MSHP launches anti-texting campaign
Janet Morales - August 16, 2010
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The Missouri State Highway Patrol this month launched its statewide public safety campaign to encourage Missouri’s motorists to put down their phones and prevent traffic crashing from the dangerous distractions caused by texting while driving.
“Distracted drivers cause many of the traffic injuries and deaths we deal with on our roads today, and cell phone usage – particularly texting while driving – is especially dangerous and unsafe. These tragic consequences are easily preventable if drivers would simply put down their phones and focus on the road,” said Col. Ron Replogle, Missouri State Highway Patrol.
Col. Replogle added that the campaign complements Missouri’s current anti-texting law, which prohibits use of cell phones or texting devices for drivers 21 years of age and younger. He called on all Missouri drivers to honor the letter and the spirit of the law – regardless of age – and stop texting while driving to help make Missouri’s highways safer for all motorists. Missouri is one of 38 states in the nation to enact anti-texting legislation.
According to MSHP statistics, cell phone usage while driving contributed to more than 1,780 traffic crashes in Missouri in 2009, more than any other form of distracted driving. In the first half of 2010, there were 791 traffic crashes related to the use of cell phones behind the wheel resulting in eight fatalities and 239 injuries. Additionally, in this same time period, there were 17,535 crashes where distracted driving has been cited as a contributing cause.
Sgt. Brent Bernhardt, MSHP Public Information and Education Officer located in Troop B, Macon, said distracted driving runs the gamut from speeding to adjusting the radio to drinking, all of which are equally important.
“When texting and operating a vehicle,” said Bernhardt, “a person’s eyes are off the road 60 percent of the time.”
In the educational programs he presents, Bernhardt tries to educate people regarding the law against reading and sending texts by anyone 21 years of age or under. But he also emphasizes the dangers of such action for all persons, no matter their age.