Jefferson County Highway 30 Crash Survivor Urges Safer Road Conditions
David Politte, a Jefferson County resident who walked away from a catastrophic crash on Highway 30 with his five‑year‑old son, says the terrifying experience has left him worried that the stretch of road where the accident occurred remains unsafe.
Survivor Recalls the Deadly Crash on Highway 30
On Saturday night, Politte was traveling in the slow lane of Highway 30 near Gravois Road when two vehicles collided ahead of him, creating a thick dust cloud that obscured the road. He described praying for his family’s survival as the cloud moved in front of his car.
“The cloud had moved in front of me. I was praying we’d make it through. We didn’t,” Politte said.
Four people lost their lives in the collision. Politte’s vehicle was completely destroyed, yet he and his son, Kolbie, were among the three survivors.
Crash Details and Immediate Response
After the impact, Politte pulled his son from the wreckage and asked if he was okay. Kolbie replied that his chest hurt and repeatedly asked, “Are they okay? Are they okay?”
Politte, who has survived a previous crash as a teenager, said the incident felt like a “miracle” given the loss of life around him.
Ongoing Concerns About Road Safety on Highway 30
Politte’s primary complaint is the absence of lane markings on the section where the crash happened. He argues that while the road was repaved, the lack of striping turns a hazardous route into an even more dangerous one, especially at night.
“They paved it, didn’t put lines on it for miles. Now we’ve turned a dangerous road into an even more dangerous road,” he said.
Missouri Department of Transportation officials have indicated that crews must finish resurfacing the area and install rumble strips before any striping can be applied.
Public Hearings and Proposed Speed Limit Changes
Jefferson County Council announced the first of three public hearings on Monday to consider lowering the speed limit along a northern stretch of Highway 30. The subsequent hearings are set for Monday, November 9 and Tuesday, November 23.
Until the road is fully marked and equipped with rumble strips, Politte urges drivers to exercise heightened caution and to “hold your loved ones” while behind the wheel.
Return to Daily Life and Community Support
Kolbie has returned to school, and Politte, who works in Ohio, has resumed driving despite his lingering anxiety about being on the road.
In the wake of the tragedy, several families of the victims have created GoFundMe campaigns to help cover expenses. Donations are available for the family of Chase Webb, whose son died in the crash, as well as for the relatives of three other victims and a critically injured survivor.
“I never imagined I would be part of such a horrific accident where so many people lost their lives,” Politte reflected, adding that the experience has reinforced his commitment to caring for those around him while driving.
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