The On-The-Go World We Live
A lot has changed over the 32 years I have been working as a personal injury lawyer. One of the biggest changes is how technology has brought multi-tasking into nearly everything we do. From emails, text messages, phone calls and the massive shift to social media that has us sharing our daily lives like never before. Americans have always been in the pursuit of, well, everything. Now more than ever we are on the go. We expect, crave getting things done faster, easier and more efficient. With today’s world comes greater risk, it’s never been more important when it comes to driving on Missouri’s roadways to slow down. In Springfield, Missouri, and other cities within our community, people are being injured and killed because negligent drivers were too busy to pay attention. Below we have listed the top three reasons care accidents in America occur. From all of us at Ransin Injury Law, please slow down, take an extra couple of seconds, and help keep you, your family, and other’s safe.
Top Three Causes for Car Accidents in Missouri
Many times people that I come across are shocked to learn just how many people in our nation and locally are affected by car accidents. In the United States, over 10 million people are involved in car accidents each year. Car accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers in America according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The reality is that car accidents cause harm and devastation to innocent people each year.
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Distracted Driving
Distracted driving continues to be the number one leading cause of car accidents in America. Talking on the phone, texting, eating, reading, grooming, and talking are just some of the ways drivers get distracted behind the wheel. Drivers who use a hand-held device are four times more likely to get into a car accident than drivers who pay attention to the road ahead. Individuals who text message while driving are 23 times more likely to get into an accident. Do not risk your safety or your life. Put everything down and pay attention to the road ahead. It’s the single most important thing you can do today to reduce your risk of getting into a car accident.
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Speeding
Everything around us is centered on the lure of quick convenience. Drive-thus, ATMs, and corner stores are just some examples of our need for speed. However, on the roadway, speed is undoubtedly deadly. Speeding is one of the most prevalent causes of car accidents today according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. Speeding contributes to about a third of all car accidents in America. Slow down and give yourself ample time to get where you need to go. It’s not worth saving 10 minutes for the potential of losing your life or putting another person in danger.
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Drunk Driving
Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous behaviors on the road today. Over 1.41 million drivers were arrested in 2010 on suspicion of driving under the influence. MADD – Mothers Against Drunk Driving – estimates that 300,000 incidents of drunk driving occur daily. It goes without saying that drunk driving is hazardous and irresponsible. Accidents that occur by way of drunk driving are completely preventable. Do your part by always designating a sober driver well ahead of time? Prepay and arrange for your taxi ride before going out. And hide your friends’ keys if you suspect they may be too intoxicated to drive.
Missouri’s Statewide Fatalities
Below showcases the Missouri Highway Patrol’s reported statewide deaths year to year.