St. Louis Injury Lawyer Blog

Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released earlier a new recommendation for a federal ban against the use of portable electronic devices for drivers on U.S. roadways, according to CBS St. Louis. The meeting in which this recommendation was reached was used to discuss the 2010 car accident in Missouri that happened in Gray Summit in which two people were killed and another 38 were injured. The young driver who was blamed was disobeying the state's distraction-relating road laws. According to the Governors Highway Safety Administration, the law prohibits drivers under the age of 21 from texting at the wheel. Everyone else is free to do as they wish.

"No call, no text, no update is worth a human life," said NTSB chairman Deborah Hersman.

Our St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that Missouri has some of the most relaxed laws in the country regarding driver distractions. Most drivers can engage in whichever distractions they would like while operating a motor vehicle. Only drivers under the age of 21 are prohibited from text messaging at the wheel. Still, officers have a tough time enforcing this law because they're unable to tell if a young driver was dialing a phone number or composing a text. A federal ban may be the only effective way to get drivers to curb the distractions and for enforcement officers to effectively target disobeying drivers.

Under the new recommendation, drivers would still be able to use portable devices that aid driving safety and use them in emergency situations.

Officials are noticing more and more drivers on our roadways engaging in this dangerous behavior. Last year, there were over 1 million accidents that were caused by a distracted driver. These incidents accounted for roughly 25 percent of all traffic accidents during that year.

"This (distracted driving) is becoming the new DUI. It's becoming epidemic," said NTSB member Robert Sumwalt.

The National Safety Council (NSC) is strongly supporting the NTSB's recommendation to make portable electronic devices illegal for drivers across the country. The NSC recognizes the difficulty that officers have enforcing these scattered laws. Distraction-related laws in each state vary and are difficult to enforce. One full ban across the nation would help to eliminate that confusions and get drivers on the road to safer roads. In 2010, there were roughly 3,100 people in the country who were killed because of accidents that involved a distracted driver.

While a federal ban may be one of the most effective ways to help ensure that all drivers are placing their full attention on the roadway, we still ask all drivers to practice responsible driving habits until then. Safe and alert driving habits may be the best way to ensure roadway safety. As holiday traffic picks up, with Christmas and New Year's right around the corner, please be safe on our roadways and voluntarily curb distractions at the wheel.

Continue reading "Missouri Car Accident Influences Officials to Recommend Full Ban on Cell Phones at the Wheel" »

A pickup truck overturned on Highway A just west of White Road, when an 18-year-old driver fell asleep at the wheel, according to authorities. The Missouri car accident happened after the drive dozed off, drove off the right side of the road, over-corrected, traveled off the left side of the road, hit an embankment and then flipped. The 7:15 p.m. accident left the man injured in the St. Joseph West Hospital, according to Hannibal Courier-Post.

Our St. Louis car accident attorney would like to warn motorists about the dangers of drowsy driving. The problem is not that motorists don't realize they are drowsy behind the wheel -- the problem is that they ignore or attempt to push through the symptoms. Research shows you can fall asleep and not even realize it. The truth is, it's a dangerous way to drive and motorists should take all the preventative measures to avoid driving while drowsy.

We recently recognized Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, which is part of a national campaign that aims to raise public awareness about this dangerous driving condition and to find ways to educate motorists about the dangers of falling asleep at the wheel. The campaign is coordinated by the National Sleep Foundation.

The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that roughly one in six fatal accidents involves a drowsy driver. One in eight of these accidents results in hospitalization and another one in fourteen results in a vehicle being towed.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drowsy drivers contribute to approximately 1,550 traffic accident fatalities every year. The government also estimates that drowsy drivers contribute to another 71,000 injuries in more than 100,000 accidents.

Those who are ages 16- to 24-years-old are about twice as likely to be involved in a drowsy driving accident than a driver in any other age group.

A recently study conducted by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that:

-Drivers of motor vehicles that had one or more passengers were half as likely to be involved in a drowsy-driving accident.

-Approximately 55 percent of drowsy driving accidents that happened over the last year occurred on high-speed divided highways.

-Most drivers who have fallen asleep at the wheel during the last year reported that they were driving for less than 60 minutes before they fell asleep.

-About a fourth of all drivers that reported to have had fallen asleep behind the wheel at least once in the last year reported that it happened sometime between 12:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

-Men are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel than women.

-Drivers under the age of 25 are most likely to report having fallen asleep at the wheel.

Here are some signs that you may be engaging in drowsy driving:

-Having a hard time focusing.

-Noticing that you have heavy eyelids or that you're blinking a lot.

-Difficulty keeping your head up.

-Erratic driving.

-Frequent swerving.

-Missing exits.

-Ignoring traffic signals.

-Frequent yawning.

-Experiencing a feeling of aggression, irritability or restlessness.

Being sleepy or drowsy while driving can impair your vision, alter your judgment and slow your reactions. A number of studies have concluded that staying awake for approximately 20 hours gives you the same abilities as a person who is legally drunk.

Continue reading "Sleepy Driver Crashes in Missouri Car Accident on Highway A" »

A St. Louis County car accident on Interstate 64 recently landed two people in the hospital, according to KMOV 4. The late-night accident happened when a wrong-way driver, headed west in the eastbound lanes of I-64, collided with another vehicle. A semi-truck was also forced off the road during the incident.

The wrong-way driver, a Chesterfield woman, has been cited for driving while under the influence. The Missouri Highway Patrol says that the woman has also been cited on suspicion of second-degree assault. They also report that the two injured drivers were taken to St. John's Mercy Medical Center in Creve Coeur. Formal charges against the wrong-way driver are currently pending, according to Fox 2.

St. Louis car accident attorneys understand that we can expect to see a bunch of car accidents during the month of August as it has repeatedly been cited as the deadliest month on our roadways, according to MSN Money.

According to statistics dating back to 1994 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more people are killed in car accidents in the month of August than during any other month out of the year.

These findings are through statistics that calculate death rates per 100 million miles traveled. August ranks as the deadliest with a death rate of 1.09 per million miles traveled. September comes in at a close second with a death rate of 1.08 followed by July with a death rate of 1.08. March is your safest month on our roadways with a death rate of 0.94.

In 2009, there were approximately 93 deaths on U.S. roadways every day because of traffic accidents. This means that someone died every 16 minutes.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety at least seven of the 25 deadliest days of the year on our roadways happened in the month of August from 2005 through 2009.

"A large proportion of crashes happen in late afternoon and early evening in general, but especially in August," says Russ Rader of the IIHS.

Some days are are deadly than others. According to research, there are more traffic-accident fatalities on Saturdays than during any other day of the week. Saturdays averaged about 123 deaths. Sundays followed close behind with an average of 107 fatalities. Fridays ranked in at third place with 102 deaths.

The rest of the daily death rates were as follows:

-Mondays had an average of 79 deaths.

-Wednesdays averaged 78 deaths.

-Thursdays had an average of 84 deaths.

Those between the ages 25- and 49-years old are most likely to die in a motor-vehicle accident as they made up about 23 percent of all recorded traffic fatalities during this time of the year.

We ask that you enjoy the rest of your summer, but to please do so safely. Be cautious on our roadways and be on the lookout for road hazards that could result in a fatal accident.

Continue reading "Motorists Most Likely to Die in a Car Accident in St. Louis in August" »

Car accidents continue to be the number of cause of death for teenagers. Their inexperience behind the wheel makes them extremely vulnerable for a car accident in St. Louis. As parents, we want to do everything in our power to keep our children safe, especially when they get their driver's license.

In 2009 alone, there were nearly 2,500 drivers aged 15- to 20-years-old that were killed on our roadways. Another 196,000 suffered injuries from traffic accidents during the same year. There were more than 5,000 drivers of this age group involved in fatal police-reported traffic accidents throughout that entire year.

Our Missouri personal injury attorneys understand that parents may have tons of questions regarding how to go about getting their teen driver on the road safely. Don't worry because we're here to help. Picking out your teen's first vehicle can be a simple process, if you know what you're looking for. Remember, be realistic!

"I see these young, inexperienced drivers in Mustangs, BMWs, and large SUVs. These automobiles are big, powerful and difficult to control for even experienced drivers. In the hands of a new driver, they can be deadly weapons," says LeeAnn Shattuck, co-owner and chief car chick with Women's Automotive Solutions.

Do I buy new or used?

Financially speaking you're better off purchasing a used car and safety-wise you're fine with a used car as well. With a certified pre-owned vehicle, you will still get the benefits of a new-car like warranty. You can even get some excellent financing rates.

"A first time driver doesn't need a new car, but of course they want one," says Lori Mackey, president of Prosperity4Kids. "The depreciation, probability of fender benders and the price tag [means new] is not the most logical way to go."

New cars will have all the latest safety bells and whistles, but late-model used cars will still come equipped with airbags, anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control. With a used car, your teen will less likely be overwhelmed by the car's power and performance.

"Buying a new car is insurance against breakdowns and repairs, regardless of the age or experience of the driver," says Bob Gritzinger, executive editor of AutoWeek.com.

Which type of cars do I consider?

This is when you need to take in some questions of distance: Will your child be driving back and forth from college? Will the car mostly be used locally? How often will they need to drive it?

At this point, you are urged to go over safety and crash-test information. You can access a plethora of this information on websites like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. You're also urged to check out J.D. Power and Associates for information regarding a vehicle's quality and reliability ratings from a ratings service such as J.D. Power and Associates.

"Choose a car with a responsive chassis -- one with good handling, quick steering and great brakes -- that takes advantage of a teen driver's naturally quick reaction skills," advises Gritzinger.

You never want to get them too small of a vehicle either. Smaller cars are more problematic as they're less likely to protect passengers as well in a front-end crash than a large vehicle would.

"Your teen is safest in a mid-sized sedan with a four cylinder engine, airbags and a good crash test rating," warns Shattuck.

You need to remember that there is no rush to go out and buy the first car you see. Take your time, do your research and find a car that will best fit your budget. Have fun and enjoy this moment with your teen.

"Having a car is not a birthright," says Gail Cunningham, spokesperson for the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, who raised four children. "Today's teens seem to think that they should have a car waiting for them in the driveway when they return home from the Motor Vehicle Department with their driver's license. If that's right for your family, fine. But don't be held hostage to peer pressure, and by that I mean from other families who are buying their teen a car."

Continue reading "Pick a Car to Keep Your Newly Licensed Teen Safe during a St. Louis Car Accident" »

June is National Safety Month as the National Safety Council aims to help people keep safe with a list of tips to prevent the most common causes of preventable injuries.

St. Louis Personal Injuries Lawyers encourage you to heed the safety tips and warnings. Summertime is a great time for many to relax, go on family vacations and enjoy the warm weather. But with more people out and active, there is a higher likelihood for accidents on the road, at work and at play. St. Louis personal injury accidents can be painful, costly and time-consuming. Do your best to prevent them.

The National Safety Council presents tips on a week-by-week basis. Week 1 is to ensure Summertime Safety. Week 2 is Preventing Overexertion. Weeks 3, 4 and 5 are Teen Driving Safety, Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls and On the Road, Off the Phone. The issues illustrate an important fact: While we can all take steps to reduce the threat of injury, many accidents are caused by someone else's carelessness.

Summertime Safety: Unintentional deaths reached about 128,200 in 2009, up from 125,800 in 2008. The cost of unintentional injuries to Americans and their employers is more than $693 billion each year.

Below are some tips about common summer activities:

Bicycling tips: Obey traffic rules. Know your bike's capabilities. Ride in single file with traffic, not against it. Make safe turns and cross intersections with care. Always be seen.

Sun and Heat Exposure: Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep your head and face cool. Wear long-sleeved shirts that are loose fitting and light colored. Carry water and take frequent breaks.

Summer and Alcohol Safety: Hot weather makes everyone thirsty. But alcohol and caffeinated drinks contribute to dehydration and heat exhaustion. Stay hydrated with water and sports drinks, especially if your job requires you to be outside and on the go. Make sure to check with your doctor if regular medications may affect you in the heat. Don't drink and drive or operate a boat. In 2008, 124 deaths and 276 injuries in the water were blamed on alcohol, according to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Playground Safety: Each year, more than 200,000 children visit hospital emergency rooms because of playground injuries. Make sure the equipment on the playground is sturdy and not susceptible to falling apart. Report any rusted equipment, exposed footings or sharp edges.

Fireworks Safety: In 2006, nearly 10,000 people were treated in emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries; more than 1/3 of them were under 15. Fireworks can be a lot of fun to watch, but they must be handled carefully. Fireworks cost millions in property damage and personal injury each year. Light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance. Keep water nearby and stay away from structures. Don't allow small children to handle fireworks. Your best bet is to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

Continue reading "National Safety Month Aims to Prevent St. Louis Accidents and Injuries" »

With springtime in the air and warmer temperatures on the way, that means it's prom and graduation season. That also means Missouri law enforcement officers have been cracking down on DUI offenders in an effort to preventunderage drunk driving accidents, the Missouri Department of Transportation says.

St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Ryan R. Cox encourages parents to be proactive in talking with their teens about the dangers of underage drinking as well as underage drinking and driving.

Between 2008 and 2010, there were 90 fatal crashes and 276 accidents that resulted in disability involving an impaired driver under 21. In those accidents 98 people were killed and 426 people seriously injured, the Department of Transportation reports. Last year alone, 234 people were killed and 957 seriously injured in Missouri crashes involving alcohol.

Accidents involving injury are devastating. They can result in weeks or months in the hospital, disfigurement, burns, severe brain or head injuries, disability and even death. When an underage driver has been drinking and has lost the ability to properly control a vehicle, they can have the potential to become a deadly weapon.

In Missouri, according to 2008 data by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 195 people died in accidents involving young drivers, which was eighth highest in the United States. Of those, 88 were drivers and 62 were passengers in their vehicles. Another 39 were in other vehicles and six were pedestrians.

Even an underage drunk driver who doesn't get into an accident faces severe punishment. Missouri has a Zero Tolerance Law, meaning the driver's license will be suspended if a teen driver is caught even with a trace of alcohol in their system. An arrest can result in jail time, having to use an ignition interlock device, costly fines and fees and other sanctions. Insurance costs will skyrocket. And arrest is a humiliating way to culminate prom or graduation.

Continue reading "Be Proactive in Making Sure Prom and Graduation Season is Safe" »