Missouri Lawmakers to Discuss Tougher Distracted Driving Laws

By David Terry, personal injury lawyer of Terry Law Firm

Fatal accidents are increasing in Missouri. They increased to 900 in 2018, and 2019 already looks like it may keep up with the trend. Of course, there are many reasons for fatal crashes in Missouri, but it seems like distracted driving is largely to blame. In just one example during the first month of the year, two students from Parkway West High School were not killed but did sustain injuries after being struck by a distracted driver while they were on foot.

It is a problem many in Missouri are noticing, as are agencies outside of the state. The Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety rank The Show-Me State at the bottom of the list of all states when it comes to our driver safety laws. State Farm Insurance has reported that distracted driving is up by 35 percent since 2014. Clearly, we have a problem.

Stricter laws could be on the way. In January, Wayne Wallingford (R-Cape Girardeau) introduced legislation that would prohibit all drivers from using their cell phones to text while driving. Currently, only those younger than 22 years of age are subject to this ban, but the Wallingford’s bill would expand that to all drivers with very few exceptions. Drivers caught texting while driving would be subject to a $50 fine on a first offense or double that if caught in a school or work zone.

From our point of view, we agree that this is “common sense legislation.” Distracted driving causes so many unnecessary injuries and deaths all over the nation. There is simply no reason why someone needs to text and drive. It is simply not worth your life or the lives of other people.

If you or a family member have suffered a serious injury as a result of someone texting and driving, feel free to call the Terry Law Firm to discuss your rights and legal options.

David Terry is a car accident lawyer and owner of Terry Law Firm. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Terry Law Firm handles cases involving car accidents, motorcycle accidents, and nursing home abuse. For more information, visit Facebook and LinkedIn.

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