Missouri Fails to Pass Full Ban on Texting While Driving

April 02, 2011

Missouri Fails to Pass Full Ban on Texting While Driving

Missouri is among the many states that recently passed legislation attempting to limit drivers' use of handheld devices. In 2009 Missouri legislators enacted a ban of texting while driving for anyone under 21. For the 2011 Legislative session, Missouri considered legislation that would extend the law to ban texting while driving for all motorists on the road. While initially an extension of the law appeared to have a good chance of passing, the Missouri House Crime Committee was ultimately unable to recommend any of the three texting bills contemplated.

One holdup was whether the law would be a primary or secondary violation. A primary enforcement law means a driver could be pulled over for the violation alone, while a secondary enforcement means a driver would have to be pulled over for something else before being ticketed for texting.

Texting Laws are Difficult to Enforce

Another reason for the committee's failure to pass a law involved questions regarding enforcement. The Missouri State Highway Patrol has issued only 28 tickets to under-21 drivers since the bill's enactment in 2009. Generally, most tickets were issued only after the driver had been in an accident. Police have difficulty in spotting texters and whether the driver is under 21, law enforcement officials told the Maryville Daily Times.

Some legislators also pointed out there are many different types of distracted driving that are not illegal. Grooming, eating and talking to fellow passengers in the car are all instances of dangerous distracted driving. If none of those distracted driving habits are illegal, some Missouri legislators are hesitant to make texting illegal as well.

Yet despite the difficulty of enforcement, 30 states ban texting while driving for all motorists regardless of age.

Texting While Driving Proving Dangerous

A driver with a handheld device is four times more likely to get into an accident, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. In fact, researchers at the University of Utah found that cell phone use while driving slowed reaction time as much as legally drunk drivers. Over half a million motorists were injured in distracted driving related accidents in 2009.

Another attempt to pass the bill is expected for the 2012 Missouri legislative session.

If you have been injured in a car accident by a distracted driver, you may be able to get compensation for injuries and other costs. Contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your case.

Article provided by Harper Evans Wade & Netemeyer
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