Missouri Texting While Driving Law: Put the Cell Phone Down

In Missouri, distracted driving has become a significant public safety issue. One of the most common forms of distraction on the road is texting while driving. 

In response to rising numbers of accidents and fatalities caused by distracted drivers, the state has enacted laws aimed at reducing texting-related crashes. These laws are intended to make Missouri’s roadways safer and to promote responsible driving behavior. 

Understanding the legal implications of texting while driving in Missouri can help drivers avoid penalties and, more importantly, reduce the risks of car accidents.

The experienced car accident attorney at the Law Offices of Joe Phillips aim to help clients in St. Louis, Missouri, handle the consequences of distracted driving. 

The Dangers of Texting While Driving

Texting while driving is a dangerous behavior that takes a driver’s attention away from the road. Research consistently shows that texting while behind the wheel increases the likelihood of car accidents. When a driver looks down at their phone, even for a few seconds, they lose vital awareness of their surroundings. 

In those moments, the risk of hitting another vehicle, pedestrian, or obstacle skyrockets. The act of texting involves several cognitive, visual, and manual distractions. A driver must read the message, think about how to respond, and then type a reply—all while trying to maintain control of the vehicle. 

This multitasking increases the chance of making mistakes, which is why Missouri law treats texting while driving as a serious offense. Every year, more and more car accidents occur due to distractions caused by cell phones.

Missouri’s Texting While Driving Law

In Missouri, the law that addresses texting while driving is clear. As of 2014, it became illegal for drivers of all ages to send or receive text messages while operating a motor vehicle. This applies to drivers using smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. The law specifically prohibits reading, writing, or sending a text while driving. 

Missouri’s law also bans texting in construction zones, where the risks of car accidents are even greater due to workers and heavy equipment being present. A violation of this law can result in a fine, but the consequences go beyond just a financial penalty. 

A driver cited for texting while driving may face an increased risk of being involved in a car accident. Missouri authorities believe that stricter enforcement of texting laws can play a significant role in reducing the number of accidents on the road.

Penalties for Violating the Law

When a driver is caught texting while driving in Missouri, they can be fined. The penalty for a first offense is generally modest, often ranging from $50 to $100. However, subsequent violations can lead to higher fines, and the driver may also accumulate points on their driving record. 

Accumulating too many points can lead to license suspension or other penalties, making it even more important for drivers to adhere to the law. While the penalties may not seem severe at first glance, the long-term consequences of being involved in a car accident due to texting while driving are far more serious. 

Car accidents caused by distracted driving can result in significant physical harm, property damage, and emotional trauma for all involved. Drivers should keep this in mind, as the risks of texting while driving extend far beyond just receiving a ticket.

The Impact of Texting While Driving on Car Accidents

Texting while driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents in Missouri and across the United States. According to numerous studies, drivers who text are far more likely to cause accidents than those who remain focused on the road. 

The act of texting reduces reaction time, impairs judgment, and leads to a loss of situational awareness—all factors that contribute to accidents. In Missouri, car accidents caused by texting have led to severe injuries and fatalities. As technology advances, drivers are more likely to become distracted by their phones, even as they drive in hazardous conditions. 

The state’s laws are part of an ongoing effort to reduce these dangers and promote safer driving habits. However, law enforcement officers can only do so much. It’s crucial for drivers to recognize that texting while driving poses a serious risk to themselves and others on the road.

How Law Enforcement Reduces Texting-Related Car Accidents

Law enforcement officers in Missouri play an essential role in enforcing the texting while driving law. Officers use various strategies to catch offenders, from direct observation to monitoring traffic cameras. 

Despite these efforts, the challenge remains: many drivers continue to text behind the wheel, putting themselves and others at risk. Missouri State Highway Patrol and local law enforcement agencies regularly conduct awareness campaigns and enforcement operations aimed at reducing distracted driving. 

Additionally, increased collaboration between lawmakers, law enforcement, and technology providers could lead to innovative solutions, such as apps that restrict phone usage while driving or advancements in hands-free technology. By combining enforcement with preventative measures and education, Missouri can work toward creating safer roads for everyone.

These campaigns often highlight the risks of texting while driving and encourage drivers to keep their phones out of reach while on the road. However, changing driver behavior requires more than just enforcement. It involves education, outreach, and a shift in public attitudes toward texting and driving.

Public Awareness and Education

Educating the public about the dangers of texting while driving is an essential component of Missouri’s strategy to reduce distracted driving-related accidents. Many drivers may not realize how dangerous texting can be or may believe they’re capable of multitasking safely. 

In reality, texting while driving is just as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Missouri’s Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and other organizations run various campaigns throughout the year to raise awareness about distracted driving.

These campaigns include public service announcements, school programs, and community outreach efforts. In addition to informing the public about the risks of texting while driving, these campaigns emphasize alternatives to texting, such as using hands-free devices or pulling over to send a message.

While these campaigns are helpful, they’re not a cure-all. Drivers need to make personal decisions to avoid texting while behind the wheel. Parents, employers, and community leaders also have a role in reinforcing the message that texting while driving is dangerous and unacceptable.

The Importance of Changing Driver Behavior

Ultimately, reducing car accidents caused by texting requires a cultural shift. Drivers must understand that texting while driving isn’t just a minor inconvenience but a serious risk to their safety and the safety of others.

The more that people take this message to heart, the more likely it is that texting-related accidents will decrease. Educational campaigns and stricter enforcement of texting-while-driving laws can further emphasize the importance of safe driving habits. Personal responsibility is key in this effort. Drivers must actively choose to keep their phones out of reach.

Employers can also help by discouraging employees from texting while driving and promoting safer alternatives. Encouraging technology that blocks notifications while driving can also play a role in creating safer roadways. By making these choices, everyone can help reduce the number of car accidents on Missouri’s roads.

Enlist Experienced Legal Support

Attorney Joe Phillips serves clients in St. Louis, Missouri, or throughout St. Charles County, St. Louis County, and Jefferson County. Call the Law Offices of Joe Phillips today for more information.