was headed westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 54 when it hit head-on with a GMC Terrain driven by an Osage Beach, Missouri man.

The driver the GMC Terrain and his wife were pronounced dead at the scene in addition to the driver of the Oldsmobile.

As of yet, it is not known why the Oldsmobile driver was traveling the wrong way.

Criminal Charges Brought Against Lake Ozark Woman in  Earlier Fatal June Crash

A 62 year-old woman of Lake Ozark, Missouri has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in an alleged DWI crash that killed two and seriously injured another on June 3 2016.

At approximately 11:45 p.m., the woman was driving westbound in the eastbound lanes of Highway 54 and struck a vehicle driven by a 17 year old Eldon youth. The 17 year-old driver was seriously injured and his car included two fatally injured passengers, one 38 year-old man and one 12 year-old boy also of Eldon, Missouri.

Head-On Crashes

Head-on collisions are classified as the most serious of all crashes due to the greater force that is applied with the combined speeds of the vehicles involved.  There are many factors contributing to head on collisions including drowsy driving, distracted drive and unsafe passing.

Of course, if a driver is under the influence of alcohol, they drive erratically including crossing center lines and striking other cars head on.   Head-on collisions are more numerous on two-lane highways.

DWI Checkpoints

While both of the crashes above occurred in Miller County, neighboring Camden County has recently been attempting to combat drunk driving by increasing DWI checkpoints. In 2015, 869 people were killed in traffic crashes on Missouri roadways and that same year, initial statistics show that 57 alcohol-related traffic crashes occurred in Camden County.

The Missouri Highway Patrol indicated that the public have been supportive of the Missouri Highway Patrol’s efforts to make the roads safer through the use of sobriety checkpoints.

During the summer season, Highway 54 through Camden and Miller counties see increased traffic due to the Lake of the Ozarks. As well, sobriety checkpoints become more numerous on the water in an attempt to reduce the number of alcohol related boating accidents.

Seeking Legal Assistance

If you or a family member has been involved in a motor vehicle accident, it is imperative that you consult a skilled personal injury attorney  or wrongful death attorney as soon as possible.  Our attorneys understand how a car collision can completely unhinge your life and your family.  We are available seven days a week to answer your questions.

Call at (314) 276-1681

About The Author

Zane T. Cagle

Zane T. Cagle is the founding president and lead trial attorney at The Cagle Law Firm. With a strong dedication to his clients, he has built a reputation for his tenacious representation in personal injury cases, ensuring each client's unique story is heard. Areas of Practice: Personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, wrongful death. Bar Admissions: Supreme Court of Missouri, Illinois & Kentucky. Superior Court of U.S. Virgin Islands Education: Washington University School of Law. Awards: Super Lawyers, Top 40 Under 40 by The National Trial Lawyers Association, 10 Best in Missouri for Customer Satisfaction.

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