Missouri, known for its scenic landscapes and vibrant cities, has taken a significant step toward improving road safety with the implementation of the Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law. The law became effective on August 28, 2023. The law criminalizes using cell phones while driving and texting while driving. Â The goal is to reduce distracted driving incidents and make roads safer. In this blog post, we will delve into the details of this legislation, its importance, and how it impacts drivers across the state.
The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law prohibits the use of handheld electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle. It’s important to note that this law applies not only to using a cell phone while driving, but also to tablets and other handheld electronic devices. This criminalizes texting while driving, making phone calls, browsing the internet, or any other activity that requires physically holding the device.
Distracted driving has become a growing concern across the United States. In Missouri, like many other states, accidents caused by distracted driving have led to injuries and even fatalities. The Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law was introduced to address this issue by reducing distractions and enhancing road safety.
It’s crucial for drivers to be aware of the penalties associated with violating this law. The punishment for violating the law depends on the circumstances. Simply using a handheld electronic device is punishment by a fine with increased  fines for subsequent violations. However, use of cell phone while driving or other such device where the use is the proximate cause of property damage, serious physical injury or death to a person can be punished by imprisonment. Additionally, points may be added to the driver’s record, leading to higher insurance premiums.
While the law is clear about prohibiting handheld device use while driving, there are exceptions. Drivers can still use hands-free technology, such as Bluetooth headsets or voice-activated features, to make calls or send messages. However, it’s essential to use these devices responsibly and minimize distractions while driving.
The primary benefit of this law is a safer road environment. By discouraging the use of handheld devices, it reduces the likelihood of accidents caused by distracted driving. Moreover, it promotes responsible and attentive driving habits, ultimately saving lives and preventing injuries.
Missouri’s Siddens Bening Hands-Free Law is a significant step towards creating safer roads for everyone. It encourages drivers to stay focused on the road and prioritize safety over distractions. To comply with this law, it’s essential for all drivers to use hands-free technology and adopt responsible driving practices. By doing so, we can look forward to a future where our roads are safer, and accidents due to distracted driving become a thing of the past.
Remember, always stay informed about the latest updates and changes in traffic laws in your area to ensure that you are driving safely and responsibly.
A Jefferson City man faced DUI charges following a field sobriety test. Charges against the defendant were dropped after Scott successfully maintained the client’s claims that the test results were inaccurate. While the client initially appeared to be in a difficult situation, Scott was able to push investigators to determine the sobriety test results as invalid, so the charges were dismissed.
A mother was seeking sole custody of her children following a divorce. The father refused to cooperate, leaving the client in a difficult situation as she felt as though her children didn’t have a voice. Scott recognized her need for an advocate and carefully listened to the children’s wishes, which conclusively helped the client achieve sole custody of her children and protected their best interests.
A client from Fulton was accused of drug possession as a result of a home search. While drug charges may potentially be filed as a Class C felony involving severe consequences, Scott was able to help the client receive a reduced sentence. Ultimately, the client faced significantly smaller penalties compared to the initial charges.
Scott assisted a defendant in a particularly challenging divorce case in which the other spouse was not cooperating. Scott was able to help the client avoid court through an aggressive legal approach to resolve all outstanding disagreements while maintaining the client’s long-term needs.
One client sought legal assistance after an altercation with another individual in Jefferson City. The client was arrested on assault charges despite allegedly not starting the fight. Since an arrest can lead to life-altering penalties such as being terminated from employment and serving jail time, Scott was able to build a solid legal defense in the client’s favor and argued in favor of the client’s innocence.
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Scott assisted a client who was injured in a car accident due to another driver’s negligence. The defendant claimed that the opposing party using their phone at the time of the crash, and Scott emphasized this claim to show that the other driver was at fault for the client’s injuries. The case concluded with the client receiving the necessary compensation for medical bills following a long hospital stay due to injuries.
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