Our Kansas City roads are busy, and for teen drivers —especially those still gaining experience—safe driving is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. Whether a new driver or a parent guiding one, these essential safety habits can help reduce a teen’s risk and build lasting confidence behind the wheel.
Earning a driver’s license marks an exciting milestone for teens. Along with that comes a new level of responsibility. Parents and other adults play a crucial role in shaping safe driving habits by modeling responsible behavior for teen drivers.
For many older adults, the ability to drive represents independence. However, as you age, you may notice physical changes that affect your driving, such as slowed reflexes, vision or hearing loss, and decreased mobility. While many can drive safely well into their 80s and beyond, others may struggle. Understanding how aging can impact your driving ability—and taking proactive measures—can help ensure safety on the road.
Thanksgiving weekend is the most traveled holiday period of the year and DUI arrests are at their highest between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. Impaired drivers make it a dangerous time to be on the road. Why? Because alcohol and drugs decrease your ability to drive a motor vehicle safely. The more you consume, the more you are impaired. Impaired driving alters your judgment, response time and other driving abilities so when you decide to get behind the wheel to drive, there is a higher likelihood that you will be involved in a car accident.
This general overview may help you gain a better understanding of how alcohol and drugs can affect your driving abilities.
Missouri Governor Mike Parson signed a Missouri bill which bans hand-held cell phone use for all drivers while behind the wheel. That now makes Missouri the 49th state to ban texting while driving for all ages, and the 28th state to pass a hands-free law. The “Siddens Benning Hands Free Law” passed through the Missouri Legislature as part of Senate Bill 398.
Missouri is one of only two states that does not ban texting and driving for all drivers. Right now, it is legal for drivers over 21 to text and drive but not for those aged 21 and younger. (Montana is the other state without a state law against texting and driving.) However, texting while driving may not be allowed much longer in Missouri.
Biking is a popular activity in many areas, especially the Kansas City area, but when a bicycle and a vehicle collide, the cyclist is typically the one seriously injured. Following proper safety measures can reduce accidents and protect both cyclists and motorists.
According to the NHTSA, 1,166 bicyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2023.
December is a time when many engage in drinking alcohol during the holidays. It also makes it a good time for alcohol awareness campaigns such as Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over to remind people that drinking and driving do not mix. Alcohol use impairs judgment, delays reaction times, and drunk driving can be deadly. Be a responsible driver, use these tips, and drive sober.
For teen drivers, inexperience and peer pressure often lead to poor decisions when driving. Teen drivers also face other challenges when behind the wheel, ones that can increase their risk of an accident. The five most common and deadly include:
Aggressive driving has become a serious issue on our highways. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a staggering 66% of traffic fatalities are tied to aggressive driving behaviors.
