As the calendar flips to a new year, Missouri motorists will need to fully adapt to several updated rules of the road. The "Siddens Bening Hands Free Law," designed to combat distracted driving, will shift from warning to enforcement stage come January 1, with violators now facing monetary penalties. According to Spectrum Local News, first-time offenders will be fined up to $150, with repeated violations potentially incurring fines up to $500 within a two-year span.
An important reminder to drivers is the secondary nature of this law—police cannot to solely stop drivers for using a handheld device. This law stands alongside others such as the seat belt law, where a primary offense such as speeding or improper lane changes must be the reason for the initial traffic stop. "However, violating the hands-free law still remains a secondary violation, similar to the seat belt law," reported FOX 2, highlighting the enforcement approach.
The need for such a law harkens back to tragedies that have spurred its creation. The law is named in remembrance of Randall Siddens and Michael Bening, both of whom lost their lives due to accidents involving distracted drivers. In Missouri, the rate of fatal crashes tied to distraction remains starkly high, with the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety noting that last year there were 106 fatalities due to distracted driving in the state.
Moreover, as we usher in the new year, workers across Missouri can expect to see an increase in their minimum wage, which will rise from $12.30 to $13.75 per hour, a change propelled by Proposition A. "Passed by a majority of Missouri voters in November," the proposition aims to incrementally improve earnings for many in the workforce. Additionally, the mandate for employers to provide paid sick leave is set to ensure an hour of leave accumulates for every 30 hours worked, potentially adding a layer of financial security for employees in need of time for health reasons, as per KSDK.
