St. Louis Car Accident Lawyer Blog

Many of us already have Memorial Day Weekend plans and can't wait for the first holiday weekend of the year. But law enforcement is cracking down on drunk drivers in an effort to reduce the risk of drunk driving accidents in St. Louis and across the state.

Ryan R. Cox and Associates encourage safe driving during the holiday weekend. A holiday is a time to be enjoyed with family and friends, whether it's enjoying the weather outside, traveling to one of Missouri's lakes or just visiting friends and family. St. Charles DUI accidents can be one of the most devastating things a person can experience, so be safe and be responsible.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. Every available officer will be on the road, enforcing traffic laws. The Patrol will also assign troopers to 20-mile intervals along Interstates 35, 40, 44, 55 and 70 and U.S. Highways 60 and 63. Troopers will be vigilant to aggressive driving behavior.

In 2010 during Memorial Day weekend, six people died and 440 were injured in 1,010 traffic crashes. Inattention, speeding, and failing to yield the right-of-way were the leading contributing factors during last year's holiday weekend.

Troopers are also warning drivers that Memorial Day is also the unofficial start to the boating season. Last Memorial Day weekend, there were 14 boating accidents with eight injuries. Three people drowned. Officers arrested 36 people for boating while intoxicating.

Whether it's on the road or in the water, operating while drinking is dangerous, irresponsible and can be easily avoided. These types of accidents don't have to happen, but if they do, seek justice. Don't let someone's irresponsibility impact the security and financial well-being of you and your family.

Continue reading "Memorial Day Weekend Fast Approaching - Increased Risk of St. Louis Car Accidents" »

Law enforcement officials are reminding motorists that as the weather gets warmer motorcyclists will be returning to the roadways, the Lake News reports.

St. Louis motorcycle accident lawyers welcome the sunshine of spring and realize as the temperatures increase, so does the risks for Missouri motorcycle accidents.

Sharing the road is the message that Motorcycle Awareness Month brings to the table. Due to their size, motorcycles can easily vanish in drivers' blind spots. All motorists and riders need to use their turn signals so everyone on the road knows each others intentions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a motorcyclists is 37 times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than a passenger car occupant. In 2008, Missouri had 102 riders die in traffic crashes.

Safety tips for other motorists:
-Never share a lane with a motorcycle; they are entitled to the full lane. Motorcycles have all of the rights and privileges of any other vehicle on the road.

-At intersections and before entering or leaving a lane of traffic, always check for motorcycles. Look in your mirrors and turn your head to check for blind spots.

-Never merge into traffic or change lanes without using your turn signal.

-Turn signals on motorcycles are not self-canceling and sometimes riders forget to turn them off. Make sure the motorcycle is slowing down and turning before proceeding. Don't assume because the signal is flashing that the rider is turning.

-Never tailgate a motorcycle, keep a following distance of three or four seconds. When road surfaces are dry, motorcycles can stop a lot faster than a car.

-Distracted driving is a danger to everyone, pay attention while you are driving.

Rider safety tips:

-Never drink and ride.

-Wear a helmet, eye protection and bright clothing. Wear leather or thick clothing for protection - dress for safety.

-Know how your motorcycle handles in different road conditions.

-If you are new to riding, get formal training. If you haven't ridden in a while, take a refresher course. Know your bike well before riding in heavy traffic.

-Be visible, keep your headlight on night and day. Use reflective material on your motorcycle and clothing. Be mindful of vehicle's blind spots and stay out of them.

-Always use your turn signal, and turn it off after using it.

-Expect the unexpected - always be thinking about safety. Plan escape routes, increase your visibility by lane positioning and look for turning vehicles.

-Ride defensively.

Continue reading "Motorcycle Safety Awareness month meant to reduce motorcycle accidents in St. Louis" »