# Fatal Distracted Driving Accident Statistics in Missouri Request Your free consultation --- Posted on [05/14/25](https://dollar-law.com/fatal-distracted-driving-accident-statistics-in-missouri/) | [Dollar, Burns, Becker & Hershewe](https://dollar-law.com/author/1p21-admin/) | [Car Accidents](https://dollar-law.com/category/car-accidents/) 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](https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/distracted-driving) (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. ![fatal distracted driving accidents](https://dollar-law.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/fatal-distracted-driving-1.jpg) ## **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,](https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/distracted-driving) 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](https://www.savemolives.com/mcrs/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](https://dollar-law.com/kansas-city-personal-injury-lawyer/) 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](https://www.modot.org/safety-results#:~:text=Distracted%20driving%20remains%20a%20leading,in%20at%20least%20801%20fatalities), 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](https://dollar-law.com/kansas-city-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](/contact-us) an attorney today to explore your family’s legal options. --- Source: https://dollar-law.com/fatal-distracted-driving-accident-statistics-in-missouri/