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ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Four fatal crashes occurred along highways in the St. Louis area within a 24-hour period.

They include the following crashes.

10:47 a.m. on July 16 on Highway V in Franklin County. A driver died after swerving off a curve, overcorrecting into the opposite roadway and hitting a tree.

2:49 p.m. On July 16, on I-255 near I-64 in East St. Louis. A driver died after crossing a median and hitting a car in the opposite lane.

9:02 p.m. on July 16, on Lilac Rd. in north St. Louis County. A driver died after trying to overtake another vehicle, then struck two other vehicles upon impact.

12:27 a.m. on I-44 near Kirkwood. An SUV driver stopped in the middle of the road and was hit by a tractor-trailer.

Three of the crashes fell under the Missouri State Highway Patrol jurisdiction. The fourth involved the Illinois State Police. Officers said there were no consistent circumstances among the incidents, but that all four crashes could have been prevented.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Dallas Thompson said speeding, drifting into other lanes and distracted driving were the main factors in fatal crashes.

 We can do all that we do, but it's up to the person behind the wheel to make good choices,  Thompson said.

Thompson also said safe driving begins before a vehicle is in motion.

 When you get in there, the first thing you should do is put the seatbelt on before you put it into drive and pull out of the driveway,  he said.

Driving instructor Rico Williams said awareness is critical for drivers at every experience level.

 You look to the future when you're driving, but you have to drive in the present,  Williams said.  So you always have to pay attention to what's going on around you or right in front of your car. 

First-time driver Annika Burrell said she is already focused on safe habits behind the wheel.

 Making sure I pay attention to my surroundings, making sure I'm not messing with my phone,  Burrell said.

Missouri State Highway Patrol said crashes along highways are more common during summer mont

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