As technology has changed how we communicate and relate to the world around us, it has crept into our routine tasks, such as driving. While some people use their smartphones for navigation, it only increases the temptation to read recent text messages or quickly check for updates on social media. Insurance agents, health care professionals, and many others urge society to change these habits to improve the safety of themselves and others. Doing so could mean the difference between a safe ride and an auto accident. Here’s what you should know.

What You Should Know About Distracted Driving in Missouri

What Are Missouri’s Cellphone Driving Laws?

Since 2013, it has been illegal for drivers 21 and under to text while operating a motor vehicle. This includes anything from sending to reading a message. It also includes reading and writing emails on a phone or any other mobile device. However, there is no law in place that states drivers cannot use their phones to converse while driving. This applies to operators of all ages.

What Might Happen if You Are Involved in an Auto Accident?

Because texting while driving is illegal in the state, you may be fined if law enforcement catches you in the act, and you will likely receive points against your driver’s license. Moreover, distracted driving while using a cellphone in any way could also lead to an auto accident, which could have grave consequences for you, the other driver, and your vehicles.

What Happens If the Other Driver Was Also on the Phone?

The law applies to any driver between the ages of 16 and 21 who uses the cellphone to send or read messages while driving. However, that doesn’t mean that a person over age 21 who used their cellphone to text while driving would not be held accountable in an auto accident. In Missouri, fault must be determined—and for this, it’s essential to hire a lawyer to assist in proving that the other party was at fault. Your attorney will retrieve all of the necessary documentation, including police reports and insurance details, to establish your case.

Make it a point to focus on road safety by reducing distracted driving. If you find that you need a qualified lawyer to assist in your auto accident case, you can trust the experts at Kirksey Law Firm in Bolivar, MO. The attorneys handle every aspect of your case to ensure the result that you expect and deserve. Visit them online for more details, and call (417) 326-4529 to schedule a consultation.