Safe Motoring In St Louis
Like most major American urban centers, the city of St. Louis, Missouri, is a place of heavy vehicle traffic, massive 10-lane freeways, a blizzard of exit ramps and entrance ramps, confusing signage – in short, any traveler not familiar with the St. Louis freeway system is in for a driving challenge.
If you’re coming from Illinois, Ohio or Indiana, you will probably access St. Louis via I-70 or I-64W. St. Louis is approached from the south on I-15N, I-55S or I-44E. Those approaching from Kansas City usually come on I-70E.
One of the most important freeways for you to know about is I-270, which is I-255 on the Illinois side. This is the massive 10-lane loop that circumnavigates St. Louis. It’s the way you “get around” the city if you are just passing through, or it is the freeway that will intersect with the important exits you might want to take going into St. Louis.
For those unfamiliar with the St. Louis freeway system, navigating it can be a frightening experience, especially during rush hour traffic. Your first rule for safe driving is to maintain a safe speed! This is not always easy to do because the drivers around you, and those who ply the freeways of this city every day, tend to drive way too fast. This puts pressure on you to “go with the flow,’ and indeed, going too slow can seem more hazardous because other drivers will tailgate you impatiently, cut you off, or commit any number of rude and dangerous traffic maneuvers. Stay calm!
What is confusing for many about the I-270/255 loop is the recent program of “variable speed limits” on the road. Two years ago, St. Louis traffic authorities began posting lighted signs at various locations along the freeway which displayed an “advisory speed limit.” For example, during times of heavy snow, the advisory speed could be as low as 10 mph. Motorists violating this speed limit could be ticketed. But after public outcry, the variable speed postings were made not mandatory, but merely “advisory”. Whatever the case, it is a good idea to adopt the speed suggested by the lighted postings – they are designed to help you choose the safest speed.
The I-270/255 loop is also undergoing major, long term construction, so don’t be surprised if 10 lanes turn into 8 lanes, where traffic snarls tend to develop. Patience and safe speed is your best strategy for navigating these occasional bottle necks.
If you really want to feel safe on your journey through the St. Louis freeway system take some time to study the layout of the freeways on a map before you plunge in. It is difficult to anticipate lane changes or the exits “in real time” if you don’t know what to expect next. But if you take the time to get at least a preliminary picture, the lay of the land, you can drive with more confidence because you will better be able to anticipate lane changes, recognize road sign numbers and names, and have an overall better idea of where you are. A more confident, informed driver is a safer driver.
Finally, avoid rush-hour traffic at all costs! If you are not familiar with St. Louis freeways, tackling them during times of heavy traffic only increases the difficulty factor by many times. Very late at night or very early in the morning are the best times to navigate the St. Louis freeway system.
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