November 07, 2009
/24-7PressRelease/ -- Dangerous Driving Habits Put Everyone At Risk
Article provided by The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C.
Visit us at http://www.hoffmannpersonalinjury.com
When driving, some practices are universally recognized as dangerous. Most people acknowledge that speeding can be hazardous and increases the likelihood of car accidents. Even those who drink and drive will generally admit that such actions may result in serious harms to pedestrians or other people on the road. A driver who is simultaneously texting or talking on the phone clearly isn't devoting his or her full attention to the road, which can cause serious accidents and injuries.
However, there is often a disconnect between recognized dangers and actual behaviors. Even when people know that they are behaving recklessly, many will continue to take risks until they have adequate incentives to change their actions.
To help ensure that drivers are cautious in light of these widely-recognized risks, Missouri lawmakers seek to combat these dangerous practices through legislation.
Missouri Lawmakers Seek to Combat Texting While Driving
For example, a new Missouri law took effect on August 28, 2009 prohibiting young people between the ages of 16 and 21 from sending text messages, or texting, while driving. Missouri is joining several other states with driving restrictions, making it illegal to use the cell phone while driving and preventing "other" uses of the cell phone, principally texting. If caught in the act a young driver may incur a $200 fine as well as points on his or her license, which is likely to be a significant deterrent.
The goal of the law is to prevent inexperienced drivers from engaging in distracting activities that take attention away from the road and may lead to potentially serious car crashes and fatalities. Young people are just beginning to learn how to drive and are far less likely to cope effectively with competing distractions than more experienced drivers. They are less adept at noticing bicyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians, who are likely to be seriously injured in the event of a collision.
This new law and comparable measures in states across the country are well-intentioned measures that address a serious problem. A recent study involving truck drivers showed that driving while texting increases the likelihood of a motor vehicle accident 23 times.
However, the new legislation has some limitations. First, the effects of texting while driving can be devastating regardless of the age group. Although inexperienced drivers may have more difficulties than their seasoned counterparts, texting while driving can be dangerous for any driver.
Furthermore, these types of laws are often difficult to enforce. It's not always apparent whether someone is texting or simply dialing a phone number. To determine whether someone falls within the restricted class, a patrol officer may have to stop the driver to check identification; it's not always possible to tell the difference between a 21-year-old and a 22-year-old simply based on appearances.
Other Legislative Efforts to Protect People on The Roads
Inattention caused by texting is not the only danger facing Missouri drivers, though. Far too often, the roads are dangerous as a result of drivers who are unable to drive safely because they have consumed too much alcohol. To curb drinking and driving, Missouri has also passed new stricter additions to the Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws.
The new laws, which became effective July 1, 2009, are aimed at eliminating risky drivers from the roads and creating a safer driving environment. Among other things, repeat DWI offenders are now required to install an ignition interlock device in their vehicles to prevent them from driving after consuming alcohol.
However, this is only the beginning. Governor Jay Nixon recently announced plans to further revamp the state's DWI laws to close loopholes and improve consistency across the state. At the beginning of November, Gov. Nixon summoned police, prosecutors, judges and others to Jefferson City to address improvements to the state's DWI laws.
Ultimately though, regardless of new legislation and penalties, people will continue to drive without devoting the necessary care and attention to the task, thereby causing injuries. Those injured as a result of someone else's negligence in Jefferson County, Saint Louis County or Saint Charles County should work with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney in St. Louis who can effectively protect the rights and interests of injured people.
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