Distracted driving is one of three major causes of auto accidents in Missouri. The three (3) main causes of auto accidents are:

1. Speeding
2. Drunk and impaired driving
3. Distracted driving

An auto accident caused by speeding, drunk, impaired or distracted driving may disrupt your life for days, months, years or permanently. Injuries from these auto accidents can cause:

• Physical and mental pain/suffering
• Expensive medical bills
• Lost income due to the inability to work
• Permanent disabilities and impairment

Texting while driving is one of the main culprits when discussing distracted driving. Missouri is currently one of only three states that don’t explicitly ban texting for all drivers. Currently, Missouri law prohibits drivers 21 or younger from texting and driving. Drivers under the age of 21 could be fined $200 and have 2 points added to their driving record for texting while driving. Points can add up fast for arrests from distracted driving, leading to the suspension or revocation of your drivers license.

An increasingly large number of drivers do not see the harm in responding to a text or answering a phone call while driving. Many drivers use hands-free devices while driving, and that can actually be more dangerous. Many manufacturers of hands-free devices advertise their products as safe for use while driving. However, studies suggest that the opposite is true.

You’re Still Distracted

If your mind focuses on something else, then you are at an increased risk of being in an auto accident. Distracted driving could easily cause you to drive through a red light or hit a pedestrian . This is true because you cannot react as fast to changes in the conditions around you if you are distracted.

Additionally, the distracted driving does not end when you hang up the phone. Research suggests it takes up to 27 seconds for your mind to re-focus on driving.

You’re Not Paying Full Attention to the Road

Another danger hands-free technology poses is that drivers mistakenly believe they are removing the distraction. The belief is that talking on a Bluetooth device is safer than sending a text, and drivers become lulled into a false sense of security. Your best plan is to avoid any activities while driving. When driving, your full attention should be on traffic.

Missouri Distracted Driving Statistics are Frightening

• Teen drivers comprise about 13 percent of inattentive driving fatalities, the largest of any age group.
• From 2010-2012, drivers age 15-20 were most likely to get into a crash that caused disabling injuries.
• Teen drivers and inattentive drivers consistently rank in the top percentage of fatalities and accidents in Missouri.
• Missourians younger than 25 make up over 30 percent of traffic fatalities, the largest of any age group.

EndDD is a not-for-profit organization established to raise awareness and generate action against the epidemic of distracted driving. It was created by Joel Feldman and Dianne Anderson, after their daughter, Casey Feldman, was killed by a distracted driver. Learn more about EndDD and preview their presentation about distracted driving at www.EndDD.org.

If you suffered an injury after being involved in an auto accident in Missouri or Arkansas caused by a distracted driver, contact our experienced Poplar Bluff personal injury attorneys to discuss your claim. You can also call us at (573)686-2459. We are here for you when you need us. Our commitment is to earn your confidence by answering all questions and providing quality representation.