Guidelines Hope To Reduce Missouri Motor Vehicle Accidents
A 21-year-old MoDOT, Missouri Department of Transportation, worker was killed in Springfield, Missouri when his dump truck collided with a tractor-trailer. The decedent was on duty when a rainstorm moved into the area; he was driving traveling through several locations to check on flooded roads and set up signs to close the roads. In the course of driving between locations, his dump truck struck the tractor-trailer nearly head-on. The cause of the tractor trailer crash has not been determined, but the rainstorm undoubtedly caused compromising driving conditions.
MoDOT statistics note that motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for those ages two through 33. It is suggested that most adults spend about two months behind the wheel each year, and it is suspected that as driving becomes a habit, basic driving rules are often neglected. Of all the traffic accidents that take place, only 13% of these accidents are caused by environmental factors, meaning that the majority of accidents are simply caused by human error and various other human factors.
MoDOT has produced a comprehensive guide in hopes of reducing fatal and serious Missouri Truck Crash roadway injuries; the following items have been suggested:
•Follow the speed limit. Chapter 304 of the Missouri Revised Statutes makes it a crime to travel faster than the posted speed limit. Get caught and you're looking at a fine, points off your license and higher insurance rates. Get caught enough times and you could lose your license.
•Buckle up. Safety belts are the single most effective safety device available for occupants in motor vehicles. The Graduated Driver's License Law requires all drivers holding a permit or an intermediate license – and all passengers – to wear a safety belt at all times when operating a motor vehicle.
*Chapter 307 of the Missouri Revised Statutes requires all adults riding in the front seat of a car, truck, SUV or van to wear safety belts.
*Children ages four through 15 must always wear their safety belts whether they're in the front or the back seat.
*Children under four must be properly secured in an approved child safety seat.
•Don't drink and drive. Chapters 302 and 577 of the Missouri Revised Statutes make it a criminal offense to operate a motor vehicle at or above .08 percent BAC. But you can also be convicted of DWI with BAC levels of less than .08 if an officer determines your driving was impaired by illegal drugs, alcohol or medication.
In relation to the unfavorable driving conditions in the accident above, FMCSA requires extreme caution while driving tractor-trailers in such conditions under §392.14. It states:
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