St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Over half of teen drivers admit to using their cell phones while driving, causing an increased risk of Missouri car accidents. Thirty percent of those surveyed by the Department of Transportation also admitted to texting behind the wheel. New reports clearly show that teen drivers are likely to use hand-held devices behind the wheel without seeing it as dangerous.

Our St. Louis personal injury lawyers recognize the effects of irresponsible driving habits. Nearly 500,000 people were injured and 5,500 people were killed last year because of distracted driving in the United States. One in five of the distracted driving accidents involved cell phone use.

"It only takes a moment to cause a tragedy," says Jim Guest, president of Consumers Union, "No text or call is worth a life."

A recent survey by Consumer Reports shows how common distracted driving is among teens:

-63 admit to using their cell phones while driving.

-30 percent confessed to texting while driving.

-64 percent witnessed others texting while driving.

-Nearly 100 percent had seen others using their cell phone while driving.

"Distracted driving has become a deadly epidemic on America's roads and teens are especially vulnerable because of their inexperience behind the wheel and, often, peer pressure," says Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood. "Behind the statistics are real families who have been devastated by these tragedies," he adds.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is teaming up with Consumer Reports to get the word out about the dangers of distracted driving.

A free brochure offered to you by the Department of Transportation recommends these tips to help educate your teen driver:

-Make rules. No talking on the phone or texting while driving.

-Set a good example. Put your phone down while driving.

-Spread the word to family and friends.

-Stress the consequences of using a hand-held device while behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Distracted teen drivers increase risk for St. Louis car accidents" »

The Irish headquarters of St. Louis, Dogtown, will draw many celebrators this Thursday for the St. Patrick's Day Parade, causing an increased risk for drunk driving and St. Louis car accidents.

St. Louis personal injury lawyers urge residents and visitors to safely celebrate the Irish holiday this weekend. Unfortunately, St. Patrick's Day has a history of drunk driving accidents.

Drunk driving continues to be one of Missouri's most-often-committed and deadliest crimes and is often committed on St. Patrick's Day.

The St. Louis Patrick's Day Parade will be held Thursday, March 17th on Tamm Avenue. The real party begins afterward, but good luck getting into any of the bars or restaurants, like Seamus McDaniels, Pat's Bar & Grill, or Colombo's Cafe.

Many celebrators will be out not only enjoying the long weekend, but the green beer as well. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that there were 103 St. Patrick's Day car accident fatalities in 2009.

St. Louis Today would like to offer you some tips in staying safe this St. Patrick's Day weekend:

-If the host of a party, offer plenty on nonalcoholic beverages to guests.

-Stop serving alcohol one hour before the end of the festivities.

-Remember to designate a driver before heading out.

-If you encounter an impaired driver call police with information: car make, model, year, color, location, description of the driver.

"Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk," says Allstate Insurance's West Central Regional Sales Leader. "Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for driving while impaired can be significant."

Continue reading "St. Louis drivers urged not to rely on dumb luck in avoiding car accidents this St. Patrick's Day" »