Missouri Senate Considers Full Texting Ban—Again
Efforts are currently being renewed in Missouri to make texting while driving illegal—for all ages. While the majority of the states surrounding Missouri have already made texting while driving illegal, adults in Missouri can still texts to their heart’s content while driving down the highway. Drivers up to the age of 22 cannot legally text while driving. Crystal City’s Ryan McKenna introduced a bill to the Senate, for the third year running, which would ban texting while driving for any age driver. McKenna believes it is at least three times more dangerous to text while driving than to drive drunk, which is why at least thirty other states have enacted full texting bans. Two years ago, despite the senate’s approval of a full ban, the House amended the bill so it would remain legal for adults to text while driving. Last year the House offered to eliminate the age provision, but to continue to allow texting on gravel roads. McKenna found this idea so ridiculous that he abandoned the issue entirely.
Highway Patrol Superintendent, Ron Replogle stated during the Senate hearing he believes it is 23 times more likely for a Missouri traffic accident to occur when people drive and text—no matter what their age. Even cell phone companies are taking a stand regarding Missouri’s limited texting ban! Both Verizon and AT & T representatives were on hand at the senate hearing to testify in favor of a full text ban. While it is likely the Senate will approve the full text ban one more time, McKenna can only hope the House doesn’t mess with it this time around.
Unfortunately, even though the laws are getting tougher on texting, statistics are not showing the hoped-for improvements in those states with bans. Although studies have shown cell phone use while driving greatly increases the probability of an accident, few positive results are being seen as a result of laws prohibiting such behavior. Perhaps people are simply ignoring the laws, and continuing to text and drive. Missouri Highway Patrol officials state that distracted driving is at least partially responsible for 25% of all Missouri car accidents. Distractions while driving are often unavoidable, however talking or texting on your phone is a one-hundred percent avoidable distraction. We will continue to watch as the Senate bill to ban texting for all ages goes to the House. While it is hoped you or a loved one is never involved in an accident caused by distracted driving behavior, if it does happen, a Missouri car accident attorney can be an advocate for your rights.
Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers subpoena cellular telephone records in every case we handle that results in serious injury or death. If we determine the at-fault motorist was indeed texting or talking while driving, we include a demand for punitive damages 100% of the time, no questions asked. Our tactic has been universally applauded by judges in the City of St. Louis as we just won a motion to keep our prayer for punitive damages in the personal injury case filed against a motorist talking on the cellular telephone. That case is heading to trial in March.
