Bills currently being considered in the Missouri House are HB394 and HB 524. Both of these bills if passed into effect would extend the ban on texting while driving to all drivers regardless of age. The current ban on texting and driving is for individuals younger than 21 years of age. Both bills would exempt voice-operated texting where the driver speaks the message aloud and the device translates speech into text.
The U.S. Department of Transportation leads the effort to stop texting and cell phone use behind the wheel. Many states have enacted texting bans for commercial truck drivers and drivers under the age of 21. Americans are caught doing things daily that distract their driving from eating to drunk driving to texting. According to Distractions.Gov, cell phone use was reported in 18% of distraction-related fatalities in America. This site offered some interesting facts from research:
“Texting takes your eyes off of the road 4.6 seconds. At 55 mph, that is like driving the length of a football field while blindfolded”–Distractions.Gov
Three main types of distraction: Manual- taking your hands off of the wheel; Visual- taking your eyes off of the road; Mental—taking your mind off of driving. The problem with texting and driving is that you take your eyes off of the road and your hands off of the wheel for several seconds at a time. So what is a few seconds? Car crashes happen in a matter of seconds. The rear end car accident happens frequently due to inattention and/or distraction. Waiting two to three seconds to hit your brakes can be the difference in stopping in time or having your front seat in the other car’s trunk.
Serious injuries can result from any auto accident. At The Cagle Law Firm, we represent the seriously injured victims of accidents. We are available seven days a week, locally (314) 276-1681 or toll free (800) 685-3302. Consultations to receive information are always free. Take advantage of your right to information.
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