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.
Five of the greatest driving dangers for teen drivers to contend with are: driving impaired, not using a seat belt, distracted driving, speeding and driving with passengers in the vehicle. What do you see wrong in the picture above?
Have you ever been driving on a two-lane road, come up behind a car that is going at a slow speed and you are not able to pass? Maybe someone is driving erratically or an accident on the road has caused you unavoidable delays. These can be maddening situations. Some drivers might yell, honk the horn, or beat on the steering wheel to vent their anger. Others may escalate to road rage or aggressive driving behaviors where driving safely is no longer top of mind.
Drowsy driving, also known as fatigued driving or driver fatigue, is a dangerous driving behavior that can result in very serious consequences.
Cell phones have become our go-to device while in the car. We use them to get directions, play audio, connect with others and get information. They can also be your most important device in an emergency, too. However, using a cell phone while driving takes your eyes off the road. Minimize any unnecessary usage and use your phone as safely as possible.
