No one likes coming in last. But according to the 2017 report from the National Safety Council, Missouri ranked last in the nation for preventable accidents and deaths. Safety issues should be a top 2018 goal for Missouri residents.
A deadly late October 2017 rollover car crash in Saint Charles County illustrates this point. Neither the driver nor his passenger were wearing their seat belts. Both were ejected from the car and died as a result. Tragically, both young men were in their early twenties with their whole lives ahead of them.
We’d like to hold our children’s hands forever and keep them safe into adulthood.
But that’s not our job!
Often, the most powerful way we can influence them is by example. Fiercely-independent minded Missourians, here are some ways you can help improve the road safety statistics during this busy holiday season.
1. We’ve said it before. Buckle up!
More than 50% of traffic fatalities occur because of failure to wear a seat belt, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety/seatbelts/facts.html
There’s no reason we cannot set the example in this area, whether you are a parent or not. Insist that your passengers wear seat belts.
Recently I pulled over when I realized a young passenger of mine was still struggling to put on his seat belt. We stopped until the problem was resolved. End of story. No one rides in my vehicle without buckling up.
2. Put down the phone, especially in work zones.
These zones can sneak up on you quickly. It’s so easy to blink and miss a sign for upcoming road construction, especially if you’re chatting on the phone.
In many states it is illegal to use a hand-held phone while driving.
Just last week, we witnessed a driver illegally cut over a lane in front of a police officer because he was distractedly talking on his cell. Bad move! We saw him get busted. Kinda cheered. Just saying.
Cell phones and driving — it’s a trend that’s here to stay. Hands-free chatting is cheap, easy, and much safer. Just do it already!
3. Use your manners when you drive.
Let’s take a quick quiz! How mannerly are you on the road?
Do you always, sometimes, or never do the following?
a. Use your blinker when turning.
b. Yield when merging into traffic.
c. Keep at least a car-length between you and the car in front of you while driving.
d. Allow for a car-length distance when changing lanes in front of a slower vehicle.
If you answered ALWAYS to this short list, your momma would be proud of you! You’re probably a model Missouri driver. Keep up the good work.
If you fall into the “sometimes” or “never” category, chances are you may have a few moving violation tickets under your belt. The state of Missouri is unhappy with you — they have a reputation to improve.
Are you at risk for losing your license? Even failure to use your signal properly can mean two points on your license in Missouri. Those small moving violations, like credit card debt, add up quickly!
The Law Offices of Nathan A. Steimel, LLC offers experienced, aggressive legal help for folks with moving traffic violations — even if you had a bad day and forgot your traffic manners.
Call 636-244-3737 for a free case evaluation today from an experienced Missouri traffic attorney.
http://steimel-law.com/traffic-matters.html
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