Safe Driving

There is a strong link between the failure to wear a seat belt and many serious injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents.

Car accidents can occur anytime, anywhere. Missouri sees a fair share of car accidents, and many people get injured and lose their lives in these accidents. In Missouri, car accidents occur for various reasons, including the negligence or recklessness of one or more drivers. Regardless of the cause of the accident, the resulting injuries can be life-changing. There is a strong link between the failure to wear a seat belt and many serious injuries and fatalities resulting from car accidents.

According to the Missouri Department of Transportation, six out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are not wearing their safety belts. In fact, traffic accidents are among the most common causes of fatalities for those aged 30 and less in the US. In Missouri, people in the age group of 21-34 years are at the biggest risk of death from car accidents.

Recent statistics indicate that the rate of seat belt usage lags behind the national average. In fact, in 2019 around 87 percent of Missouri drivers use seat belts, while the national average was around 90 percent. If drivers and passengers used the restraint systems and strapped their children into appropriate boosters and car seats, the number of serious injuries and fatalities could be reduced significantly.

Most of us believe that winters are often a dangerous time to be on the roads because of poor weather conditions such as fog, snow, and ice. However, summertime has its dangers as well. Safety often depends on the drivers’ and passengers’ actions because it is often the negligence of a driver that directly causes a car accident and the resulting damages. Therefore, it is important to follow all traffic rules while driving, including wearing your seat belt at all times.

Injured in a St. Louis Auto Accident?

If you have been involved in a St. Louis auto accident caused by another driver’s negligence, you have a legal right to seek compensation. To ensure you do not settle for less than you are legally entitled to for present and future expenses, speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney as soon as possible.

There are many rules of the road that drivers must follow in Missouri, but many behaviors can increase the likelihood of an accident.

Driving is not a right; it is a privilege. As such, those who drive are responsible for using caution and great care when behind the wheel. There are many rules of the road that drivers must follow in Missouri, but many behaviors can increase the likelihood of an accident. To limit your risks, try to avoid these driving practices.

Since Missouri is an at-fault state, that means that whoever is negligent in an accident is generally responsible for paying for any injuries and damages. To make sure that you aren’t at fault, exercise good driving behaviors. To reduce your chances of causing or being involved in an accident:

• Always make sure that if you are entering onto a roadway that you look both ways. It is important to be cautious of all traffic lanes and surroundings to avoid being in an accident.
• Recognize your blind spots instead of relying on your car. New safety features and cameras are a great convenience but don’t make the mistake of thinking that they can override your vigilance. Be aware of when things are in your blind spot, and don’t rely too heavily on your mirrors or sensors.
• Don’t follow too closely or tailgate. Riding closely on the tail of another driver isn’t going to make them go any faster or get you to your destination quicker. It is only going to increase the chances of you being in a car wreck. Keep a safe buffer in between you and the car ahead of you, just in case they stop suddenly.
• Drive appropriately for the weather conditions. If there is snow on the road or heavy rain, take precautions and adjust your driving behaviors accordingly. Just because there is a posted speed limit doesn’t mean you can’t go under it when conditions call for you to use special care.
• If you see someone driving erratically, move out of their way. If someone is tailgating you, move aside and let them pass. It is not your job to monitor their bad behaviors, and slamming on your brakes to teach them a lesson, or even slowing down, might be creating the potential for disaster.
• Maintain your vehicle. Ensure that your car is in working order by always maintaining it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Obey the speed limit. In Missouri, the posted speed limits are not just an optional guide – they are the law. Make sure to follow posted speeds to avoid a ticket and reduce the potential for an accident.

Do Your Part to Prevent a Crash

The best way to avoid an accident is by driving to prevent one. Practice good driving habits when out on the road to limit the risks of being in an accident and reduce the potential that you might be at fault. If you are in an accident, make sure to speak with an experienced St. Louis car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. to protect your legal interests and help you get the compensation you are entitled to under Missouri law.

Pets can be a danger for drivers traveling with them, as they obviously won’t be aware of the danger of distracting their owner.

The image of a dog traveling with its owner in the car and happily sticking its head out of the window and its tongue out is a common view around the world. Unfortunately, it’s one of the things that cannot only put in danger the beloved companion, but also its owner and others on the road.

Taking your pet with you in the car while driving is often inevitable. Whether you are taking your dog with you on vacation, your cat to the vet, or just bought a pet bird that you are bringing home your children, you likely have a good reason for taking them with you. However, regardless of your reasons, you should always make sure that the trip will be safe for everyone. 

How to Properly Restrain Your Pets During Travel?

Even though Missouri state law does not require you specifically to restrain your dog during driving, it is highly recommended that you do it, as it protects the pet’s life and prevents it from distracting you and causing an accident.

The method of restraining depends a lot on the pet and its size. 

Travel Crates

They are often recommended as the safest method of transporting a pet and the least stressful for them. Using a crate that is fit for the size of your pet is important, so is providing comfort for them. Use a blanket or toy that the pet has used and is marked with its scent, provide food and water, and get the pet used to the crate before any travel.

Car Barriers for Pets

Any person who has traveled with their dog in the back seat knows that they can get agitated and distracting. To prevent the dog from jumping on the front seats and causing an accident, you can install a barrier made of mesh or other material that can keep the pet in the back of the car. For big dog owners, there are also solutions for keeping them in at the rear compartment of the car, separated by a solid metal net. 

Harnesses 

Another system that can work for dogs is a harness that can be secured in the back seat. It will prevent the pet from jumping on the front seats and it also protects it in case there is a sudden stop or a collision. 

Why Is It Important to Keep Your Pets Secure While Driving

Pets can be a danger for drivers traveling with them, as they obviously won’t be aware of the danger of distracting their owner. They can try to escape from the car, make loud noises, and move around the car, which can all be very dangerous for themselves and for drivers. 

Make sure your pet’s life is safe in your car, and that you can drive responsibly while enjoying their company. 

If you have been involved in a St. Louis car accident involving a pet, get in touch with an experienced car accident attorney at The Hoffmann Law Firm, L.L.C. to learn more about your legal right to compensation.