After a 17-month investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board has concluded that distracted driving caused the four-vehicle truck-bus accident that killed two Missouri teenagers and injured 38 other people in August 2010. Two school buses, a semi truck and a pickup truck collided on I-44 in Gray Summit, Missouri, just 30 miles southwest of St. Louis, in one of the St. Louis area’s most traumatic fatal truck accidents.

According to the recently-released NTSB report, the 19-year-old pickup truck driver, who was killed in the crash, was probably texting when his vehicle collided with the semi truck. The two school buses plowed into the wreck, killing one student passenger and injuring dozens of teens. In releasing its report, the NTSB called for a national non-emergency cell phone ban for all drivers.

In 2009 Missouri passed a law prohibiting drivers under the age of 21 from texting while driving, although that did not deter the teenaged pickup truck driver that caused the fatal 2010 truck-bus crash. According to the U.S. Government website for distracted driving, people who text while driving are 23 times more likely to be involved in a roadway accident. In 2009, 16% of fatal roadway accidents and 20% of personal injury car and truck accidents were caused by distracted driving. Despite bans, 50% of teens admit to texting while driving.

The Missouri legislature is currently considering several distracted driving bills, including one that would ban texting and the use of handheld cell phones for all drivers.

If you have been injured in a Missouri truck accident, call (866) 298-1020 today for a free consultation with an experienced St. Louis truck accident attorney regarding your case. Our attorneys aggressively pursue negligence cases against the truck drivers and trucking companies responsible for your injuries. If you are able to come to our office for a consultation, we will come to you at your home or hospital room.