Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving. Texting is the most alarming distraction because it involves all three types: visual, manual, and cognitive. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds.
• Put your phone away while driving
• If you must use your phone, pull over to a safe location
• Set your GPS before you start driving
• Ask a passenger to handle calls or texts
Speeding
Speed is a factor in many traffic crashes in Missouri. Higher speeds reduce your ability to steer safely around curves or objects in the roadway, extend the distance required to stop, and increase the severity of a crash when it occurs.
• Obey posted speed limits
• Adjust your speed for weather, road, and traffic conditions
• Allow extra time to reach your destination
• Remember: speed limits are set for ideal conditions
Alcohol Impairment
Alcohol impairs your ability to drive safely. Even one drink can affect your judgment, coordination, and reaction time. In Missouri, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or higher.
• Never drink and drive
• Designate a sober driver before going out
• Use ride-sharing services or public transportation
• If you see an impaired driver, call 911 or *55
Seat Belt Use
Seat belts are the single most effective safety device for preventing death and injury in a traffic crash. Missouri law requires all front seat occupants and all passengers under 16 to wear a seat belt.
• Always buckle up, every trip, every time
• Make sure all passengers are buckled before driving
• The lap belt should fit snugly across your hips, the shoulder belt across your chest
• Never place the shoulder belt behind your back or under your arm
Child Safety Seats
Missouri law requires children under 8 years old who weigh less than 80 pounds to be in an appropriate child safety seat or booster seat. Proper use of child safety seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by up to 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
• Rear-facing seats: infants and toddlers should ride rear-facing as long as possible
• Forward-facing seats: use a forward-facing seat with a harness until the child outgrows it
• Booster seats: use a booster until the seat belt fits properly (usually 4'9" tall)
• Children under 13 should ride in the back seat
Make the Right Choice
Every time you get behind the wheel, you make choices that affect your safety and the safety of others. Choose to drive sober, buckle up, put down your phone, and obey the speed limit. These simple choices save lives.
Contact
Missouri State Highway Patrol
1510 East Elm Street, Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: (573) 751-3313
Website: www.statepatrol.dps.mo.gov
Emergency: 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55