Missouri restricts text messaging
Motorists 21 or younger in Missouri will be prohibited from text messaging while driving starting on Friday, when a new law takes effect.
The state joins 22 others in having some sort of prohibition on texting from behind the wheel. Illinois this year banned all drivers from texting. However, Missouri will be one of just nine that limit the law to a particular age group.
Study after study show that reading or typing text messages while driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving. Distracted driving is the leading cause of crashes, and more than half of teenage drivers report that they send text messages while behind the wheel. Last week, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said he would support federal legislation banning the practice.
Safety groups are behind it, too.
“The law is a small step toward counteracting some of the distracted driving that causes crashes in Missouri,” said Leanna Depue, director of Highway Safety for the Missouri Department of Transportation.
Violating the law could result in a $200 fine.
I don’t understand why this law only applies to 21 and under….is a 22-year-old who isn’t looking at the road not dangerous, then?
….”The law is a small step..”
I could have been a bigger step had it applied to all ages. I agree with Jennifer, it would seem by this law that in Missouri getting hit by a texting-driver over 21 years of age is somehow OK.
Sorry, should have read as: “It” could have been a bigger step…..
Why did the Missouri legislature decide it is unsafe for a 20 year old driver to text but not unsafe for a 21 year old, or for that matter, a 69 year old? This is the stupidest age restricted law I have ever heard of since I saw on Oklahoma City news years ago that a 15 year old could ride a motorcycle without a helmet, but you couldn’t get your ears pierced without parental permission unless you were 18.
there s/b no age limit - anyone texting while driving is dangerous and it s/b restricted