ST. LOUIS — If you had to pick, would you say your biggest struggle on St. Louis-area roads is due to road conditions and construction difficulties or frustration with the way other motorists drive? It might be tough to pick between the two.
Based on comments from 5 On Your Side viewers, many are irritated the most by other St. Louis drivers. The complaints fall into three categories: merging, lane changes and speeding. These are legitimate worries, which could and do have deadly consequences.
What exactly are people saying?
"I'm worried about drivers flying down the highway, using exit lanes to pass and about drivers not yielding to others," viewer Kristen Marie wrote.
Speeding is causing some anxiety in our community. However, maximum speed limits have gone down overall. Just last week was the 50th anniversary of the decrease of the national highway speed limit from 70 to 55 mph. That was signed into law by President Nixon to help with a looming energy crisis.
Viewer Lisa Weise commented on St. Louis drivers who "speed up when someone is trying to get over." She wrote, "It's the most bizarre behavior!"
Pedestrian safety is also a concern for viewers. Viewer Danielle Mitchell said she was aggravated by cars blocking crosswalks, especially near schools. She said she's almost been hit multiple times -- and even once with her child.
There has been an uptick in pedestrian injuries, Missouri State Highway Patrol Cpl. Dallas Thompson said, and drivers need to take extra care when approaching crosswalks.
How about you? What bothers you the most? Send an email to Paul Cook at pcook1@KSDK.com.
To watch 5 On Your Side broadcasts or reports 24/7, 5 On Your Side is always streaming on 5+. Download for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV or the Apple TV App Store.