Kansas City, MO - Missouri is on of only two states in the U.S. without a ban on texting while driving among all ages and has some of the weakest laws against drivers using their cell phones in the U.S. But a handful of new bills could soon change that.
Lawmakers from the Missouri House and Senate pre-filed five new traffic safety bills to address growing concerns around cell phone use while driving. They are all expected to be introduced during the 2022 legislative session.
Each bill offers a different approach to strengthen the state's current hand-held law – which does prohibits those operating commercial vehicles and all drivers under 21-years-old from texting and driving, however, hands-free devices are allowed.
Since 2015, an average of 108 people are killed every year in distracted driving-related crashes in Missouri and cell phone-related crashes in the state have increased by 30%, with nearly 2,500 crashes in 2019, according to recent data from the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety. Data from AAA also show distracted driving is a problem for adults, as 70% of drivers using cell phones in Missouri traffic crashes are 22 or older.
The travel company also shared video of a shocking story in Fulton, Missouri where a bus driver was caught on camera using his cell phone while driving students.
Here are the five bills expected to be introduced:
HB1479, Rep. Chris Dinkins (R-Lesterville): Prohibits the use of a hand-held wireless communication device within school zones and construction or work zones
HB1487, Rep. Jeff Porter (R-Montgomery City): Creates the offense of distracted driving
HB1571, Rep. Wayne Wallingford (R-Cap Girardeau): Enacts provisions relating to the operation of motor vehicles while using electronic devices
HB1701, Sen. Steven Roberts (D-St. Louis): Prohibits the use of hand-held electronic wireless communications devices while driving noncommercial and commercial motor vehicles; but allows the use of such devices when used hands-free by operators of noncommercial motor vehicles
SB713, Sen. Greg Razer (D-Jackson County): Modifies provisions relating to the operation of motor vehicles while using electronic devices
Montana is the only other state in the U.S. without a ban on texting while driving among all ages. It also doesn't have a ban for young drivers.