Car accidents can have deadly consequences for victims and their families and can change their lives forever. Missouri’s Governor recently declared an effort to focus on dangerous driving habits in the state. He encouraged drivers to fasten their seatbelts, put their phones down and not engage in distracted driving behaviors. Car accidents are the leading cause of death for individuals ages 15 to 20 and distracted driving is the primary cause of those motor vehicle accidents.
Recent research from AAA reveals that any form of distraction while driving can be dangerous. The Governor challenged other Missourians to pledge to buckle up and put their phones down, joining 5,000 individuals and 400 companies that have already made the pledge. He also signaled a willingness to look at strengthening the state’s texting while driving laws. Distracted driving is especially dangerous and can lead to harm on the roadways.
Distracted driving behaviors include a number of dangerous driving habits that drivers may engage in every day including talking on cell phones while driving; operating a navigation device or radio while driving; eating while driving; grooming while driving; or texting while driving. Texting while driving is considered especially dangerous because it is combines all three categories of distracted driving which includes cognitive, visual and manual distractions by removing the driver’s attention and focus, eyes and hands from the task of driving.
Important legal resources, including personal injury protections, are available to victims of car accidents to help them recover compensation for their physical, financial and emotional damages suffered in a car accident. Car accidents can impact victims and families which is why it is essential for both to be familiar with the legal resources and remedies available to them when they have been harmed.
