In the fight against distracted driving, much attention has been paid to dangers of texting; and rightfully so. As a result most states, including Missouri, have at a minimum passed partial texting bans. In Missouri, drivers under 21-years-old are prohibited from texting while driving. Now, a new bill proposes to expand the fight against distracted driving by making any...
Read MoreThe past year has been one of tragic accidents in the intercity bus industry. There was a string of fatal bus crashes across the county. These bus accidents have shed light on the issue of driver fatigue and the long hours bus drivers spend behind the wheel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) was commissioned to comprehensively study the...
Read MoreA proposed federal measure to improve motor vehicle safety will be delayed by nearly a year. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was expected to publish a rule in late February of 2011 creating a phased-in requirement for backup cameras on cars and trucks sold in the U.S. But NHTSA recently requested another 45-day commentary period, and told...
Read MoreCaps on medical malpractice awards were part of an aggressive tort reform platform in the mid-2000’s. One rationale behind the damage cap legislation was to lower insurance premiums in an effort to attract and keep physicians. Unfortunately, even after states passed damage caps, liability insurance premiums did not decrease and the caps have harsh unintended consequences for some injured...
Read MoreFor the first time in 12 years, motorcycling fatalities in the United States declined in 2009. While the reasons for the decline are not known, worsening economic conditions causing fewer new riders, fewer miles ridden, and casual riders selling their motorcycles have been cited as possible supporting factors. Yet, while the drop in deaths of approximately 10 percent is...
Read MoreAs unfortunate as it may be, getting sick is a fact of life. But, when an illness strikes – especially a serious one – the average person does not have the skills or experience necessary to understand why it happened or how to treat it. Instead, we rely on medical professionals to make these decisions for us. However, while...
Read MoreWhen a car, truck or SUV malfunctions, it can have serious consequences. Automakers have a duty to test their vehicles to make sure they are safe before selling them. Unfortunately, sometimes defects show up after the vehicles are on the road. Under those circumstances, the automakers must issue a recall to repair problems. In January, Toyota recalled more than...
Read MoreMost Americans have noticed the erratic behavior of drivers on cell phones-the inconsistency in speed, the weaving, and even the crossing double yellow lines. If these behaviors remind you of a drunk driver, you’re correct-studies have shown that distracted driving, often caused by cell phone use, can result in the same poor driving behavior as driving under the influence....
Read MoreIn October, 2004, Raechel and Jacqueline Houck were driving in their rented PT Cruiser to visit their parents in Ventura County, California. Tragically, the sisters were both killed instantly when the PT Cruiser’s engine burst into flames and the car hit an oncoming tractor-trailer. The tragedy could have been prevented if only the rental agency, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, had addressed...
Read MoreFor kids throughout Missouri, the end of summer means one thing: the return of the school year. And, the return of the school means another thing: the return of school buses to the roads of Missouri. While the big yellow-buses are one of the safest modes of transportation for students, Missouri school bus accidents occasionally occur. If bus drivers,...
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