Cell phone use while driving is not new. In fact, a number of states have enacted laws that specifically govern when and how a cell phone may be used, if at all, while driving. Many of those laws were enacted prior to the proliferation of texting and email, now widely available of cell phones.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that all use of cell phone and text messaging devices, which would include tablets, while driving be made illegal throughout the entire United States – unless there is an emergency situation. While the NTSB does not create laws, many state lawmakers are taking the NTSB recommendation seriously.
Distracted driving has become more endemic in recent years and is poised to be an even greater threat, particularly with new drivers who are inexperienced to begin with. According to the NTSB, distracted driving was a factor in at least 3,092 traffic accidents in 2010. NTSB member Robert Sumwalt even went so far as to call distracted driving the “new DUI”.
The NTSB cited a multi-vehicle traffic accident that occurred in Missouri in August 2010. The accident involved a tractor-trailer, a pickup truck and two buses. More than 30 people were injured and two people killed, including the 19-year-old driver of the pickup, who sent or received 11 text messages within 11 minutes.
Missouri has yet to enact law prohibiting cell phone use, texting or emailing while driving. However, this does not prevent someone who engages in such behavior from being sued for negligence. Our experience injury attorneys know how to prove another party’s negligence due to distracted driving. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another person’s negligent driving, our attorneys are ready to help.
For assistance with your legal matter, we invite you to call on our trial attorneys to ascertain how the law firm of W. Morris Taylor, P.C., can put over 50 years of legal experience to work for you, call us at (314) 725-7000, or contact us online. Discover how we earned our reputation for excellence and our track record of success.
