You've either done it yourself or seen somebody else do it recently- caught yourself or another motorist swerving into another lane or onto the shoulder of the road because of a text message. This is an increasing problem in Missouri, and law enforcement officials are taking notice...and more aggressive efforts at stopping the activity.
Missouri has already made it illegal to text message while driving if you are under 21 years old (see Missouri Revised Statutes Sect. 304.820). This is likely just the first step toward an all around banning of texting while driving.
The Missouri Highway Patrol has just initiated a new media campaign aimed at curbing the growing problem of car accidents involving distracted and inattentive drivers sending text messages. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol website, mobile phone use while driving contributed to cause over 1,780 traffic crashes in Missouri in 2009. During the first half of 2010, there were 791 traffic crashes traced to cell phone usage behind the wheel. Of these crashes, 8 resulted in fatalities and 239 in non-fatal injuries. During that same period, there were 17,535 crashes where distracted driving was cited as a contributing factor.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed due to the negligent acts of a driver who was texting or talking on a cell phone, contact the car accident lawyers at the Injury Law Center for a free consultation.
