St. Louis Legal Blog

Drivers in Missouri and the rest of the nation are susceptible to being distracted while they are behind the wheel of their vehicle. Certain forms of technology can do this, as well as something as simple as allowing the mind to wander. Because driving while distracted can result in significant losses and costs, it is important that a solution is found.

For over 10 years, fleet companies have been collecting vehicle data to identify the adverse events, such as hard acceleration and braking, that occur in their trucks. Fleet management devices and analytics can be used to combine the adverse events with driver coaching. They can also use the events to turn on certain devices, like video cameras. However, and probably more importantly, the data that is being collected by the fleets can be used to forecast the conditions that are likely to result in collisions or situations in which drivers may be fatigued or distracted.

Commercial vehicle drivers in Missouri and around the country can expect more scrutiny from law enforcement and safety officials during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's Brake Safety Week, which begins on Sept. 16. Faulty braking systems on tractor-trailers weighing as much as 40 tons are a threat to all road users, and data from both the CVSA and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration suggest that the problem is widespread.

The FMCSA looked at the violation histories of commercial trucks involved in almost 1,000 accidents, and they discovered that almost a third of them had been cited for brake-related issues. Braking problems are also the most common reason for trucks being ordered off the road during the CVSA's annual International Roadcheck safety effort. When Brake Safety Week was shortened to a single day in 2017, vehicle inspectors issued out of service orders for brake problems 14 percent of the time.

Workers in Missouri can face a range of workplace safety hazards on the job, even in unexpected places. While workers in industries like construction may be very aware of the threat of workplace accidents, office employees or others with less physical jobs may be unaware of the risks they also face on the job. For example, slip-and-fall accidents can have serious consequences that can even be fatal. In 2014 alone, 660 workers lost their lives after falling from a height. Perhaps more shockingly, 138 workers were killed when they fell at the same level.

Many hazards can easily lead to workplace accidents from slipping, tripping or falling. People can take action to make a safer area, including cleaning up liquid spills and removing obstacles as soon as they appear. Taking these steps can prevent the hazard from affecting more people later on.

Missouri drivers can take action after a car accident to help to protect themselves and their ability to pursue compensation after the crash. This is especially important for people who have been injured or had their vehicle damaged after an auto accident caused by another driver's dangerous, distracted or negligent driving. Of course, the most important immediate task after stopping at the accident scene is pursuing emergency medical care; when no urgent treatment is necessary, it is still important to visit the doctor later.

There are some key pieces of information that it can be important to gather immediately following a car accident that can help with the process moving forward. These details include the personal information of other drivers involved, such as their names, addresses and telephone numbers. Insurance details are also key, including the name and policy number for the cars involved. In addition, it is important to document the vehicles involved in the crash.