Springfield Missouri Car Accident Lawyer Blog

During the first six months of 2012, car accident fatalities increased by 19% among 16 and 17 year-old drivers, according to a recent report from the Governors Highway Safety Administration (GHSA). As Springfield personal injury lawyers, we know that teens are already an at-risk age group when it comes to serious crashes, so the 2012 data is worrisome, to say the least. However, there's good news: research indicates that parental involvement has a significant impact on a young driver's behavior behind the wheel. "Parents play a key role in preventing teen crashes," says Erin Sauber-Schatz, Senior Researcher for the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. "When asked whose opinions they listen to, teens most often said their parents."

Consider the following statistics, compiled by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia:

• Teen drivers are half as likely to crash and twice as likely to wear their seat belts when their parents "set rules and pay attention to their activities in a helpful, supportive way." These drivers are also 70% less likely to drink and drive and 30% less likely to use a cell phone while driving.

• Conversely, teens who report having "easy access to the keys" are more than twice as likely to crash, compared to young drivers who share vehicles.

So, what are some specific actions parents can take to safeguard their young drivers? Here are a few basic steps to help you stay involved with your teens' driving education and reduce their accident risks.

• Be a hands-on driving teacher. Under Missouri's Graduated Driver License Law, drivers must receive 40 hours of supervised instruction (including 10 hours of nighttime driving) to graduate from an Instruction Permit to an Intermediate License. Use the opportunity to help your teen build experience by practicing on different kinds of roads, at different times of day, and in different weather and traffic conditions.

• Know what your teen is doing. Always ask where they're going, who they're going with, and when they'll be home - and hold them to their word! Teen drivers are more likely to take risks on the road when they're not being held accountable for their whereabouts and actions.

• Develop a parent-teen driving agreement that's right for your family. Establish clear ground rules so your teen understands your expectations and the consequences of breaking the rules. (Click here to view a sample contract.)

Continue reading "Teen driver fatalities increase in early 2012: What can parents do to help?" »

Car accidents happen in a matter of seconds, but they can have devastating long-term consequences for victims and their loved ones. In this post, our Springfield personal injury lawyers discuss ten facts about motor vehicle crashes and common contributing factors.

Ten facts about car accidents for Missouri drivers:

1. The average American has a 30% chance of being involved in a serious motor vehicle crash at some point during their life.

2. Annually, more than 30,000 people are killed in U.S. car accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation reports that the total societal cost of these fatal accidents is more than $200 billion each year.

3. Distraction is a leading cause of serious traffic accidents. A study conducted by Monash University found that drivers who use hand-held electronic devices are about four times more likely to be involved in crashes resulting in injuries.

4. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), speeding was a contributing factor in 31% of 2011 auto accidents. Since 2002, speeding has played a role in about one-third of all traffic crash fatalities nationwide.

5. Nearly 30 people are killed every day in U.S. crashes involving drivers who are under the influence of alcohol - that's one death every 48 minutes.

6. Pedestrians accounted for about 14% of 2011 auto accident fatalities. Approximately 69,000 pedestrians were injured in car crashes and 4,432 were killed.

7. Younger and older drivers have an increased risk of involvement in accidents. Teens between age 16 and 19 have a higher crash risk than any other age group - in fact, they're three times more likely to crash than drivers over age 20. And the IIHS reports that 'per mile traveled, fatal crash rates increase noticeably starting at age 70-74 and are highest among drivers 85 and older."

Continue reading "10 facts to know about car accidents in Springfield, Missouri & nationwide" »

Spring is finally here, and our Greene County personal injury lawyers know that many Missourians are looking forward to some relief from cold temperatures and wintry weather. However, a recent news release from the Missouri Highway Patrol asks drivers to remember that springtime also brings certain changes that can affect roadway travel. In this post, we discuss five useful safety tips for spring driving.

Spring driving safety tips for Missouri motorists:

• Use caution when traveling in unpredictable spring weather. As Springfield residents know all too well, springtime in the Ozarks can mean rain, sleet, hail, flash flooding, fog and widely varying temperatures, all of which can complicate roadway travel. When you encounter wet or slick roads, remember to slow down and increase your following distance. You'll also want to use your headlights and your defroster to help yourself see and be seen. Finally, avoid driving through large puddles, which can affect your brakes or cause you to hydroplane.

• Expect to see farming equipment on the road. With spring comes the planting season, which means more farming vehicles will be on the move. During the months ahead, drivers should expect to encounter these large slow-moving vehicles, especially on rural roads. Be sure to slow down and give them plenty of room, and be especially careful when passing. Remember that wide farming vehicles make extremely wide turns, so don't assume that a vehicle is moving to the right to allow you to pass. The driver may be preparing to turn left.

• Watch for increased recreational traffic. Missouri is home to a beautiful landscape, several rivers and lakes, and numerous state parks, so it's no surprise that many Ozarkers will be out enjoying the outdoors as temperatures continue to warm. Anticipate increased traffic, including local motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians. Also, expect more cars and trucks on the road, especially over the weekends.

• Have your vehicle serviced. Many drivers "winterize" their vehicle to prepare for traveling in cold temperatures, but spring is also an excellent time of year to ensure your vehicle is in good working order. Replace your windshield wiper blades, check your headlights and your tire pressure, and chance your vehicle's cabin air filter (especially if you suffer from seasonal allergies).

• Make safe driving a priority. Taking a few basic safety precautions can help ensure that you and your passengers are protected in the event of a crash. Buckle up, put your cell phone away, and don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking. It's common-sense advice, but it might just save someone's life.

Continue reading "Avoiding car accidents this spring: Tips for Springfield, Missouri drivers" »

Today is the first day of spring, and recent weather forecasts indicate that warmer temperatures are on the way. It won't be long before drivers can expect to see Missouri motorcyclists back on the road in increased numbers. Since there's little to no motorcycle traffic during the winter months, many drivers have forgotten all about motorcyclists by the time riding season rolls around. In this post, our Springfield personal injury lawyers discuss five key points that other drivers should keep in mind when sharing the road with motorcyclists.

Risk factors & motorcycles: What other drivers should remember when traveling near riders

• Motorcyclists lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle. When accidents happen, passenger vehicle occupants are afforded a level of protection from a vehicle's outer structure and safety devices, which include air bags and seat belts. Since there's virtually nothing between a rider and the road, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to injury when they're involved in collisions. A collision with minor consequences for car occupants can have extremely serious implications for motorcycle riders.

• Motorcycles are less visible than cars. All too often, motorcycle accidents occur because a driver simply didn't see the motorcycle until it was too late to avoid a crash. Because they're smaller and narrower than other vehicles, motorcycles can easily disappear into blind spots or be obscured by objects on or along the road. Always look twice for motorcycles, especially when you're turning or changing lanes - it really might save someone's life.

• Motorcyclists must make sudden adjustments for roadway conditions and hazards. Being prepared for the unexpected is a key part of defensive driving for all motorists. However, common hazards like loose gravel, wet pavement, and uneven train tracks can be extremely dangerous for riders. For this reason, motorcyclists are often required to make sudden adjustments (like slowing down or changing lane position) when they encounter these conditions. Be alert when you're following riders, and expect them to make such adjustments as needed.

Continue reading "Share the road: Look twice for Missouri motorcyclists this spring" »

Recent research suggests that more and more Americans are using bicycles as their regular method of transportation, citing factors like economic benefits, health advantages and the impact on the environment. Since spring is nearly here, our Springfield personal injury lawyers want to encourage all motorists to share the road safely with bicyclists and advise cyclists to take precautions to avoid auto accidents.

Avoiding Missouri bicycle accidents: Common scenarios in collisions involving bicycles and motor vehicles

Scenario 1: A driver pulls out of a side street or driveway on the right and either (1) strikes an oncoming cyclist or (2) pulls out in front of the cyclist, forcing the bicycle to strike the vehicle.
Avoiding this accident: It can be difficult for drivers to see bicycles coming straight towards them, so this kind of collision is fairly common. Be sure to ride with traffic rather than against it - after all, drivers won't be looking for traffic coming from the wrong direction. Also, using a headlight - even during the day - can help make cyclists more visible. If you're afraid a driver doesn't see you, consider waving your arm from side to side as you approach the vehicle - the side-to-side motion is easier for drivers to detect. And if all else fails, slow down enough so that you can stop if needed. It might be an annoyance, but it's far better to be annoyed than to be involved in an auto accident.

Scenario 2: A bicyclist moves slightly to the left to avoid a roadway obstruction and is rear-ended by a motor vehicle approaching from the behind.
Avoiding this accident: Don't shift into the traffic lane without checking for vehicles approaching behind you. Many cyclists use mirrors (attached to their handlebars, helmets or glasses) so they don't have to physically turn to check. Always signal before you move left, even if the movement is slight - some drivers don't allow extra space for cyclists, so shifting even an inch or two can put you at risk of being rear-ended.

Scenario 3: The driver of a parked vehicle opens his or her door right in front of an oncoming bicyclist.
Avoiding this accident: Unfortunately, this kind of collision happens frequently in metropolitan areas, where bike lanes tend to be placed as far to the right as possible. Cyclists use the term "door zone" to refer to the three to five-foot space in which a bicycle is in danger of being struck by a vehicle's door. To protect yourself, ride far enough to the left so that you won't be struck by a suddenly-opened door. It may mean that you have to ride in the traffic lane briefly, but you're less likely to be involved in an accident. Again, be mindful of other vehicles as you shift to the left.

Continue reading "Ride safe: Avoiding common Missouri bicycle accident scenarios" »

Though today's weather makes it hard to believe, it won't be long before boating season is upon us here in the Ozarks. To promote safe boating and help prevent boating accidents, Missouri law requires certain individuals to pass a state-approved boating education course before hitting the water.

These individuals include:

• Operators who were born after January 1, 1984.

• Operators who have been convicted of certain boating offenses, which include boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, negligent operation of a vessel, leaving the scene of an accident, and failing to yield to an emergency watercraft. Click here for more information.

Recently, Troop D of the Missouri Highway Patrol announced that boating safety certification courses will be offered to the public on the following dates:

• Saturday, April 23 at Cassville High School in Cassville, MO (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
• Saturday, April 20 at Troop D's headquarters in Springfield, MO (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.)
• Saturday, May 11 at U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Dewey Short Visitor Center in Branson, MO (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Boating safety certification courses: What Missouri boaters need to know

• You are required to pre-register online in order to take a course. Courses have a maximum size and may also be cancelled if there is not sufficient interest. Click here to pre-register, or to view a complete list of boating safety classes offered throughout the state.

• You must be present at the course in order to receive certification.

• The course is free. If you pass, you can order a boating safety certification card for $15.

• There is also an online boating safety course available, which is approved by the Highway Patrol. Click here for more information.

Boating accidents: The statistics

• According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,588 boating accidents nationwide in 2011. These accidents caused 758 deaths, over 3,000 injuries, and $52 million in costs associated with property damage.

• Here in Missouri, the Patrol says 19 people were killed and 86 people were injured in 2011 boating accidents.

• Of 2011 boating accident deaths nationwide, 70% drowned, and of that number, 84% were not wearing life jackets.

• Only 11% of boating accident fatalities nationwide occurred on boats where the operator had received boating safety training.

• The Coast Guard reports that the top five contributing factors in boating accidents are as follows: operator inattention, improper lookout, operator inexperience, excessive speed and equipment failure.

Continue reading "Prepare for Missouri boating season: Take a boating safety course" »

The first signs of winter have finally arrived in the Ozarks. During Tuesday's morning commute, there were multiple accidents reported - including one fatal crash - as a result of Missouri's notorious "black ice," which affected sections of Interstate 44, U.S. 65 and James River Freeway. Black ice is most likely to form on bridges and overpasses: cold air flowing above and below the structures causes them to collect ice and snow more quickly. For this reason, the flyover bridges in the James River Valley were especially treacherous yesterday morning.

According to the Springfield News-Leader, the fatal crash occurred on I-44, west of Halltown, just before 7:30 a.m. Larry Hall, 55, was killed when his vehicle ran off the road, hit a guardrail, overturned and rolled down an embankment. Shortly after, a secondary collision occurred - this one involving a semi-truck and a car - but no one was injured in that accident. Meanwhile, commuters on U.S. 65 experienced serious congestion and delays following a multi-vehicle wreck on the bridge over Springfield Lake. Traffic was redirected onto Evans Road for several hours after that crash.

Black ice is most common during the night time hours and in the early morning, when temperatures tend to be at their coldest. In addition to being dangerous, black ice can be extremely difficult to see, because it forms with almost no air bubbles and is almost completely transparent. All too often, drivers mistake patches of black ice with wet spots on the pavement. Studies have shown that the distance a driver requires to stop is nine times greater on black ice than it is on dry pavement.

What if I hit a patch of black ice?

• Stay calm, and don't make the mistake of slamming on your breaks or jerking your wheel.

• Slow down by easing off the accelerator. If you instinctively hit your breaks when you hit a patch of black ice, you mill most likely skid.

• If possible, shift into a lower gear. This will give you more control over the vehicle.

• Maneuver your vehicle toward areas of pavement where you can find better traction.

Continue reading "Black ice, winter weather can cause car crashes in the Ozarks" »

During the upcoming New Year's traffic crash counting period (Friday, December 28, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. to Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 11:59 p.m.), the Missouri Highway Patrol plans to have every available officer patrolling Missouri roadways. Drivers can expect to see increased patrols and DUI checkpoints throughout the counting period. Our Springfield personal injury lawyers were pleased to see a recent news release from the Patrol urging Missourians to make responsible choices as they celebrate 2013.

Celebrating New Year's safely: Tips from the Missouri Highway Patrol

• If you plan on involving alcohol in your New Year's celebration, also plan ahead for alternative transportation. Designate a sober driver or call a taxi service - and remember that buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you've been drinking any alcohol, your safest best is to avoid getting behind the wheel. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that a driver's risk of a fatal crash increases considerably when his/her blood alcohol content (BAC) reaches 0.05%, which is within the legal limit. Once a driver's BAC reaches 0.08% and beyond, the fatal crash risk spikes dramatically.

• Wear your seatbelt. Of Missourians who died in 2011 auto accidents, seven out of 10 had failed to buckle up. Wearing a seat belt reduces your risk of fatal injury by 45%.

• Be alert and follow all traffic laws. Since the New Year's holiday increases your chances of encountering an impaired driver, you'll want to stay especially aware of what's happening around you. Don't assume you know what another driver will do: instead, slow down and allow plenty of extra space between your car and the vehicles traveling near you

Drunk driving accidents in Missouri and nationwide: The sobering facts

• According to estimates from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one in three Americans will be involved in a drunk driving crash within their lifetimes.

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says more than 1.4 million U.S. drivers were arrested for drunk driving in 2010. Staggeringly, those arrests represent approximately one percent of the 112 million self-reported drunk driving episodes that occur every year.

• The holiday season has proven to be a particularly deadly time of year. Federal data reveals that an average 25 Americans were killed every day in December 2010 as a result of crashes caused by impaired drivers.

• In a 2011 survey conducted by Liberty Mutual Insurance, one out of 10 teen drivers admitted to driving drunk on New Year's Eve.

Continue reading "Highway Patrol: Springfield, Missouri motorists at increased risk for drunk driving accidents over New Year's holiday" »

It might not seem like it, given the temperature, but December has arrived! Here in Springfield, Missouri, we've been enjoying some unseasonably warm temperatures in recent weeks, but local meteorologists predict we'll experience a cool down in the weeks ahead - which means we could also see some winter weather.

Winter weather conditions can create ideal circumstances for car accidents. Many drivers don't adjust their habits behind the wheel to accommodate for bad weather, and snowy or icy conditions can result in slick roads and limited visibility. When traveling in winter weather, you'll want to take certain precautions to help ensure you arrive safely at your destination. Of course, when possible, the best choice is to avoid driving until the roads have been cleared. However, if staying home isn't an option, here are a few tips to help you travel safely in winter weather.

Before you go:

• The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) recommends that you "winterize" your vehicle before you travel. Make sure you have fresh antifreeze and a reliable battery; get your oil changed; and have your exhaust system checked.

• Prepare an emergency kit containing supplies you might need if you're involved in an accident, or if your vehicle becomes disabled. You might include the following items: a flashlight; a first-aid kit; blankets; extra winter weather clothing (hats, gloves, socks); a small sack of sand (to help you get traction under your tires); an ice scraper/snow brush; a basic toolkit; a small shovel; jumper cables; bottled water; nonperishable foods; etc.

• Check road conditions for your route. You can receive updates 24 hours a day by calling 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636).

When you're on the road:

• Slow down: avoid speeding, and adjust your speed for road and traffic conditions.

• Allow plenty of extra room for yourself, just in case you need to stop. The National Safety Council says you should leave about three times more space than usual between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

• Keep your headlights on so you're more visible to other motorists.

• Brake gently to reduce your risk of skidding on snow or ice.

• Use extra caution on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads.

• Avoid passing snowplows, and allow these large vehicles extra room.

• Always wear your seat belt.

• If you don't feel safe driving, pull over and park at the first safe opportunity.

Continue reading "Winter weather in Springfield, Missouri: Tips to reduce auto accident risks" »

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and many Missouri drivers are likely planning to travel to visit family and friends over the holiday. While Thanksgiving is a time for celebrating and giving thanks with loved ones, it can also be a dangerous time to hit the road. According to AAA, drivers should anticipate increased roadway traffic during the Thanksgiving holiday travel period, which spans from Wednesday, November 21 to Sunday, November 25. This increase in traffic means that drivers are at a higher risk of being involved in auto accidents during the upcoming holiday.

Below, we've shared some information about what drivers can expect during Thanksgiving travel - and we've also included a few tips to help keep you and your family safe on the road.

AAA's Travel Forecast: Thanksgiving 2012

• Approximately 43.6 million Americans are expected to drive at least 50 miles from home during this year's Thanksgiving holiday. That's an increase of 0.7% compared to 2011 - but it's also 26% lower than the number of Americans who traveled by car in 2005, when holiday travel peaked, and 14% lower than 2007.

• Air travel is expected to decline again this year, with 3.14 million Americans expected to fly in 2012. About 3.2 million Americans traveled by plane over Thanksgiving 2011. Experts say this decline can be attributed to the economy and the expense of airline tickets: of Americans who plan to travel, about 90% are expected to drive instead of fly.

• Because of the recent drop in gas prices, traveling by car will likely cost less than many drivers had expected. Missouri and Kansas have recently experienced some of the biggest drops in the U.S., with prices declining more than 60 cents per gallon in the last few months. AAA expects the national average to be around $3.32 per gallon on Thanksgiving Day: by comparison, average gas prices are expected in be close to $3.04 in Kansas City, reports the Kansas City Star.

Staying Safe: A Few Holiday Travel Safety Tips

• Be prepared. Make sure your vehicle is properly serviced and fueled up before you hit the road. Doing so could save you time - and stress - as you travel. Also, it's a good idea to pack an emergency kit with a few essential items (blankets, flashlights, water, etc.), just in case.

• Allow plenty of extra time. With increased traffic on the road, don't be surprised if you encounter delays. Trying to rush through congested traffic can create ideal conditions for a crash, so you'll want to give yourself enough time to go slow and be patient.

Continue reading "Thanksgiving holiday travel in 2012: What to expect on Missouri roads" »

In the first five months of 2012, fatal car accidents in Greene County have increased by 53% compared to last year, reports the Missouri Highway Patrol. At the beginning of June 2011, there had been seven deadly crashes in the county. In comparison, as of June 2, 2012, there have been 23.

"I'm very surprised. It's one of the biggest jumps that we've ever seen," Matt Brown, spokesperson for the Springfield Police Department, told the News Leader. "And it's more alarming than surprising. We're very, very concerned as law enforcement, because it is such a large jump."

In a recent SPD news release, law enforcement officials identified driver distraction as a key contributor to this sharp increase in fatal accidents. More drivers are using cell phones behind the wheel, which makes them less likely to follow traffic laws and anticipate the actions of nearby motorists. Research has shown that talking on a cell phone while driving causes a 37% reduction in the amount of brain activity associated with driving, while drivers who text are 23 times more likely to crash.

Given current accident trends, Greene County drivers will want to exercise special caution during the summer travel season, which invariably brings higher traffic volume to roadways in Missouri and nationwide. Below, you'll find a few tips designed to help keep you safe on the road in the busy months ahead.

Summertime Safety Tips for Drivers

• Avoid distractions.
Cell phones. Eating and drinking. Playing with the radio. Passengers. In the past five years, over seven million U.S. car accidents have been attributed to these distractions. Don't let other tasks tempt you when you're behind the wheel: when you drive, just drive.

• Protect your driving space.
Use the two-second rule to make sure there's an adequate distance between your vehicle and the vehicles traveling near you. Also, remember that tailgating and hasty lane changes create increased accident risks.

• Treat larger vehicles like "big rigs."
Most of us know that we have to be careful when we're driving alongside tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles. However, RVs and passenger vehicles pulling trailers or boats can be dangerous for the same reasons. If we're traveling in smaller passenger vehicles, we would do well to remember that we're outsized by many vehicles on the road, and to protect ourselves accordingly.

Continue reading "Deadly Car Crashes on the Rise in Greene County" »

Last week, a panel of Missouri lawmakers approved an amended version of our state's "move over" law, sending SB 568 on to await votes in both the House and the Senate. The current version of the law (Section 304.022) requires drivers to yield the right of way, pull to the right and stop for moving emergency vehicles using sirens and/or red and blue lights. Additionally, under existing law, drivers must change lanes when approaching and passing non-moving emergency vehicles. SB 568 expands the "move over" statute to include protection for stationary Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) vehicles with flashing white or amber lights.

Missouri State Senator Mike Parson, who sponsored the bill, says the expansion is of special significance. "The idea behind this bill is to protect both motorists and state employees on our sometimes dangerous roadways," Senator Parson said in a news release. "We already have laws which require drivers to slow down while driving through MoDOT construction zones, and we have a law that requires vehicles to slow down when approaching emergency vehicles. We need to give the same courtesy and respect to our transportation employees, who keep our roads safe and clear - a valuable and vital resource to our state."

SB 568 also broadens the definition of "emergency vehicle" to include "any vehicle owned by the commission and operated by a Department of Transportation employee that is marked as an emergency response or motorist assistance vehicle." Interestingly, the new law does not apply to MoDOT mowing vehicles, which will be out in increased numbers starting May 14, when roadside mowing projects are scheduled to begin throughout the state.

Even so, MoDOT officials urge drivers to be prepared to encounter mowing operations in the months ahead, and to approach these operations with extreme caution. Moving over for mowing operations may not be required by law, but it's certainly a smart, safe practice.

Marisa Brown-Ellison, information manager for MoDOT's Northeast District, concurs. "Obviously it's safer for them (motorists) to move over and just do so out of courtesy to give them a little bit of room," Brown-Ellison told the Hannibal Courier Post. "[But] if they don't have the white and amber lights flashing and they're not parked, then it's not a legal issue."

Drivers can expect to see MoDOT tractors and "follow trucks" on roadways from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday (and on some Fridays in May) until late October, when the last of 3 mowing cycles is complete.

Continue reading "Proposed Missouri Legislation Expands Existing "Move Over" Law to Include Some MoDOT Vehicles" »

On Thursday in Melbourne, Australia, a freak car accident caused a vehicle to burst into flames instantaneously, leaving 3 teenagers dead and investigators working to determine how and why such a thing occurred.

Witnesses reported seeing a Mercedes-Benz sedan fishtailing as it pulled off of a side street and onto Westgarth Road in Melbourne's inner north. Moments later, the vehicle ran off the road, struck a parked car, slammed into a tree, and wound up wedged in between a utility pole and a brick wall. The occupants were trapped inside.

The accident brought down several power lines, and also caused the Mercedes' gas tank to rupture and then ignite only moments later. Initially, police believed that the power lines had started the blaze, but they later determined that the fire was likely caused by engine heat or a spark from the car's battery. Within seconds, the occupants were incinerated.

It may be weeks before the victims are formally identified: the bodies were so badly burned that police will have to use dental records and DNA to make a definitive identification. However, they believe they know who the victims are: three young men, the 19 year-old driver and 2 friends, both age 18. In fact, the fire was so severe that police initially feared there was a 4th victim. It took a full day for them to confirm that there were only 3 people in the vehicle.

According to media reports, the driver was speeding at the time of the crash, but not excessively. Police continue to investigate what caused the Mercedes to fishtail, since that fishtailing was the catalyst for the accident. They will attempt to determine if the driver intentionally caused his tires to spin, or if he swerved to avoid an obstacle in the roadway and then lost traction in the rainy conditions. Police have already ruled out alcohol as a possible contributing factor.

Especially at this time of year, teen roadway safety is of paramount importance. Studies have shown that the coming summer months are the 100 deadliest days of the year for teen drivers. 9 of the 10 deadliest days for teens on our roadways are during the months of May through August, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD). Parents are urged to speak with their teen drivers about the responsibility of safe driving and the consequences of making poor decisions behind the wheel.

Continue reading "Freak Accident Causes Car's Gas Tank to Explode, Killing 3 Teens" »

Here in Springfield, our drivers are no strangers to work zones. In recent years, we've seen massive projects on heavily traveled roadways, including Highway 65, James River Freeway, Kansas Expressway and Campbell Avenue, just to name a few. While the end results have meant drastic improvements to traffic flow, the construction process can be frustrating to drivers. Unfortunately, it can also create an increased risk for car accidents.

Recent Accidents in Missouri Work Zones

April 19: Last Thursday, a chain reaction accident on Highway 6 near Novinger, MO caused minor injuries to 3 drivers - and major traffic headaches for several others. The Missouri Highway Patrol reports that two vehicles were stopped at the edge of the work zone, waiting to be flagged through a one-lane section of roadway. A third vehicle approaching the zone rear-ended the second car, causing it to strike the first car. All 3 drivers were taken by ambulance, treated at a local hospital, and released.

April 20: A driver was killed last Friday morning in the Interstate 270 work zone (between I-44 and Manchester Road, in St. Louis County). 37 year-old Ronald Schuh was traveling north when another vehicle changed lanes and struck his car. The force of the impact caused both vehicles to travel across all 4 lanes of traffic: Schuh's car was thrown into a rock bluff, where it overturned. The second vehicle eventually collided with a median wall and a parked Missouri Department of Transportation truck. Schuh was taken by ambulance, but he later died as a result of his injuries. The Highway Patrol's crash report does not list the second driver as being injured. Traffic was backed up for several hours after the accident.

Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) to Host National Work Zone Week Event

As summer approaches, Missouri drivers can expect to see even more construction work zones on roadways throughout the state. According to KCTV 5, MoDOT is planning to begin construction on more than 800 Missouri bridges in the months ahead - almost every bridge in the state will see new construction. Safety practices in these areas, then, will be of the utmost concern to Missouri drivers.

Continue reading "Weekend Accidents in Missouri Work Zones Cause 1 Fatality, Multiple Injuries" »

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 70% of fatal single-vehicle car accidents are ROR wrecks, meaning run-off-road. Over the weekend, 2 of these accidents happened right here in southern Missouri.

On Saturday evening, 17 year-old Jordan K. Farr was northbound on Morrisville Road when he ran off the roadway. According to the Missouri Highway Patrol, Farr's 2004 Mazda 6 struck a ditch, which caused the vehicle to flip and then overturn several times. Farr was taken to Citizens Memorial Hospital, but he was pronounced dead about an hour after the crash. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the crash report.

Meanwhile, 3 people were injured (2 of them seriously) after a similar one-car accident in Douglas County. The driver in that accident - 21 year-old Ryan K. Swearingin - also ran off the road, and his 1999 Chevy S-10 also flipped over. Swearingin was ejected from the pickup and was one of the seriously injured occupants: he and his passenger, 17 year-old Shon Gossett, were flown to Cox South Hospital in Springfield. The pickup's other occupant, 15 year-old Misty David, suffered minor injuries and was also taken to Cox. No one in the truck was wearing a seatbelt.

On average, 1 in 5 car accidents are single-vehicle roadway crashes: Forbes.com reports that this kind of accident is even more dangerous than a head-on collision or a T-bone crash. A 2011 report from NHTSA's National Center for Statistics and Analysis presented the following data:

• In single-vehicle ROR crashes, the most prevalent causal factor was driver performance error (27.7%).

• The other common causes for these accidents are also directly linked to driver behaviors: 25.4% were caused by driver decision errors; 22.5% were caused by critical nonperformance errors; and 19.8% were caused by driver recognition errors.

• So, what causes drivers to make these mistakes? In single-vehicle ROR crashes involving passenger vehicles, NHTSA reports that 14.3% were caused by internal distraction; 13.6% were caused by overcompensation (or overcorrection); 12% were caused by poor directional control; 10.5% were caused by speed (traveling "too fast for curve"); and 9.8% were caused by drivers falling asleep.

Continue reading "Bolivar Teen Killed, 2 Ava Residents Seriously Injured in Separate Run-Off-Road Crashes Last Weekend" »