Missouri has one of the weakest laws in the nation when it comes to texting and driving. Officials report over 10,000 people are killed or injured every year from distracted driving accidents. This epidemic claims more victims than even drunk driving. Police warn, if a driver decides to use their phone while driving, they are putting everyone else on the road at risk.
The State of Illinois banned using a phone while driving in 2014. Missouri only prohibits individuals 22-years-old and younger from texting and driving. One of the last four states to ban texting while driving, Missouri continues to allow distracted driving while their number of victims climb. Missouri Highway Patrol reports in 19,000 accidents in 2015 from distracted driving. This caused almost 8,000 injuries and 113 deaths.
Two accidents, in particular, have many speaking out about texting while driving. A Bellefontaine Neighbors Police Department’s Sergeant responded to a minor traffic accident back in August of 2015. As the police officer began to exit her vehicle and dispatch the crash, an oncoming car struck and killed her. The female driver of the car that struck and killed the Bellefontaine Neighbors Sergeant was distracted by her phone. The other incident that has caused much controversy was an accident on I-44 back in 2010. The multiple vehicle crash involving two school buses, a semi-truck, and a pickup, claimed the lives of two teens. Evidence reveals the teen driver that cause the pile up of vehicles was texting at the time of the crash. Missouri Senator Schupp and others have continued to propose bills banning texting and driving but have failed. The bill will be proposed again by Senator Schupp in 2017.
If a distracted driver has injured you or someone you love in an auto accident, you have the right to consult a personal injury attorney. At Meyerkord & Kurth, our St. Louis accident lawyers have helped countless victims of distracted driving, and we are here to help you. Located in downtown St. Louis, we are the best personal injury law firm and we have a proven track record of successfully fighting for accident victims. Call Meyerkord & Kurth, LLC, for a free consultation today.