Missouri Legislator Proposes Making All Forms of Distracted Driving Illegal

July 13, 2012 (Press-News.org) The dangers of distracted driving have prompted the majority of states to enact legislation that bans texting while driving -- one of the most dangerous forms of distracted driving, as it takes a driver's hands off the wheel, eyes off the road and mind off of driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a driver who texts while behind the wheel is 23 times more likely to get into a car crash than an attentive driver. In Missouri, however, one legislator wants to reduce all forms of distracted driving by increasing the number of acts that would fall under a distracted driving traffic offense.

Missouri law is currently relatively lenient with regard to distracted driving. There is only a partial ban on texting while driving, as anyone over 21 years of age cannot receive a ticket for texting while behind the wheel. However, as many as seven distracted driving bills have been proposed this session, and many believe that more restrictive laws will be coming to Missouri in the future.

Sen. Bill Stouffer, R-Napton, has proposed the most restrictive law, and has introduced an intentionally vaguely-worded bill that would make it a class C misdemeanor to operate a motor vehicle if the driver:
-Fails to pay attention to the operation of the motor vehicle
-Fails to maintain a proper lookout while operating a motor vehicle
-Engages in any other activity that causes the operator to be distracted from the primary mission of driving the motor vehicle


Typical distracted driving activities include eating, drinking, grooming, reading and adjusting the radio, all of which would presumably count as distracted driving if the bill becomes law.

Dangers of Distracted Driving

While it isn't clear if the bill will pass, the reason behind the proposed legislation is clear. According to a study by the University of Utah, drivers using a handheld device are four times more likely to get into an accident. Nearly one in seven of all fatal accidents in 2009 involved a distracted driving.

If you have been injured in a car crash involving a distracted driver, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options regarding compensation.

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