In Missouri, it is common for drivers to take their eyes off the road to check a notification or reach for something in the passenger seat. In these brief moments, they can easily miss obstacles like approaching stop signs and oncoming vehicles, and they can easily cause a fatal accident. Each year, distracted driving shatters hundreds of lives across Missouri, leaving families forever changed.
Understanding the Dangers of Distracted Driving
When drivers divert their attention from the road, they dramatically increase their risk of causing an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds while traveling at 55 miles per hour is like driving the entire length of a football field with your eyes closed.
There are three main types of distracted driving:
- Visual distractions take your eyes off the road, such as looking at a GPS, reading a text, or turning to speak with passengers.
- Manual distractions take your hands off the wheel, including eating, drinking, or adjusting radio controls.
- Cognitive distractions take your mind off driving, like talking on the phone or daydreaming.
Distracted Drivers in Fatal Crashes 2019-2023
The toll of distraction on Missouri roads has been devastating. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, 414 people died in accidents involving a distracted driver from 2019 to 2023.
In these crashes:
- Men were significantly overrepresented in these crashes, accounting for 279 distracted drivers compared to 112 women.
- Young adults between 20-29 years old were most frequently involved (94 drivers), followed by those aged 30-39 (83 drivers) and 50-59 (57 drivers).
- 88% of distracted drivers in fatal crashes were older than 21 years of age.
- 52% of those killed were someone other than the distracted driver—innocent passengers, pedestrians, and other motorists.
The Impact of Smartphone Use Behind the Wheel
Smartphones have dramatically increased the frequency of distracted driving. Activities like texting, scrolling social media, taking photos, or participating in video calls create a perfect storm of visual, manual, and cognitive distraction. According to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety, a study from AT&T found that nearly 9 in 10 people engage in some level of smartphone activity while driving. This data reveals how normalized this dangerous behavior has become, despite the overwhelming evidence of its deadly consequences.
Laws Aimed at Saving Lives
The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law is Missouri’s strongest effort to combat distracted driving. Under this law, drivers are prohibited from physically holding or supporting a cell phone, manually typing or reading text messages, recording or watching videos, and posting to social media while driving. Injury attorneys in Kansas City explain that states with similar hands-free laws have seen an average 15% decrease in fatality rates, according to the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety—proving the effectiveness of legislation like this.
Distracted Driving Over the Past Decade in Missouri
The crisis of distracted driving has persisted across Missouri for years. According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, between 2012 and 2021, more than 200,000 distracted driving-related crashes occurred statewide. These accidents claimed at least 801 lives. Despite increased awareness campaigns and strengthened laws, distracted driving remains a leading cause of traffic fatalities in the state.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal distracted driving accident, you deserve justice. A Kansas City, Missouri car accident lawyer can help you seek justice and advocate for your family’s right to financial compensation. They can investigate the crash, gather evidence of distraction, and vigorously represent your rights in court. Contact an attorney today to explore your family’s legal options.