Southeast Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Blog

If you've been injured in a Missouri car accident, you may be entitled to compensatory damages, which are awarded in civil court "to indemnify a person for the particular loss, detriment, or injury suffered as a result of the unlawful conduct of another." Before agreeing to accept any settlement offer, you'll need to consider the full extent of your compensatory damages.

Your compensatory damages may include the following expenses:

• Medical costs. Medical costs include hospital bills, surgeries, doctor's visits, nursing care, medical equipment and prescription drugs.

• Rehabilitative costs. Rehabilitation costs include expenses connected to physical therapy, nursing home or rehabilitation hospital care, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other therapies or treatments required to help you rehabilitate from your injuries.

• Out of pocket personal expenses. If you spent any money as a result of your injuries such as for day care, taxis, bus fare, cleaning help, or other expenses that you had to pay because you were injured, these can be compensated.

• Lost income. If you had to miss work, reduce the number of hours you work, or stop working altogether, your lost wages can be compensated. In addition, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for lost income if you had to change jobs or careers as a result of your injuries.

• Pain and suffering. Pain and suffering is considerably harder to measure than other kinds of damages. However, under certain circumstances, you can be compensated for pain, embarrassment, or physical suffering connected to your injuries, if your daily routine and normal activities have been impacted.

• Property damage. Any personal property that was damaged as a result of the traffic accident can also be compensable.

What can limit compensatory damages in a southeast Missouri personal injury case?

• Your percentage of fault. Compensation will be reduced if you were partially at fault for the traffic accident. Your damages will decrease based on your percentage of fault: for example, if you were 50% responsible for the crash, your award will be reduced by 50%.

• Previous injury or medical conditions. Only injuries sustained during the traffic accident are compensable.

• Pain and suffering are subjective and not easy to quantify. Compensation can be reduced if the pain or suffering is not easily identifiable.

• Previous law suits or prior claims can reduce the amount of your settlement.

Continue reading "Car Accident Injuries & Compensatory Damages: A Basic Overview" »

As the weather warms up and more drivers hit the road to enjoy the summer travel season, poorly maintained tires can pose an increased threat to Missouri motorists. Your vehicle's tires might be increasing your chances of being involved in a car accident in Jackson, Perryville, Kennett or any of the surrounding Missouri areas.

"Tire care, while important throughout the year, is especially critical in warm weather because long trips, heavy loads, high speeds and higher temperatures all put additional stress on your tires," reports The Weather Channel. Indeed, that additional stress can cause a sudden blowout, a "bursting tire accompanied by a rapid loss of air pressure." When blowouts happen - and particularly, when they happen on highways - they can create ideal conditions for a serious or even fatal accident.

Last summer, the U.S. Department of Transportation released a consumer advisory urging all motorists to ensure that their tires are properly inflated and there are no severe signs of tread wear and damage. Given the unseasonably warm temperatures we've already experienced this year, we can expect to see another hot Missouri summer in 2012.

"As the weather warms up, it's especially important for drivers to ensure their tires are properly inflated," Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in 2011. "For your safety and the safety of others on the road, inspect your tires regularly and maintain the proper inflation."

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that about 3,400 people died in tire-related accidents between 2005 and 2009. An estimated 1,166,000 motorists were injured in these incidents.

"While it's true improperly maintained tires can contribute to a crash at any time of year, it is particularly critical for motorists to check tires during hot weather, when families and luggage often overload vehicles for long vacation trips," NHTSA Administrator David Strickland warned. "Underinflated tires spinning on hot asphalt for extended periods of time can be a recipe for disaster."

Continue reading "Are Your Vehicle's Tires Ready for Summertime in Missouri?" »

If you're like many people who have suffered injuries in a Missouri car crash, once you recover from the initial pain and shock, you will have to start worrying about your expenses.

Our Southeast Missouri car accident lawyers are frequently asked how much a case is worth. First and foremost, every case is different, and can be impacted by numerous factors. We understand you might be tempted to accept a quick settlement from an insurance company just to put the entire incident behind you. But before you make a hasty decision to sign, we'd like to offer some information to help you make an informed decision.

Your Personal Injury Compensation Is Based Upon Damages Sustained in Your Car Crash

Your financial award for losses and damages sustained in a Missouri auto wreck is based upon consideration of the following factors:

• Financial damage
• Physical damage
• Mental damage
• Punitive damages (extra financial payment to punish a wrongdoer)
• Lost wages now (both in the present and long-term)

A Look at Compensatory Damages in Missouri Personal Injury Cases

In court, expert witnesses (such as life care specialists and economists) can be used to help determine compensatory damages. Compensatory damages are designed to put you in the same financial position you would have been but for the car crash.

The following can be recoverable as part of a personal injury settlement so long as they are attributable to your car accident:

• Medical Bills: past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost Income: lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Property Damages: the replacement cost associated with your car, cell phone, clothing, or any other property damaged in during your traffic accident
• Pain and Suffering: serious pain and discomfort in the past, present and/or future
• Emotional Distress: evidenced by fear, anxiety, anger, loss of sleep, and fear of driving
• Loss of Enjoyment: when you can no longer enjoy normal daily activities such as exercising, recreational pursuits and hobbies
• Loss of Consortium: recoverable by the spouse of the injured party if (because of the accident) the injured party can no longer have a fulfilling relationship with the spouse (i.e. loss of companionship and/or sexual relations, etc.)

Continue reading "How is the Value of My Missouri Car Crash Case Determined?" »

Our southeast Missouri car accident attorneys understand that parents want to do everything in their power to keep their children safe on our roadways. For years, car accidents have been the leading cause of death for teenagers. Choosing a vehicle can be a difficult process: where does a parent start? Parents often have several questions about what kind of car is appropriate for a newly licensed driver: Should you buy new or used? What kind of vehicle is best? Which vehicle will keep them the safest? Below, we offer some information to help answer those questions.

Should I buy a new or used vehicle for my teen driver?

For most parents, finances have to factor into this decision. It's true that spending the extra money on a new vehicle can have its advantages. "Buying a new car is insurance against breakdowns and repairs, regardless of the age or experience of the driver," says Bob Gritzinger, executive editor of AutoWeek.com.

However, you can also purchase an economical, safe used vehicle for your teen, provided you do your homework. If you get a certified pre-owned car, then you will still get the advantages of a new-car like warranty. Going certified pre-owned can also help you to score some excellent financing rates. In a late-model used car, your child will still have the benefits of airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control, according to Forbes.

What's more, just because your teen would prefer a new car doesn't make the purchase sensible. "A first time driver doesn't need a new car, but of course they want one," says Lori Mackey, president of Prosperity4Kids. "The depreciation, probability of fender benders and the price tag [means new] is not the most logical way to go."

Continue reading "Q & A: Missouri Teens, First Cars & Safety Concerns " »

Our southeast Missouri personal injury lawyers know how overwhelming it can be to deal with insurance paperwork following a car accident. In this post, we offer some helpful tips and useful information to make the process less daunting.

Organize Your Paperwork

The first pro-active step to take (for your own protection and peace of mind) is to organize and read through your policies. It's important to keep this paperwork organized efficiently: as tempting as it may be to simply shove it in a drawer, it's helpful to be able to locate your policy information quickly. This simple step can save you time and stress if an accident happens.

Keep a separate file for all of your policies. Ideally, it's best to keep them in a fire-proof, water-tight location. If the worst happens, you want to have your policies safe and accessible. Use a file that is easily portable, in case you have to leave quickly in an emergency.

Review Your Policies

An insurance policy is a legal document: it's a formal contract. And like other kinds of legal documents, many people find them confusing. It helps to simply know what you're looking at when you review your policy.

It's important that you know what kind of protection your coverage provides: take some time to ensure that you have enough coverage to protect yourself, and that you understand your rights. Ask yourself these questions:

• Will the money paid out provide enough to repair or replace my vehicle, if needed?
• Can I afford the deductible?
• And, importantly, will the policy cover any medical expenses?

Continue reading "Insurance Paperwork & Southeast Missouri Car Accidents: A Few Basic Tips" »

Our Cape Girardeau car accident lawyers frequently represent the victims of drunk drivers. While public education and awareness about impaired driving are at an all-time high, these accidents still result in the deaths of hundreds of Missourians - and many more injuries - every single year. Last weekend, a suspected impaired driver in Poplar Bluff caused a 1 vehicle accident resulting in the deaths of her passengers.

It happened early Saturday morning around 4:00 a.m. Police estimate that 24 year-old Christina Aldridge was going at least 48 miles per hour on Saxon Drive when she failed to see a stop sign. She hit her brakes too late, causing her 2001 Jeep Cherokee to skid through the intersection, cross Ashcroft Road, flip over, and plunge into the Black River.

The Jeep landed on its roof in the water and was completely submerged: witnesses who live on Saxon Drive reported hearing a loud boom, and then Aldridge crying out for help. Aldridge was able to escape the vehicle through the driver's side window, which was open at the time of the crash, and witnesses helped her reach the riverbank. She was not injured. Her passengers, however, were trapped. It took a tow truck and several divers from the Missouri Highway Patrol to retrieve the vehicle later that morning: when they did, they found 25 year-old Joshua Phelps in the front passenger seat, and 29 year-old Jason Carrington in the back seat. Their windows were closed. No one in the vehicle was wearing a seat belt.

According to officers from the Poplar Bluff Police Department, Aldridge admitted that she had been drinking all evening. She was arrested and booked for driving while intoxicated and 2 counts of manslaughter: she remains jailed in Butler County. Yesterday, autopsies were scheduled to be performed on Phelps and Carrington, although Butler County Coroner Jim Akers said "evidence at the scene indicates they did not die as a result of injuries from the accident," reports the Southeast Missourian. Akers believes the autopsies will show that the 2 men died of drowning.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Accident Causes 2 Fatalities in Poplar Bluff, Missouri" »

Riding a bicycle in Jackson, Missouri and surrounding Cape Girardeau County is not only a fantastic way to exercise: it's also an economical and green mode of travel. However, bicycling can also pose some risks. Our Jackson car accident lawyers think it's always best be prepared before an accident happens. Ride safely, follow motorist laws, and read the following post for a few suggested extra precautions.

Tips To Follow In Case of A Bicycle Accident:

• Carry a cell phone. You probably already do, but carrying a cell phone when you're riding a bike is an added safety precaution. Not only can you call for help if you are involved in a bicycle accident, but a cell phone can also come in handy to document the accident scene.

• Carry paper and pen, or some way of recording information. If you are involved in an accident, collect the names and contact information for all drivers and witnesses. Paper will come in handy if you need to exchange information. Many witnesses have to leave the scene before law enforcement can arrive, so make sure you get their information.

• Carry identification. Some bicyclists make copies of their driver's licenses and write their emergency contact information (as well as auto and home insurance info) on the back. Also, record any medical information, such as blood type, drug allergies or any other important medical conditions. Depending on your policy, your auto insurance may pay some of your medical bills (or possibly the entire claim) if an uninsured motorist hits you. Your homeowner's policy may protect you if someone claims you did something wrong and damaged personal property.

• If your cell phone isn't equipped with a camera, carry a disposable camera with you. If an accident does happen, you can use it to photograph the scene.

• Keep your records up to date. Keep current pictures of your bicycle along with your maintenance records. If your bicycle is damaged you want to have proof of value. If you have expensive equipment added to your bicycle or that you carry with you for your commute, keep these inventoried (with pictures and receipts as well).

• Follow all laws. Keep abreast of traffic rules and follow them when you are on a roadway. Be alert, and remember, a bicyclist can be hard for a driver to see.

Continue reading "Staying Safe: Tips & Practices for Bicyclists in Southeastern Missouri" »

As baby boomers mature, the population of older drivers increases. It may not be just teen drivers that pose the highest dangers to other motorists anymore.

Our Southeast Missouri car accident lawyers understand that the effects of growing old can be alarming. It's important for families keep an eye on their loved ones, especially on their parents and grandparents, to make sure that they're still able to safely operate a motor vehicle. If you think they might be at risk because of an age-related condition, you are urged to speak up. It's certainly a difficult conversation to have, but remind yourself that you're bringing up the topic in the interest of your loved one's safety and well-being.

It's a fact of life: there are several unfortunate (and often unavoidable) symptoms that accompany old age. Drivers 65 and older made up nearly 20% of all licensed drivers in 2008, and those drivers over age 75 have proven to be high-risk on the road. Old age can often cause a loss of coordination, cognitive function, or eyesight, along with a decline in other skills, according to US News. When motorists start to experiencing these symptoms, it may be time for them to stop driving - for their safety, and for the safety of others.

A recent editorial in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) recommends imposing restrictions on seniors' licenses. Using recent research, the writers argue for "a graduated license program akin to the one for teenagers, which has prohibitions against driving at night, on freeways, or with any blood alcohol level - even one below the legal limit," according to International Business News. Presently, in Canada, seniors' licenses are only restricted after they accumulate multiple traffic violations. Researchers Donald Redelmeier (Professor of Medicine, University of Toronto) and Matthew Stanbrook (CMAJ deputy editor) write that "this approach is often too late to prevent injuries."

Continue reading "Do Older Drivers Contribute to Car Accident Risks in Southeast Missouri?" »

Our Cape Girardeau car accident lawyers are troubled by a recent report of a Missouri school bus accident that sent 11 students to the hospital. It happened on March 13 in Belgrade, MO: the bus was carrying 35 students on Highway C, a narrow, 2-lane road. As the road curved to the left, the bus's rear wheels slid off the road and into a ditch. In response, the driver overcorrected, which caused the bus to overturn onto its passenger side.

3 students suffered serious injuries and were taken to St. Louis Children's Hospital by helicopter. 7 others suffered moderate injuries, and were taken by ambulance to hospitals in Farmington and Potosi. Several suffered from scrapes, bruises, fractures and broken bones.

According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, the accident happened when the bus driver (72 year-old Elwood Reed) became distracted. Reed, a substitute driver, had his attention diverted when a student dropped something behind the driver's seat, Sergeant Al Nothum reported.

This accident came right on the heels of another serious school bus crash: on March 12 in Indianapolis, a 5 year-old girl and a 60 year-old bus driver were killed when the driver slammed into a concrete pillar of an old railroad bridge. About 50 students were on board: 2 others were critically injured, and 10 suffered non-life threatening injuries. The cause of the accident is unknown, and the investigation continues.

In light of these very serious accidents, our lawyers thought it might be a good time to discuss all aspects of school bus safety. According to the School Bus Information Clearinghouse, 5 students were killed in school bus accidents last year. However, while bus accident fatalities are relatively rare, students waiting for the bus or walking to and from the bus stop are much more vulnerable. Between 2001 and 2011, an average of 29 children died in school bus-related pedestrian accidents.

Continue reading "Missouri School Bus Accident Injures 10 Student Passengers" »

According to State Farm, the country's largest insurer of private passenger automobiles, there were over a million car-deer collisions in the U.S. between July 1, 2010 and June 30, 2011. Here in Missouri, drivers were involved in an estimated 28,096 collisions with deer during the same time period. (Missouri was also ranked the 19th most dangerous state for this kind of accident: the likelihood that a Missouri driver will collide with a deer is 1 in 150, compared to a national average of 1 in 193.) The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that these accidents result in approximately 200 deaths, 10,000 injuries and $4.6 billion in costs every year.

Our Poplar Bluff car accident lawyers urge motorists to be extremely cautious, as many Missourians regularly travel through areas where deer are abundant. Car-deer collisions are most likely to happen in the fall (during mating season) and the spring (when fawns are born, and deer are moving about to search for food). Dawn and dusk are the most dangerous times of day, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), because deer are active, traffic is heavy, and roadway visibility can be limited.

These collisions can have all manner of troublesome consequences. The Insurance Information Institute (III) says "the average claim for deer-vehicle collisions is $3,100, with costs varying depending on the type of vehicle and severity of the damage, up 1.7 percent from a year ago." Not only are these accidents costly, they're also extremely hazardous: car-deer collisions regularly cause serious injuries and fatalities. In fact, these accidents often turn dangerous and even deadly when a motorist swerves to avoid hitting a deer in the roadway. Consider these recent Missouri accidents:

• Lathrop, MO; March 9: According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, 25 year-old Radawn Kelley ran off the road and struck an embankment after trying to avoid a deer. Her vehicle ended up in a water-filled ravine, and she suffered minor injuries.

• Allendale, MO; March 10: When 46 year-old Heather Feese swerved to avoid a deer, she ran off the road and then overcorrected. Subsequently, her pickup ran off the opposite side of the road, struck an embankment, and overturned. Feese was ejected and suffered moderate injuries: she and her passenger were taken by ambulance.

It's worth noting that these 2 accidents share a common feature: the injuries weren't caused by the deer, but by the crashes caused when drivers attempted to avoid the deer. Russ Rader, IIHS spokesman, says this chain of events is a common one. "These crashes happen so fast, often times drivers don't have the option of making a decision about what to do," Rader says. "But the best thing, unfortunately, in most cases is to hit the animal and try to avoid swerving or doing something that could cause you to lose control and hit somebody else or an object or go off the road and roll over."

Continue reading "Swerving to Avoid Deer is a Common Cause of Missouri Rollover Accidents" »

Car accidents happen in fractions of seconds. No one expects to be involved in a collision, and thus many drivers find themselves completely overwhelmed in the aftermath of a crash - especially when they're dealing with extensive property damage and serious injuries. Our Cape Girardeau car accident attorneys want you to be equipped with the knowledge you'll need under these circumstances, just in case the unexpected happens to you.

Being prepared for a Missouri car accident...

• The best offense is a good defense - it's an old cliché, but it's especially applicable here. Take simple steps to ensure you're driving safely: wear your seatbelt; avoid distractions; don't drink and drive; keep an eye on your speed. Unfortunately, these measures won't guarantee that you'll always be able to avoid an accident, but they will give you better odds. What's more, if a collision does occur, your chances of escaping serious injury are much higher.

• Be sure you carry your insurance card with you at all times - apart from being good common sense, it's also state law. Also, it's a good idea to keep a pencil and notepad in your vehicle so you can write down important information. After a collision, you'll need the other driver's name, address, phone number, license plate number, and insurance info.

• Take some time to program important phone numbers into your phone: i.e., your doctor, your car insurance company, emergency contacts, etc.

• If your cell phone doesn't have a camera, keep a disposable camera in your glove compartment.

Continue reading "Be Prepared for a Car Crash in Southeast Missouri: Tips for Drivers" »

Teenagers are at higher risks for accidents because of their inexperience behind the wheel. As seasoned drivers know, it takes time to learn how to handle unexpected situations and distractions. Parents are urged to be actively involved in their teen's driving career during the learning stages and well beyond to help reduce their risks for a potentially fatal car accident. A parent's involvement may be one of our greatest defenses against these types of accidents.

According to Operation Stop, there are nearly 300 people who die every year because of Missouri car accidents that involve a teen driver. Missouri is ranked as the 10h deadliest state for these types of accidents in the U.S.

Motor vehicle accidents are the number one cause of death for residents aged 15- to 20-years-old. In 2009, there were more than 208 million licensed drivers in the country. This young age group accounted for only about 6 percent of these drivers. Throughout the year, there were nearly 2,000 of these young drivers who were killed in car accidents. Another 200,000 were injured. In Missouri, there were nearly 100 young drivers killed in traffic accidents, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). In our state, these young drivers accounted for about 7 percent of all of the licensed drivers.

According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a teen is killed or injured in a Missouri car accident every 43 minutes. And it's not just teen drivers who are at risk for these types of serious accidents. In 2009, there were more than 5,100 young drivers involved in fatal accidents: in many cases, the people killed were older drivers or passengers in other vehicles.

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers the following safety tips for parents to share with their teen drivers. Parents are urged to review these tips and share them with the teen driver in your life. It's crucial that teens understand what their parents expect of them when behind the wheel: that's why so many safety advocates recommend using a parent-teen driving contract.

Continue reading "Helping Teens to Reduce Risks of Car Accidents in Poplar Bluff, Missouri & Elsewhere" »

Speeding is a major contributing factor in Missouri car accidents: according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speed-related traffic accidents cost the nation more than $40 billion every year. Here at home, in 2010, 324 Missourians were killed and 12,200 were injured in speed-related accidents.

Our Poplar Bluff car accident lawyers understand that speed-related car accidents are completely preventable: more drivers just need to develop responsible habits while behind the wheel. Many of us are likely guilty of speeding from time to time, and it's easy to develop a dangerously cavalier attitude about driving faster than the speed limit permits. We would all do well to remember that speed-related traffic accidents can cause injuries that are considerably more severe, even when occupants are wearing seat belts at the moment of impact.

Speed-Related Car Accident Facts:

• In a high-speed crash, a passenger vehicle can be subjected to forces so severe that the vehicle can't withstand the force of the crash and maintain survival space for occupants.

• Likewise, as crash speeds get very high, restraint systems such as airbags and safety belts cannot adequately protect occupants from severe injury.

• Impact in a traffic accident can result in irreversible brain damage, eye, facial and jaw injuries, neck and spinal injuries (which can lead to paralysis) and physical disability.

In a Journal of Safety Research article ("Why drivers speed: The speeding perception inventory"), the authors discuss the different "predisposing, enabling and reinforcing" factors that cause speeding. In their research, they were able to narrow the list to 5:

• Ego-gratification (more male drivers than female drivers)
• Risk taking (more young drivers than older drivers)
• Time pressures (more older drivers than young drivers; more women than men)
• Disdain of driving (more women than men)
• Inattention (more young drivers than older drivers; more women than men)

Continue reading "Speeding Increases Risks for Injury in Car Accidents in Poplar Bluff and Elsewhere" »

"Wrongful death" is a common term often bandied about in the media. Like many common terms and phrases, its true meaning is sometimes lost or obscured: Our Poplar Bluff car accident lawyers have found that some expectations about wrongful death lawsuits are based on these misconceptions. In this post, we'll discuss the basic meaning of wrongful death, and share some practical expectations in terms of a wrongful death lawsuit.

What is wrongful death?
Legally, wrongful death refers to a fatality caused by another party's negligence, omission, carelessness or intentional wrongdoing. The death could be the result of a purposeful act of malice (i.e. assault and/or battery, manslaughter, murder, etc.), or the consequence of irresponsible behavior (i.e. careless driving, vehicular homicide, etc.). The term can be applied to victims of medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and drunk driving: the list of possible situations is extensive.

Also, remember that civil and criminal courts handle different issues. For example, in 1995, OJ Simpson was acquitted of Nicole Brown Simpson's murder in a criminal court, but he was found liable for her wrongful death in a civil court. Civil cases are brought by individuals and tried for money damages, whereas criminal cases are brought by the state and tried for penalties like imprisonment. Accordingly, the courts have a different standard of proof: criminal cases must be proven "beyond a reasonable doubt," while civil cases must be proven "by a preponderance of the evidence."

Who can sue for wrongful death?
Missouri law permits the following parties to file wrongful death lawsuits on their loved ones' behalf:

• The deceased's spouse, children, or parents (class 1); or
• The deceased's siblings (class 2), when there are no class 1 relatives, and when siblings can demonstrate their rights to damage awards; or
• A plaintiff ad litem (an individual appointed by the court), when there are no class 1 or class 2 relatives.

Continue reading ""Wrongful Death" Explained: Who Can File Suit & What to Expect" »

"Strong laws, combined with highly visible police enforcement, can significantly reduce dangerous texting and cell phone use behind the wheel," said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in 2011.

So far, it appears LaHood is being proven right. On Monday, the University of California at Berkeley released a new study that examines state accident and fatality statistics since California banned the use of handheld devices while driving. The study revealed that statewide car accident fatalities have decreased by 22% overall, while deaths specifically connected to handheld devices dropped by 47%.

Numerous studies and research initiatives have found similar results. In 2011, 2 pilot projects (one in Hartford, Connecticut and one in Syracuse, New York) concluded that an increase in police enforcement coupled with publicity campaigns dramatically reduced drivers' use of handheld devices, according to USA Today. In fact, a representative from the Syracuse Police Department recently participated in a distracted driving summit in Jefferson City, Missouri.

After the study period, researchers observed that, in Syracuse, drivers' use of handheld cell phones was decreased by a third. In Hartford, there was nearly a 60% drop in handheld cellphone use and a drop in texting drivers by roughly 75%. "Based on these results, it is crystal clear that those who try to minimize this dangerous behavior are making a serious error in judgment, especially when half a million people are injured and thousands more are killed in distracted driving accidents," said LaHood.

NHTSA Administrator David Strickland concurs. "The success of these pilot programs clearly show that combining strong laws with strong enforcement can bring about a sea change in public attitudes and behavior," Strickland said. "We applaud the work of the men and women of the Syracuse and Hartford police forces, and call on state legislatures, law enforcement and safety advocates across the nation to follow their lead."

Currently, Missouri has no laws regulating the use of handheld cell phones by drivers. Our state's lone texting law only applies to drivers under 21, according to the Governors' Highway Safety Administration: these young drivers are prohibited from texting behind the wheel, although some Missouri law enforcement officials have expressed frustration at the difficulty of enforcing such a ban.

Continue reading "Missouri Still Without Distracted Driving Laws to Reduce Risks of Fatal Car Accidents in the Bootheel and Elsewhere" »