Distracted driving is a growing concern nationwide, posing significant risks to all drivers. Defined as any activity that diverts attention from driving, distracted driving compromises reaction times and decision-making abilities. These lapses can lead to severe accidents, leaving victims with life-altering injuries and financial burdens. Missouri law holds distracted drivers accountable for the harm they cause, and victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress.
At Cooper Law Firm in Cape Girardeau, our experienced attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, identify the responsible parties, and fight to secure the justice and compensation you deserve. Don’t let the actions of a distracted driver derail your life. Reach out to Cooper Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us help you navigate the legal process of receiving the compensation that you deserve.
Common Types of Distracted Driving in Missouri
With the rapid advancement of technology, distractions are everywhere—both inside and outside our vehicles. Modern cars now come equipped with touchscreens, navigation systems, and smart integrations that demand attention, even for seasoned drivers. For younger, less experienced drivers, the temptation to engage with devices at their fingertips can be even harder to resist. While smartphones remain the primary culprit, other in-car tech designed to enhance convenience often becomes a source of distraction. This increased reliance on technology creates significant risks on Missouri's roads, as even a split-second lapse in attention can lead to devastating consequences.
Common distracted driving habits:
- Texting and scrolling through social media
- Using in-car touchscreens or navigation systems
- Taking phone calls, even on hands-free devices
- Adjusting music settings, playlists, or podcasts
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Engaging in conversations with passengers
- Reaching for items in the car
These distractions underscore the importance of having honest and frequent conversations with young drivers about staying focused and prioritizing safety. It’s also crucial to practice defensive driving and remain alert, as others on the road may not be as mindful. Staying aware of your surroundings can reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim of someone else’s distracted behavior.
Why Distracted Driving Is So Dangerous
Distracted driving is especially dangerous because it only takes an instant for a tragedy to unfold. When a driver’s eyes, hands, or mind stray from the task at hand, they are far less able to react to sudden changes in traffic or unexpected hazards. This can result in accidents that cause severe injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, or even loss of life, changing the course of families’ lives in moments. Every choice to give in to distraction behind the wheel puts not just the driver, but everyone sharing the road, at risk.
Distracted Driving Accident Statistics You Should Know
Understanding the statistics behind distracted driving can help you grasp the seriousness and far-reaching impact of this issue. By seeing the numbers, drivers are empowered to recognize the real dangers and make more responsible choices every time they get behind the wheel.
Key stats to keep in mind:
- More than 3,500 people were killed in the United States in 2023 in crashes involving a distracted driver.
- About 1 in 5 people who died in distracted driving crashes were not in vehicles; they were walking, biking, or otherwise outside a vehicle.
- Over 325,000 injuries in the U.S. each year are attributed to distracted driving.
- In Missouri, nearly 20,000 crashes in a recent year involved distracted drivers.
- Young drivers in Missouri are involved in distracted driving crashes at a higher rate than any other age group.
- Texting while driving increases the risk of a crash by 23 times compared to driving without distractions.
Missouri has enacted laws to discourage distracted driving, specifically targeting behaviors such as texting while driving and the use of handheld devices. Recent updates to state law include stricter penalties and enforcement measures to hold drivers accountable when their attention strays from the road. Abiding by these laws is not only a legal obligation but a vital step in protecting yourself, your passengers, and everyone you share the road with.
Understanding Distracted Driving Laws in Missouri
Missouri has taken action to address the dangers of distracted driving by enacting laws designed to keep drivers focused on the road. In recent years, these laws have become more comprehensive, especially with updates that reflect the growing prevalence of technology in vehicles. As of 2023, Missouri expanded its hands-free regulations to apply to all drivers, not just those under 21, making it illegal to manually text, browse, or hold a phone while driving. These measures are in place to reduce preventable accidents and signal the seriousness with which distracted driving is regarded by lawmakers and law enforcement alike.
To avoid legal consequences and keep everyone safe, it is vital to understand and follow the specific distracted driving rules in Missouri, which include:
- No texting while driving for all drivers (expanded in 2023 from the former under-21 restriction)
- Handheld phone use is prohibited while driving, except for emergencies
- Hands-free devices are permitted, but drivers should remain attentive at all times
- Increased penalties and fines for violations, especially if distracted driving leads to an accident
- Commercial drivers are held to even stricter standards regarding mobile device use
- School bus drivers are forbidden from using any mobile devices while the vehicle is in motion
Adhering to these laws not only helps you avoid tickets and points on your license, but more importantly, it supports the safety of everyone you share the road with. Staying informed about Missouri’s distracted driving laws and their updates is an essential part of being a responsible driver.
Distracted Driving Penalties in Missouri
Violating Missouri’s distracted driving laws can have serious consequences that go beyond a simple citation. Penalties increase if you are found using any handheld device or texting while driving, and become far more severe if your distracted behavior results in a crash or injury to another person.
Depending on the nature and consequences of the violation, penalties for distracted driving may include:
- Fines: Typically starting at $50 for a first-time handheld device or texting violation, but can rise to $100 or more for repeat offenses, and even higher if a crash results
- Points on your license: Two points for most distracted driving citations, with additional points added for aggravated or subsequent violations
- License suspension: Possible for multiple offenses or if distracted driving leads to serious injury or death
- Jail time: Up to one year in jail if a distracted driving violation results in injury or fatality
- Increased insurance premiums: Insurance rates often rise substantially after a distracted driving conviction
- Criminal charges: Misdemeanor or felony charges if the offense results in severe injury or death
- Civil liability: You may be held responsible for damages in a civil lawsuit if someone is injured due to your distracted driving
If aggravating factors are present, such as causing a serious injury, driving in a school zone, or having multiple offenses, the penalties can quickly escalate, resulting in steeper fines and even the possibility of jail time. When facing distracted driving charges, especially if someone was injured, having the support of an experienced personal injury and car accident attorney is crucial.
Safety Tips to Avoid Distracted Driving
Protecting yourself and others on Missouri's roads starts with making safe choices every time you drive. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent distractions behind the wheel:
- Put your phone away before you start driving or use do-not-disturb mode.
- Program your GPS and select your playlist before putting the car in gear.
- Limit eating and drinking while driving—save meals and snacks for when you’re parked.
- Adjust mirrors, seats, and climate controls before you begin your trip.
- Ask passengers for help with navigation or other tasks so your focus stays on the road.
- Pull over safely if you need to handle urgent calls or texts.
- Remind yourself regularly about the dangers of distracted driving and make safety a priority.
Every driver plays a role in making Missouri’s roads safer. By taking these precautions and staying attentive, you help protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone you share the road with.
What to Do After a Distracted Driving Accident
If you’re involved in a distracted driving accident, taking the right steps is critical for your health and your case. Acting quickly can help preserve vital evidence and give you the support you need if you need to file a claim. Make sure to always:
- Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt.
- Move to a safe location if possible, and turn on your hazard lights.
- Exchange information with the other driver and gather contact details from witnesses.
- Document the scene with photos of vehicle damage, the roadway, and any relevant conditions.
- Notify your insurance company as soon as possible.
- Seek medical attention to ensure any injuries are properly treated and documented.
- Write down your recollection of the accident while the details are fresh.
Speaking to an attorney as early as possible is crucial. An experienced lawyer can help you navigate the aftermath, protect your rights, and handle communications with insurance companies on your behalf.
Speak With a Distracted Driving Accident Attorney Today
Distracted driving remains one of the leading threats to road safety, causing sudden and life-altering accidents that impact families and communities across Missouri. Even brief moments of inattention can result in serious injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting financial hardship.
If you or a loved one has been affected by a distracted driving collision, Cooper Law Firm is dedicated to standing by your side throughout the legal process. With deep experience in handling distracted driving accident claims, our team provides thoughtful guidance, thorough investigation, and unwavering advocacy in every case. Whether you are seeking compensation for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, or need representation in a complex legal dispute, Cooper Law Firm is ready to represent your best interests from the very first consultation. Reach out today for a free consultation on your case and start receiving the legal counsel you need.
