subject: Take The Pledge Not To Text And Drive [print this page] In the past few years texting while driving has become one of the most common kinds of distracted driving. It has hit our Missouri roads with a huge impact. Even though there is a partial ban in Missouri prohibiting drivers under 22 from texting while driving, it remains widespread.
According to studies, 6,000 people were killed and an additional half a million injured in accidents caused by distracted driving. All distracted driving is risky, but why is texting so much more hazardous?
Just talking on the phone will definitely cause distracted driving. It limits the amount they are able to hear, but more importantly it causes the driver to divide their attention between the road and their conversation. However much their mind is distracted, though, the driver will still be looking at the road. Texting while driving is different. Not only does it distract the driver's mental attention, but it forces the driver to completely ignore the road and, instead, to stare at their tiny cell phone screen.
How is it possible to stop unnecessary fatalities and injuries from drivers texting? Oprah has been very proactive here, and we should all follow her example. The No Phone Zone pledge gets drivers all over the nation to promise not to text while driving. Without anti-texting legislation, this might be the extent of what we are able to do. But, some states HAVE passed laws prohibiting texting while driving, and nothing stops every state in the future from passing their own laws. Personal responsibility will always be foremost.
Some states, such as Missouri, have laws that make it harder to get a car accident claim because of texting while driving. It's not illegal to text and drive if your over 21, but if you get in an accident it could be considered negligence. Circumstances like this could be called negligent--a solid ground for an injury case.
Unfortunately an insurance adjuster will probably try to prevent you from getting the full amount owed to you if the accident was caused by another driver texting. They will try their hardest to deny you coverage. For that reason, you must remember that you do have legal options if you are injured. A car accident attorney may be able to fight the insurance company for youthey might be able to get you help with your medical bills.
Before you do anything, the best thing is to be prepared for the worst with a solid base of information. Make sure you find an attorney who gives you plenty of free information before you get into an accident about how to handle insurance adjusters. After that, remember not to text when you drive. Be safe!
