St. Louis Injury Lawyer Blog

At any moment in time, there are close to 1 million drivers in the country who are using a cell phone behind the wheel. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drivers continue this distracting behavior despite the dangers that they very well know are associated.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that these terrible habits have warranted an entire month of awareness. April is now National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. To help to raise awareness, officials with the NHTSA released the premier issue of NHTSA's SAFETY 1N NUM3ERS, an online monthly auto safety newsletter.

Safety 1N Numb3rs tell us a lot about Americans' dangerous driving habits. According to the issue, about half of all drivers say that they'll take your while driving. One out of every four drivers said that they will even make calls. Less than 49 percent said that they would never make a call while driving.

Those percentages may mean nothing to you, so let's break it down this way:

There are more than 210 million Americans with a driver's license. With these numbers, there are just over 102 million drivers who answer phone call behind the wheel and another 50 million who are making phone calls. This means that at any given daylight moment in the U.S., there are more than 650,000 drivers on their phone of manipulating an electronic device behind the wheel.

It's no wonder we're seeing thousands of people killed in distracted driving car accidents each and every year in the U.S. As a matter of fact, there were more than 3,000 people killed in distracted driving car accidents across the U.S. in 2010.

"There is no way to text and drive safely," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

So why aren't driving practicing safer habits behind the wheel? According to another study conducted by the NHTSA, the 2012 National Survey on Distracted Driving Attitudes and Behaviors survey, a majority of drivers say that they think bans on this kind of behavior are a good thing and that they support them.

Currently, the state of Missouri does not stop drivers from talking on a cell phone behind the wheel and laws only stop drivers under the age of 21 from text messaging in the driver's seat, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Hang up the phone for your safety. Hang up the phone in honor of National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. Hang up the phone to help make our roadways safer for everyone. Whichever reason you choose to do it -- just make sure that you do. It's a move that can help to save thousands of lives each and every year.

We've got to keep our eyes on our teen drivers. When they're behind the wheel, they face some serious risks for accidents -- risks higher than any other age group of drivers. As a matter of fact, car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for teens across the country.

Our St. Louis accident attorneys are here to help minimize those risks. The National Safety Council (NSC) has teamed up with The Allstate Foundation to launch "Drive it Home." This is a program that's going to help parents and guardians to get their newly-licensed drivers on the road to a safe career behind the wheel.

The "Drive it Home" program was designed by parents for the use of parents.

"We know from our research that parents are the number one source of information for teen drivers, yet 40 percent don't know car crashes are the leading cause of death for teens," said The Allstate Foundation's Vicky Dinges.

We're urging parents to drop visit the website and use it as a resource. It provides parents and guardians with some helpful and informative videos and other materials to help to get the message of safe driving habits through to our newly-licensed drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were close to 2,000 teen drivers killed in car accidents in the U.S. in 2010. In the state of Missouri, there were more than 50 teen drivers killed in traffic accidents. Altogether, there were 120 teens killed on our roadways throughout the year.

Tips for Parents with Teen Drivers:

-Make sure that you're driving at least 30 minutes each week with the teen drivers in your family. Supervised driving is going to help to make sure they develop the safe driving habits that they're going to need for the rest of their life. Develop those skills early.

-Make sure you're helping them with constructive criticism. It's important not to stress out a young driver. Talk calmly with them about the dangers of the roadway and offer the keys to a safer experience.

-Talk with them about the importance of scanning your surroundings, keeping an eye on your speed and being cautious in high-risk situations. Expose them to all of these driving scenarios and instruct them on how to properly deal with them.

-Make sure that you set strict driving rules within your household. Make sure you know where your teen is going, who they're going with and when they're coming back. Being in the know is one of the best ways to ensure their safety out there.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), per mile driven, teen drivers ages 16 to 19 are three times more likely than drivers aged 20 and older to be in a fatal crash.

You can help to keep the teen driver in your family safe. Talk with them frequently about the risks we face on our roadways. Make sure that they understand what's expected of them. Consider enacting a parent-teen driving contract within your household so these rules, and the consequences for breaking them, are laid out in black and white.

Continue reading "St. Louis Injury Lawyers Encourage Parents and Teens to Talk About Safe Driving" »

A 31-year-old woman will spend three years behind bars after she struck a bicyclist and then struck a plea deal. She was sentenced for driving drunk and killing a bicyclist in University City in 2012. According to STL Today, the woman won't be eligible for parole under after a year of prison time.

According to local officers, the intoxicated driver had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of more than three times the legal limit. She rear ended the bicyclist as he was heading home from work. The collision wound up taking his life.

Our St. Louis injury lawyers understand just a couple months after the accident, she was charged with a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence as well as first-degree involuntary manslaughter. With the recent pleas deal, the driver was able to have one of the charges erased. She was also able to take the manslaughter charge from a Class B to a Class C felony. Instead of facing 5 to 15 years behind bars, she only faced up to 7.

In the state of Missouri, there were more than 300 people killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents last year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), close to 200 of these fatalities were involved in an accident with a driver who reported a BAC of more than .15. As you know, the legal BAC limit in Missouri is .08. Alcohol-related car accident fatalities accounted for close to 40 percent of all traffic accidents in the states of Missouri during that year.

According to the Missouri Department of Revenue, a first-time drunk driving conviction results in a 90-day driver's license suspension. After 30 days of that suspension, the driver apply for a 60-day Restricted Driving Privilege (RDP). After 90 days, the driver is eligible for full reinstatement. If a driver is busted for driving a commercial vehicle with a BAC of .04 of higher, he will have his driving privileges revoked for a year.

If you're busted for drunk driving twice, regardless of the time frame, you're looking at a driver's license suspension of a year. If it happens within a 5-year time period, you can lose your driver's license for 5 years.

If you push the envelope and you're busted for driving under the influence in a 3 times, you can lose your license for 10 years. After that, you can only get your license back after petitioning the circuit court.

Aside from the legal headache, the fines, fees, revocation and all the rest of the mess that comes with a DUI conviction, it's important to remember that there are much worse consequences -- like a fatal accident. There is never a legitimate reason to hop behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. It's just not worth the risk.

Continue reading "Drunk Driving Gets 7 Years after Killing Bicyclist" »

Currently, the state of Missouri does not ban drivers from talking on a cell phone behind the wheel. State law only stops drivers under the age of 21 from texting. All others are free to do as they wish, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The law isn't helping to bust these young drivers though. According to KTTS, very few citations have been issued under this law as it's tough to enforce.

Our St. Louis car accident lawyers understand that only about four people in each county were cited each month for texting while driving since the law hit the books. .

In Boone County, there were fewer than 10 people punished for breaking this law. The ones who got fines were only fined $20.50. One violator was punished with a $200 fine because they slammed into a utility pole while texting behind the wheel.

The distracted driving laws here in Missouri are some of the country's most lenient. Strongly enforced laws have been proven to reduce the risks of these kinds of accidents. While we may not have laws that prohibit these acts behind the wheel, we're asking parents to step up and to teach their young driver right from wrong.

According to the latest statistics, texting drivers are close to 25 times more likely to get into a car accident. Scarier yet, texting might be an even greater threat for teen drivers than for older drivers, since younger drivers are less likely to stop texting when faced with a difficult driving situation.

We're asking you to talk with your teen about these risks. Remind them that driving is a privilege that should be taken seriously. There is no text that should be worth a human life.

Make Suggestions:

-Keep your cell phone in the glove compartment -- out of sight and out of mind.

-Ask a passenger to answer/compose text messages.

-Pull over and attend to your cell phone while you're stopped in a safe location.

Car accidents continue to be the number one cause of death for teens across the country. It's important that we do all that we can to help to reduce their risks for accidents. The sad truth is that more than 90 percent of teens admit to doing multiple tasks while driving, such as talking on the cell phone, eating, playing loud music, channel surfing, using mp3 players, and interacting with friends in the car even when they admit they find it distracting. About three quarters of teens say that they text message behind the wheel.

Make sure you're setting a good example for your teen and keeping the cell phone out of the driver's seat whenever you and your teen are in the same vehicle. Talk with your teen frequently about these dangers and make it a law within your household to prohibit texting behind the wheel. Your talks and your enforcement have the ability to keep your teen out of accidents, safe and alive. Talk today!

Continue reading "Missouri Law Not Stopping Texting Teen Drivers" »

The number of car accidents is on the rise -- for the first time since 2005.

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were more than 36,000 people who were killed in traffic accidents in the U.S. in 2012. According to preliminary estimates, that's about a 5 percent increase from the previous year.

"Although we have improved safety features in vehicles today, we also have new challenges. We must work together now to reverse this latest trend to prevent needless tragedy," said Janet Froetscher, president and CEO of the National Safety Council.

Our St. Louis injury lawyers understand that the number of accidents is increasing as the total number of vehicle miles driven increases. When drivers are out there more, there are higher risks for accidents. Officials believe that these numbers are increasing alongside the improvement of the economy. When our economy is thriving, residents are not only on the road and back to work, but they also feel more comfortable spending at the pump and taking those much-needed vacations.

According to the numbers, the costs for the medical treatment of injuries from accidents in 2012 increased by 5 percent, too. If you count the costs for accidents, including fatalities, motor vehicle loss, medical expenses, loss in wages and productivity, administrative expenses, property damage and employer costs, then you're looking at a grand total of more than $276 million. That's also about a 5 percent increase from the year before.

Drivers are asked to be safe out there. Even with more vehicles on our roadways, there's one sure way to help to reduce your risks for an accident and that's with safe, alert and cautious driving. Review the tips below and apply them to your skills behind the wheel to help ensure a safe trip.

The Missouri Highway Patrol is here with some safe driving tips:

-Wear your seat belt. Nothing can better protect you from injury and death in the event of an accident better than a seat belt. Make sure that everyone in your vehicle is buckled up during each and every car ride.

-Keep distractions out of the driver's seat. You want all of your attention on the task at hand -- driving. Keep your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road.

-Never drink and drive. Not only is it illegal, but it's dangerous and greatly increases your risks for an accident.

-Remain awake and alert. You don't want to drive while your sleep. Get plenty of rest before taking road trips and avoid driving at night.

-Watch your speed. Speed limits are there to keep you safe. Traveling any faster only increases your risks for an accident.

-Know the laws. Know them in the area you live and know what they are in areas you'll be traveling to. Road laws are also there to help to keep you safe.

Continue reading "Missouri Motorists Face Higher Risks as Traffic Collisions on the Rise" »

With the mild winter weather we've seen here in Missouri, motorcycle season never really ended. The rising gas prices are also helping to fuel this mode of transportation for penny-pinching residents. If you buy a motorcycle, or you already own one, remember to keep safety and state law as a number one priority. It's your best way to stay out of a potentially fatal accident.

According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, motorcyclist fatalities account for about 10 percent of all traffic fatalities we see here in Missouri. Our St. Louis motorcycle accident attorneys understand that these vehicles make up less that 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the state, and yet are involved in an outsized portion of traffic collisions. One of the main reasons for these fatalities is that motorcyclists aren't very well protected in the event of an accident. Their rates for injury and death are much higher than those of someone in a passenger vehicle.

Remember that motorcyclists are required to abide by the same traffic laws as everyone else. Therefore, they should be treated just like every other motorist. Yet the biggest risk to motorcycle riders in other motorists on the road. For their own protection, motorcyclists should wear protective headgear. Your best bet is to wear headgear that meets reasonable standards and specifications. Helmets are your best way to reduce the risks of head injuries and death in the event of an accident.

Drivers should also be worried about the safety of these motorists. Many of these accidents are caused by passenger car driver inattention. Consider the following safety tips to help to keep our motorcyclists alive.

Stay Safe When Driving Near Motorcycles:

-Drivers should always be actively looking to motorcyclists.

-Remember that motorcycles can look farther away than they actually are because of their small size.

-Motorcycles can look like they're traveling faster than they actually are.

-Beware of your blind spots. Motorcyclists can easily get lost in these areas. Check these spots before changing lanes.

-Remember that motorcycle's turn signals aren't always self-canceling. So, pay attention, the motorcycle may not be turning.

-Know that motorcyclists are often shifting their position in lanes to be better seen and to avoid road debris, potholes and bumps in the road. This is why you should never share a lane with a motorcyclist -- and don't assume they're being reckless.

-It takes a motorcyclist much longer to stop on slippery roadways. Never follow too closely and do not cut them off. Remember to allow more distance behind a motorcycle in slick road conditions.

The same rules apply when talking about mini cycles and scooters. It is important for these drivers to remember that motorized bicycles and scooters have been advertised as toys, but unless you have a driver's license, they are illegal to operate on public streets and highways.

Whether you're riding a motorcycle, a scooter or a motorized bicycle, you're urged to make yourself as visible as possible. Make your movements in traffic known and make sure that motorists see you to help to reduce your risks of being involved in an accident.

Continue reading "St. Louis Motorcycle Accidents Continue Through Winter" »

Missouri isn't doing all it can to help make our roads safer. According to a recent study from the Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, there are simple changes that could be made to our road laws that would help reduce the risks of accidents. Although there have been a number of incentives included in a new federal transportation bill, Missouri lawmakers remain hesitant.

The recently released report looked at 15 laws that have the ability to reduce the risks of accidents for teen drivers as well as help to prevent distracted driving and other dangerous driving habits, according to Edmunds.com. Still, Missouri leaves those safety decisions to the drivers -- with few legal repercussions for those who disregard safety behind the wheel.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that there are a number of laws Missouri has not enacted. Federal transportation officials note we are lacking when it comes to seat belt usage, our Graduated Driver's Licensing (GDL) program and our drunk driving laws. In 2011, there were more than 780 people killed in traffic accidents in Missouri. Many of these accidents could have been prevented if we had tougher laws. These accidents cost our state nearly $4.75 billion in 2011.

"Several states have been moving backwards and most states are not moving at all to enact lifesaving laws," said the president of Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety, Jacqueline Gillan.

Updates Suggested for Missouri:

-Seat belt laws should be primary enforcement. Currently, only motorists under the age of 16 and those in the front seat are required to wear a seat belt. This can only be cited if a driver is pulled over first for another offense. Still, the punishment for breaking this law is only a $50 fine for underage occupants and a $10 fine for front-seat passengers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

-Drivers should not be able to get their learner's permit until they are 16-years-old. Older drivers show more maturity behind the wheel and are statistically safer.

-New drivers should have tougher nighttime restrictions. Currently, they are only prohibited from driving between 1:00 and 5:00 a.m. Accidents are more likely for our younger drivers during the evening hours. By keeping these drivers off of our roads when it's dark out, we can help to prevent a lot of unnecessary accidents!

-All drivers should be banned from text messaging behind the wheel. Texting while driving makes a driver 23 times more likely to get into an accident. Law or not, drivers should keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road -- not on text messages.

With just these few changes, officials would be able to save the lives of hundreds of travelers each and every year.

How safe is your car? One of the only (and most effective) ways to know that is to check out its safety rating.

Some newer vehicles aren't getting the best ratings either. As a matter of fact, the country's most popular car -- the Toyota Camry -- recently received some poor ratings, according to CNN Money.

Recently, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducted safety tests on roughly 20 vehicles. Only about half of them got top marks. What's most alarming is that some of the worst marks were received by vehicles that are among the most popular on the road. Both the Toyota Prius v hybrid wagon and the Toyota Camry got "poor" marks. They did the worst of the bunch. In these tests, the front side of these vehicles slammed into a wall while traveling at 40 mph. What the test results show is that passenger would have most likely been seriously injured -- if not killed -- in these accidents. Cars crunched and airbags failed. There wasn't much good news.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that we all expect our cars to help protect us in the event of an accident.

"Toyota engineers have a lot of work to do to match the performance of their competitors," said IIHS president Adrian Lund.

The only vehicles that were handed "good" ranks were the Suzuki Kizashi and the Honda Accord sedan. Don't expect to run out and get a Suzuki Kizashi though. Because of poor 2011 sales, the vehicle has been pulled from the U.S. market. There were only about 500 of them sold in November. That's not many compared to the roughly 60,000 Accords and Camrys sold here.

Most of the vehicles that were tested recently were merely given an "acceptable" rating. Included in this category are the Mazda6, the Subaru Legacy and Outback, the Kia Optima, the Volkswagen Passat, the Chrysler 200, the Dodge Avenge and the Nissan Altima and Maxima.

There were three vehicles that got "marginal" markings (the second-worst rating a vehicle can get). These vehicles were the Hyundai Sonata, the Volkswagen Jetta and the Chevrolet Malibu.

Before choosing your next vehicle, it's critical for you to check out the safety ratings as well as the safety features it provides. You can do this easily by checking out SafeCar.gov. Here you can find out all about a vehicle's ratings, info on the tires and safety technology, various safety tips and you can even sign up for e-mail alerts. It's important that you check out a vehicle on the website before making a purchase and it's important that you keep an eye on recalls that could affect your current vehicle.

Check the 5-Star Rating System. It's simple: More Stars equal Safer Cars. 5-Star Safety Ratings measure the crash worthiness and rollover safety of vehicles. Five stars is the highest rating, one is the lowest.

Doing your homework can help to save lives. While you're focusing on safe driving habits, your vehicle should be doing it's job in protecting you in the unlikely event of an accident.

Continue reading "New Car in 2013? Don't Forget to Check Safety Ratings" »

Our roadways are going to be packed through the remainder of the holiday season and there is always the chance bad weather will greet the hoard.

According to USA TODAY, more people are choosing to drive instead of fly to their holiday destination this year. And transportation officials expect it to be the busiest holiday in six years.

Officials with AAA are projecting that more than 93 million Americans are going to travel 50 miles or more over the holiday travel period, which runs from December 22nd through January 1st. That's a more than 1.5 percent increase from last year's travel numbers. Officials are also estimating that about 90 percent of these travelers will drive. They're traveling farther this year, too -- about 760 miles instead of the 726 estimated last year.

Our St. Louis car accident lawyers understand that residents are getting out and taking those holiday vacations that they passed up in recent years for a number of reasons. First off, gas prices are down. Nationwide, a gallon of gas is running about $3.30. In recent years, gas prices were up and the economy was struggling and that forced a lot of residents to stay home for the holidays.

"This year-end holiday season remains the least volatile of all travel holidays as Americans will not let economic conditions or high gas prices dictate if they go home for the holidays or kick off the New Year with a vacation," says the President of AAA, Robert Darbelnet.

What we'd like to focus on during the holiday travel season are the risks for drunk driving car accidents. During this time, these kinds of collisions are much more likely than during any other time of the year. There are a lot of holiday gatherings, a lot of booze and not enough sober drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were more than 310 people killed in alcohol-related traffic accidents in the state of Missouri in 2010.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) remind drivers that impaired driving is one of the country's deadliest crimes. It's also one of the most preventable.

If you're heading out for the holidays and drinking is involved in your plans, be sure that you have a safe and sober way to get home. Designate a sober driver before arriving at the party. This should be someone who pledges to have absolutely no alcohol.

If you wind up without a designated driver, there are other safe ways to get home. You can call a cab or even call a friend or family member to come pick you up.

If you see someone you love attempting to drive after consuming alcohol, grab their keys. Help them to find a sober way to get home.

If all else fails, stay at a friend's house or get a hotel room for the night. There should never be a reason to get behind the wheel after consuming any amount of alcohol.

Continue reading "St. Louis Holiday Travel: Stay Safe, Don't Drink and Drive" »

Each year, there are well over 6 million car accidents in the U.S.

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHA), about 25 percent of these accidents occur in adverse weather. That's close to 2 million car accidents. As we plow through the winter driving season, our St. Louis personal injury lawyers are asking that you take the necessary safety precautions to avoid one of these accidents.

About 20 percent of these weather-related car accidents happen in either snow or sleet. Close to 15 percent occur on icy pavement and more than 10 percent happen on snowy or slushy pavement. Many times, drivers fail to adjust their driving habits for the dangerous conditions.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MDOT) provides some tips and suggestions to help you get ready for the dangers that accompany the winter driving season.

Before Setting Out:

-Be sure to winterize your vehicle. Fill it up with fresh antifreeze. Make sure it has a good battery and your exhaust system is operating properly. Make sure the oil is able to withstand the rigors of cold weather!

-If you're able to, hold off on driving until the weather and the road conditions improve following a storm.

-Do a pre-trip inspection on your vehicle. Take a peek at your brakes, tires, windshield wipers and the fluids.

-Make sure you know where you're going before you leave. Behind the wheel is no time to figure out directions.

-Be sure to leave for your destination with plenty of time to spare. You don't want to be out rushing on slick roadways!

During Your Trip:

-Make sure you don't exceed the speed limits. It's for your own safety!

-Avoid tailgating other drivers. Use common sense. Keep your distance to increase your safety!

-Give snow plows plenty of room to do their work and do not pass them.

-Make sure that you and everyone in your vehicle is properly buckled in during each and every car ride.

-Remember that driving is more dangerous when there are freezing temps -- or temps 32 degrees and below.

-Keep an eye out for vehicles on the side of the road that may be having problems.

-Make sure your lights, windows and mirrors are always clean.

-Always drive with your headlights on.

-Avoid passing other vehicle while traveling on or near bridges.

-Make sure your gas tank is always at least half full.

-If you don't feel comfortable behind the wheel, don't be afraid to pull over. You can pull off to a safe area and wait it out!

These winter weather conditions also increase maintenance and operation costs for transportation agencies. The costs for the winter season alone account for about 20 percent of the Department of Transportation's budget. Unfortunately, these operations can't always keep up with Mother Nature -- leaving drivers to take to the roads at their own risk.

To get information on weather and road conditions before setting out, you can call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636).

Continue reading "St. Louis Traffic Accidents & Winter Weather Driving Safety" »

With the holiday season, we can expect our roadways to be busy as residents in the area will be shopping traveling, returning home from school, vacationing and visiting relatives.

In fact, it's the busiest travel season of the year.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belt usage among American drivers is at an all-time high. Recent statistics show that more than 85 percent of motorists are buckling in during every car ride. That might be a sign of relief for many, but there are still millions who aren't wearing their seat belts. Because of this, there are thousands and thousands who are dying in car accidents each and every year.

"When it comes to driving safely, one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your family is to use a seat belt," said Ray LaHood with the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that seat belts are your best defense against injury and death in the event of a car accident. Even though Missouri law requires all drivers and front-seat passengers to wear seat belts, there are many who don't. If you're riding with a driver who has a learner's permit or an intermediate driver's license, all passengers in the vehicle are required to buckle up!

Although we only saw a 2 percent increase in the rate of seat belt usage from 2011 to 2012, this serves as another year for increases. We've actually seen this rate increase since 1994. Still, we're not at 100 percent.

According to studies, the rates of seat belt usage continues to be higher in states that have primary seat belt laws, meaning that an officer can stop a motorist for simply not wearing their seat belt. In states that have these kinds of laws as secondary enforcement, an officer cannot cite a motorist for not wearing their seat belt until they find them breaking another road law.

Currently, there are more than 30 states in the country that have primary seat belt laws. Seventeen more have secondary laws.

It's important for parents and guardians to make sure that children are safely buckled during every car ride, too! In the state of Missouri, the law requires that all children who weigh less than 40 pounds be seated and buckled in the proper child safety seat. Children who are over the age of 4, are between 40 and 80 pounds and are shorter than 4'9" are required to be in the proper child car seat of booster seat. If you're busted with a child in your vehicle who isn't properly buckled in, then you're looking at a $50 fine plus court costs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), car accidents continue to be the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 5 and 34. Adult seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduce injuries in crashes. Yet millions of adults do not wear their seat belts on every trip. Buckle up and stay safe out there to help to protect yourself in the event of a car accident.

Continue reading "Seat Belts in St. Louis: Your Best Bet Against Injury this Holiday Season" »

Our roadways are going to be packed over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

According to St. Louis Today, automobile travel is expected to increase compared to last year. According to AAA, more Americans are choosing to drive instead of fly because of tight budgets. At the same time, gas prices are down which typically adds to the traffic count.

Our St. Louis personal injury attorneys understand that close to 44 million Americans are expected to travel at least 50 miles away from their home over the holiday weekend. That's up about 0.7 percent from 2011's numbers. During this time of the year, drivers are asked to be safe out there. Risks for accidents skyrocket every Thanksgiving and this year is no different. Please be safe and be cautious to make it safely through the long weekend.

In the last 30 days, the average price for a gallon of gas has dropped about 35 cents. AAA officials say that it's going to drop even more through the holidays. Gas prices are expected to average $3.32 per gallon.

Officials with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) are going to be out helping to make sure everyone's driving safely. During the Thanksgiving holiday last year, there were close to 1,400 traffic accidents 4 deaths throughout the state. Many of these accidents could have been prevented, if drivers were a little more aware and cautious behind the wheel.

"With more people traveling, the possibility for traffic incidents increases, but there are many things motorists can do to keep themselves safer on the roads," said executive chair of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, Leanna Depue.

You're urged to plan out your safe trip ahead of time. With more motorists on our roadways hurrying to their vacation destinations, you need to keep safety as a number one priority. Make your Thanksgiving travel safer by following these tips:

-Plan you trip out before departure. Check out the MoDOT's Traveler Information mobile app. Check out accidents, lane closures, flooding, work zones, road conditions and weather conditions.

-Always wear a seat belt. Seat belts and car seats for children are the number one way to help to prevent injury and death in the event of an accident.

-Obey all of the laws on the road. This is critically important for the speed limit. Speed in a top contributor to serious accidents throughout the state. This is especially the case over holiday weekends.

-Never drive after drinking or consuming drugs. If your plans involve drinking, make sure you have a sober way home.

-Get plenty of sleep. Avoid driving while feeling drowsy. Stop and take a break or switch driving roles with a passenger. Never push through drowsiness. It's a mistake that could wind up costing you your life.

From our attorneys to you and your loved ones, we'd like to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving. Stay alert out there, stay safe and be courteous. Let's enjoy a safe and joyous holiday together.

Continue reading "St. Louis Injury Attorneys Wish You a Safe Thanskgiving" »

Safety advocates with the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter are wishing everyone a SAFE Halloween.

As our little goblins and ghost take over our streets in search of sugary treats, our St. Louis personal injury attorneys remind you that even the scariest of monsters need to be safe out there. Some of our biggest threats on All Hallow's Eve aren't even witches and vampires, they're the risks of pedestrian accidents, costume mishaps and trips and falls.

Please review and share the following Halloween Safety Tips with the gremlins in your family to help to make sure that everyone stays safe out there during their trick-or-treating adventures. It might be a scary holiday, but you don't want it to be a dangerous one.

Halloween Safety Tips:

-Before heading door to door, you want to make sure that your trip is planned. Choose a route that has sidewalks and is away from fast-moving traffic. You also want to make sure that it's an area that is well-lit and one that has crosswalks or safe street corners for crossing.

-The night can sneak up on us a little faster than we anticipated. Make sure that everyone has a flashlight, is wearing bright clothing and is wearing reflective materials.

-When walking up to a stranger's house to trick-or-treat, make sure that you only get candy from the door. Never go inside the home of someone you don't know.

-When getting your costume on for the night, consider using face paint instead of a mask. You want to make sure you can see everything around you. Masks hinder your vision.

-Whether you're creeping, sneaking or walking along our roadways, always do so on a sidewalk and never in the street.

-Always look both ways before crossing the street. Always cross at a crosswalk or at a street corner and do so with a parent nearby.

-Make sure that there's nothing hanging off of your costume, like a cape or long sleeves. You don't want anything dangling near light-up jack-o-lanterns or any other kind of open flame.

-Homeowners should consider using fake candles, lights or glow sticks in their pumpkins to help to reduce the risks of an unwanted fire.

-While you may be flying high on space ships and broom sticks, it's important that kids know basic pedestrian safety tips.

-Lawns are no place for ghost and goblins. Stay off yards and be on the lookout for Halloween decorations. These can serve as trip and fall dangers and even fire dangers.

-You might be a werewolf, but stay away from dogs that you don't know. Never approach any strange animal.

-Before digging into your Halloween treats, make sure you have an adult inspect it. You want to make sure there are no tricks and only treats! Never eat candy that's open or has been tampered with.

We want to wish everyone a safe and Happy Halloween and remember to keep safety as a number one priority out there!

Continue reading "Simple Steps for Staying Safe on All Hallow's Eve!" »

A worker with the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) was killed last week on the job. He was working alongside Interstate 70, right by the Interstate 470 interchange in Independence just before 3:00 a.m., according to The Republican.

The man had been with the DOT for close to 20 years. He was working to reroute traffic around the scene of an accident when he was hit by a passing vehicle. The driver involved in the accident has been arrested and is now facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. Officers have determined that he had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of more than .18, which is more than twice the legal limit in the state.

The recent accident is really drawing some attention from safe driving advocates and transportation officials in the state; it's a sad illustration of the need for a new law to better protect emergency responders and highway employees who work within feet of speeding traffic.

Our St. Louis car accident lawyers understand that roadside workers, including construction crews, emergency responders, officers and traffic officials, face some serious risks for accidents.

Passing traffic is oftentimes ignorant toward the presence and the safety of these individuals and drivers too often neglect to change lanes, slow down or make other accommodations. There was a state law that was put into place to help to prevent these kinds of accidents. It took effect back in August and works to make sure that drivers make a lane change when a DOT or other official vehicle is stopped at the side of the road. These additions were made to the existing law that makes motorists do this for emergency responders and officers. If you're busted violating this law, then you face a one-year jail sentence and a fine of $1,000.

According to MoDOT, there are close to 2,500 state workers who do their job on or near the side of the road and and every day. The recent accident marks the first death this year and the fifth since 2000.

According to the MoDOT spokesman, Bob Brendel, officials welcome a change in the law to help to make sure that these workers are better protected -- noting they work in an office with a 70 mile an hour speed limit. Their concentration can't always be on the passing traffic.

Distracted drivers have always been a concern for officers in the state, many of them who spend most of their day patrolling our roadways.

"I don't think anyone who has worked on patrol for very long couldn't tell you a story of feeling a car go by and all but hitting you in the back or side," said Missouri State Highway Patrol's Lt. John Hotz.

When passing a roadside worker, an emergency responder or a police officer, you're asked to slow down and to move away from that side of the road. Change lanes and give them some extra room for safety. It's not only the law, but it's the right and safe thing to do!

Continue reading "MoDOT Employee Killed in Missouri Road Accident" »

Be on your best behavior. Your teen is watching.

We're talking about your driving habits. A new survey from Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and Liberty Mutual concluded that a majority of teens say that their parents partake in some poor driving habits. The study talked with close to 2,000 teenagers around the country and determined that parents were displaying some pretty bad driving habits in front of their children, including distracted driving, speeding, not wearing a seat belt. Even driving under the influence of alcohol was a commonly reported problem.

You've got to keep safe driving habits as a top concern, not only to keep yourself out of an accident but to set that safe example for our younger drivers, too!

According to Claims Journal, more than 90 percent of teenagers said that they saw their parents talking on a cell phone while driving. How effective is it to tell our young drivers not to do something and then turn around and do it ourselves? Another 85 percent say that they see their parents speed often and nearly 60 percent say that they see their parents text messaging behind the wheel. These behaviors not only set a bad example, they are increasing the risk that you or a family member will be involved in an accident.

St. Louis car accident lawyers understand that parents are some of the most influential people when it comes to shaping our young driver's habits behind the wheel. It is of the utmost importance that we make sure that we're all setting a safe example for these learning drivers. Still, close to 70 percent of teenagers say that they feel that they're following different driving rules than their parents. The truth of the matter is that teens don't want to feel like they've got to follow some set of special, stricter, rules. Everyone in your household needs to make sure that everyone is practicing good driving habits behind the wheel.

"The best teacher for a teen driver is a good parental role model," said Stephen Wallace with SADD.

Parents need to make sure that they are in tune with their young driver. Keep safe driving skills in the forefront and discuss their importance often. Car accidents continue to be the leading killer of teenagers across the nation. We can all help to reduce these risks by making sure that they're getting a safe and thorough driver's education, starting at home.

Not only do about a third of teenage drivers admit to driving without wearing a seat belt, but more than 15 percent say that they have driven under the influence of marijuana and another 15 percent admit to being under the influence of alcohol behind the wheel.

We lose thousands of our teens every year. Let's change that -- we can start by changing our own driving habits. Consider creating a parent-teen driving contract to lay down the driving rules and the consequences for breaking them. Make sure you've made the pledge to follow these rules, too!

Continue reading "Missouri Car Accidents & Setting Safe Examples for Teen Drivers" »